Business Advice

The Ely Business Hub

The Ely Business Hub is a free service dedicated to helping you develop your ideas or potential into a new business. Starting a new business can be a daunting experience with so many questions, considerations and decisions.

Aimed at anyone who is thinking of starting or who has just started a business the Ely Business Hub has brought together the best in public sector support and private sector enterprise champions to offer:

  • One to one advice - business planning, finance and information.
  • Mentoring - The Ely Business Hub private sector enterprise champions can help pass on years of experience of starting and running successful companies
  • Pick up a business idea - the Ely Business Hub is looking for people with drive and talent to match with business ideas from our private sector champions.
  • On-going support - Events, networking and information sharing with others starting their own business.

Call now on 01353 644003 to set up a one to one advice session or to see how the Ely Business Hub could help you in starting your own new business.

For more information please visit the Ely Business Hub mini site or download the Ely Business Hub flyer.

Help for Existing Businesses

Research shows that a business that uses professional external advice is likely to increase its turnover and profitability more than one that doesn't.

Harnessing the benefits of the range of business support services available in the market is a huge task for any business owner; time to understand, research and select what best suits their business needs now and for the future.

GOV.UK is government's online resource for businesses.

It contains essential information, support and services for you and your business - whether you work for a large organisation or are on your way to starting up.

Simple to use, up to date and practical, GOV.UK is the first place to go to find guidance on regulations and to access government services. It also has a number of useful online tools, calculators, and best practice case studies; and provides access to funding options, as well as wider support.

The GOV.UK website allows you to:

For more services, help and support please visit the GOV.UK website

Useful Contacts

The business development team works with a number of local and national organisations offering advice and information on a variety of business related subjects. Please use the links below to email an organisation or visit their website. The business development team can be contacted by email: business@eastcambs.gov.uk
or Tel: (01353) 665555.

Trading Standards

Trading Standards provide information and advice to ensure businesses comply with trading standards law.

Valuation Office Agency

The Valuation Office Agency is an executive agency of the Inland Revenue and compiles business rates and council tax valuation lists.

Cambridgeshire County Council

The County Council is responsible for road building and maintenance, transport planning, trading standards and landfill sites.

National Farmers' Union

The National Farmers' Union represents the farmers and the growers of England and Wales. Its central objective is to promote successful and socially responsible agriculture and horticulture.

HM Revenue & Customs

We understand that when you are running a business, the paperwork may not be top of your list. That's why HM Revenue & Customs offers a range of free services to help you understand your tax, National Insurance, VAT and International Trade responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right, first time. Our services are designed for everyone in business, especially newly self-employed and new employers.

Greater Cambridge - Greater Peterborough Local Economic Partnership

The Greater Cambridge - Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership was created to help drive forward sustainable economic growth in our area, providing the strategic framework to shape future growth.

The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust offers practical solutions to help young people aged 14-30 get their lives working.

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and Industry offers members a wide range of services, support and opportunities that are aimed at keeping them ahead of their competition.

Foundation East

Foundation East is a not for profit organisation that operates across East Anglia.

The Foundation lends money to new businesses, existing businesses, charities and social enterprises that cannot get a loan from a bank or need additional funds to match bank lending. The loan size normally ranges from £3,000 to £50,000 from anywhere between a six months and ten years period. For start up businesses Foundation East will lend up to 50% of the total amount required.

Federation of Small Business

The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting interests of the self-emplyed and owners of small firms.