Beacon South West brings together some of the South West's most forward thinking and ambitious companies to promote success and spearhead the growth of the region. Beacon South West is building a portfolio of South West 'Beacon' Companies, to which other business can look for leadership and examples of significant business performance. Beacon Company status is an award given to those companies who can demonstrate outstanding achievement across a range of criteria.

The Big Lottery Fund (BIG), the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out half the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery. BIG is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since June 2004 For further information please go to our website - www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

BioApproaches South West is the biotechnology and life sciences network for the South West of England. Funded by the South West regional Development Agency and managed by Great Western Enterprise Ltd, BioApproaches provides direct sector-specific support across industrial biotechnology (including marine and agricultural), pharmaceuticals, food technology and healthcare. Our remit is to support the growth of the biotechnology and life science-related sectors in the South West by: Promoting knowledge transfer Helping companies source expertise & information and make new contacts, both up and down the supply chain Offering links to our network partners Brokering meetings and actively supporting business collaborations Promoting new market opportunities Arranging/hosting and collaborating on meetings, sector-specific seminars and other events (both regional and national) Sponsoring business-focused regional events Promoting the region’s businesses and research institutes both nationally and internationally

The Government has created a new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whose key role will be to build Britain’s capabilities to compete in the global economy. The Department will be created by merging BERR and DIUS. BIS - the Department for Business - aims to ensure business success in an increasingly competitive world. Its role is to boost productivity and keep the UK competitive and an attractive place to do business, especially in challenging economic times, as well as to help companies succeed overseas and to bring foreign investment to the UK. It focuses on raising and sustaining the UK’s economic performance, nationally and in the regions, to create the jobs, wealth and ideas which support a healthy economy and social wellbeing.

Bridges Ventures is an investment company whose commercial expertise is used to deliver both financial returns and social and environmental benefits. We believe that market forces and entrepreneurship can be harnessed to do well by doing good.

The British Chambers of Commerce is a non-political, non-profit making organisation.

This website contains free and detailed information on employment law.

The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the self-regulatory body for franchising in the UK. Their website explains what is involved in franchising, a 'Help & Advice' section provides information for potential franchisees and franchisors, includes a list of bfa members, their contact details and website addresses where these are available. The bfa also run one day workshops around the country to educate prospective franchisees and prospective franchisors on franchising.

Trade association for the British boating industry and its membership accounts for 90% of the industry's turnover.

On-line search facility for identifying British Standards. The site also contains details on Kitemarks, CE Marking, product testing services.

The BVCA is the industry body for the UK private equity and venture capital industry. The site contains information regarding venture capital and how to get it.

This Business Link service is part of the national Business Link network providing help and support for small businesses and people starting businesses. In the South West the Business Link service works closely with the main business support organisations, from both public and private sector, to ensure owners and managers receive the best information and advice.

Business Link helps thousands of companies do business. We work closely with organisations like South West Screen and ArtsMatrix to ensure our services are relevant to creative professionals. We can help you tackle the issues that are slowing your creative business down by offering business information, guidance and links to relevant providers of creative support.

Buy a business from over 50,000 live businesses for sale.

With over 3,000 business listings www.buy-cornish.co.uk is one of the most comprehensive business directories in Cornwall. The online directory can be used to locate suppliers, distributors, customers and potential clients.