In our resources section we have compiled a list of useful links to important business support websites where you will be able to find out about all kinds of training and support services that can help your business through the downturn. Simply click the name of any organisation that you would like to find out more about. General- East of England Development Agency (EEDA)
- EEDA offers many services to support businesses and promote sustainable economic growth in the East of England. To find out more about regional economic strategy and business support services on offer visit the EEDA website.
- European Social Fund (ESF)
- The European Social fund is extending employment opportunities and aims to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce across the European Union. For more information about ESF projects visit their website.
- Directgov
- Directgov is the UK government's website for citizens, providing a single point of access to public sector information and services from education and learning to employment, tax and benefits.
Skills Support Organisations- Skills Funding Agency
- The Skills Funding Agency is responsible for ensuring that people and businesses can access the skills they need to play their part in the economic recovery. It is integral to the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), committed to improving the economy by ensuring that the economy is supported by high levels of skills and educated, entrepreneurial and talented people.
- Train to Gain
- Visit the Train to Gain website for detailed information about the Train to Gain offer, course search facilities, provider information and more.
- National Apprenticeship Service
- The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS, which launched in April 2009, is designed to increase the number of Apprenticeship opportunities and provide a dedicated and responsive point ofcontact for employers and learners.
- Alliance of Sector Skills Councils
- The Alliance is an organisation comprising all 25 licensed UK Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), the employer-driven organisations that together articulate the voice of the employers of around 90% of the UK's workforce on skills issues. Click through to find the Sector Skills Council for your Industry Sector and what they are doing for you.
- UKCES
- Established by Government in April 2008, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills was originally to benefit employers, individuals and Government by advising how improved employment and skills systems can help the UK become a world-class leader in productivity, in employment and in having a fair and inclusive society.
- The National Skills Academies (NSA)
- National Skills Academies are centres of excellence across the country, which deliver tailored employer-led training. They deliver the skills required by key sectors of the economy, contributing to world-class competitiveness through world-class skills. For more information about how the National Skills Academy can help you develop your business visit their website.
- Skills Pledge
- Make a public commitment to develop your employees by making the Skills Pledge today. For more information on how to make the Skills Pledge and what benefits it can bring to your business visit the Skills Pledge website.
Business Support Organisations- Business Link East
- Business Link is a government-funded service designed to promote enterprise. Whether you are already running or growing a business or just starting out, Business Link is the place to go.
- Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
- The CBI is the foremost lobbying organisation for British businesses. To find out how the CBI can benefit your business visit their website.
- MAS: Manufacturing Advisory Service
- The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has been a huge success story since its launch in 2002. MAS now plays a vital role in helping UK manufacturers to share knowledge, improve productivity and achieve success in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Support For Individuals- Job Centre Plus
- Jobcentre Plus is an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions. It provides services that support people of working age from welfare into work, and helps employers to fill their vacancies.
- ACAS
- The aim of ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations.
- Trades Union Congress (TUC)
- The TUC is the voice of Britain at work. With 58 affiliated unions representing nearly seven million working people from all walks of life, they campaign for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad.
Support for SME's- Beyond 2010
- Beyond 2010 is managed by Essex County Council and funded by the European Social Fund and the East of England Development Agency. The programme operates in all six counties of the East of England.Beyond 2010 offers small and medium sized businesses in the East of England funding and support for higher level training opportunities that focus on improving business performance.
- The Federation of Small Businesses
- The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. To find out how the Federation of Small Businesses can benefit your organisation visit their website.
- East of England Chambers of Commerce
- East of England Chambers of Commerce (EECC) has been created as a powerful vehicle for the promotion and representation of business in the East of England at an unrivalled level. Visit the East of England Chambers of Commerce website to find out how you can join your local chamber.
Government Departments- Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
- The Government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills role is to build Britain's capabilities to compete in the global economy. It aims to build a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed.
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- The Department for Work and Pensions leads the Government's response to some of the biggest issues facing the country - welfare and pension reform - and is a key player in tackling child poverty. It is the biggest public service delivery department in the UK and serves over 20 million customers.
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