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 operates by running grant programmes, with specific outcomes within the themes of health, environment, education and charitable purposes. For further information please go to our website - www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Represents the interests of the Lifesciences and Health Care - bio sector nationally and internationally.

Bridges Community Ventures is the UK’s first community development venture capital company, established to invest in ambitious businesses in the most under-invested parts of the UK.

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 franhisors 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 30,000 live businesses for sale.

With over 3,014 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.