Trafford Council’s website www.trafford.gov.uk/business provides information and services for businesses and also links to other useful websites that assist businesses. During the current time, business ratepayers are being encouraged to apply for business rate relief. Over 1,400 local businesses in Trafford receive help under the small business rate relief scheme. And some businesses receive a reduction in their bill of up to 50 per cent. More details of how to apply for this help, or any of the other kinds of relief available to business ratepayers can be found at www.trafford.gov.uk or by telephoning the Business Rates Section on 0161 912 2346.

A partnership of the 11 local authorities across Greater Manchester, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen has resulted in the Ask about Business initiative which provides business information across a network of participating libraries – Trafford’s is in Altrincham Library. The project is designed to help pre-start and new businesses as well as existing businesses, inventors and business students. In addition, the specially set up website offers a host of practical information and guidance.

Trafford Spending Challenge - How the council will deliver services

A two month consultation was held in September and October last year to establish the priorities for residents and businesses for Council services faced with a reduction in government funding. Trafford Council is now holding a further 7 public meetings and 2 business forums to enable businesses and residents to hear about the budgetary proposals for the new financial year in April.

The Council would like to invite local businesses in Sale to one of the two Business Forum meetings where there will also be the opportunity to ask any questions about the budgetary proposals and network with other businesses. The Business Forums will be between 7.45am and 9am:

Monday, 7th February Altrincham Town Hall, Market Street, Altrincham, WA14 1PG
Tuesday, 8th February Urmston Library, Golden Way/Crofts Bank Road, Urmston, M41 0NA

To book your place, please contact Michael Hartley on 0161 912 4176 or e-mail: michael.hartley@trafford.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Business Link - Open for Business

You may have read in the media recently speculation over the future of Business Link. The Coalition Government is committed to replacing Regional Development Agencies with local enterprise partnerships, and reviewing the delivery of business support in the future. We are working closely with the North West Development Agency during this transition.

In the meantime Business Link remains the government's support service for business and we will continue to offer the same quality and level of support to local businesses in the North West.

We are still very much open for business
Business Link Northwest is a free-to-use, independent business support, advice and information service, available to businesses across the North West.

Whether you are already in business and want to grow, or if you are thinking about starting a business...we can help!

We provide relevant up-to-date information and advice on business issues such as, sales and marketing, starting or expanding a business, access to finance, managing people, innovation, technology and exporting.

This free service can be accessed via telephone, online, or face-to-face for more in-depth support.

Online
Our website is bursting with information and a range of interactive tools on everything you need to start and grow a business. Sales, marketing, social media, financial management and employing people are just some of the topics covered. Simply visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest and start your journey now.

On the phone
Speak to an experienced and impartial business adviser in confidence today. Call 0845 00 66 888 to discuss your business issues, receive relevant and specific business information and get the support you need.

Face to face
If required one of our qualified and experienced advisers can visit you at your convenience.

In addition, the organisation, Business Support Solutions also offers advice, information and resources to help businesses and works closely with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. You can contact them on 0845 608 3388. There is also the local Sale and Altrincham Chamber of Commerce that supports businesses in the area.

The Federation of Small Businesses promotes and furthers the interests of the self-employed and small business sector.

There is also the Business Debtline, a national charity that was formed in 1991 to provide free, independent and confidential money advice. They also offer many helpful tips on money management for businesses through their website. If you would like to speak to someone direct, you can phone free on Freephone helpline number – 0800 197 6026 for confidential, impartial advice.