New Government website for small business

The Government has launched a new website aimed at providing a single access point to all relevant information and services for business.

The site, fronted by Business Link, the DTI-backed business advice service, has been created to 'ensure that the 3.3 million small and medium-sized businesses in England find it easier to locate and understand the rules and regulations they need to know, and the Government services that are available to help them.

The site will also carry information on grants and support schemes and guidance on issues such as employment law and tax.

Trade and Industry Minister, Jacqui Smith launched the new site at the CBI Conference. She said: "Whether they are starting, running or growing their business, business owners and managers often tell us they don't know which rules and regulations they need to consider, and what support is available from Government to help them. The new businesslink.gov.uk website brings together all this information in one place, and is written in simple and easy to understand language.

"By taking our lead from business we have also been able to bring together services and information, from many Government Departments, in a way that is more relevant to their business needs, such as starting up, or exporting for the first time. This should not only save them valuable time and money but link them more effectively with the support that is available."

The new Business Link site will be undergoing further development over the next six months. Over this time extra content will be added and users of the site will be able to feed back ideas and comments on how to develop the site.

The site has been built in collaboration with other Government departments and agencies including The Treasury, OeE, SBS, Inland Revenue, HMCE and Companies House.