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Starting a business

Date updated: 14/09/2023

"...a constant source of invaluable information. I am just starting out with my own company and this is definitely going to help me succeed.""

SBREC member

Do you want to be self-employed and run your own business? Starting a business can be daunting as there are many aspects to consider. This is where we come in, as we can guide and support you through the setting up process.

Let us help you realise your goals.

Our qualified start-up advisers will support and advise you on what you need to do when starting a business, helping you pull together essential information. With tailored advice, we focus on what you are looking for, whether it’s help writing your business plan, understanding finances, researching your potential customers, or any aspect, we can support you through the process.

Our free webinars can help you with specific areas, such as marketing, funding, writing blogs, and so much more.

With your membership you can get remote access to amazing data, including the Cobra (Complete Business Reference Adviser) database which has lots of practical guidance on starting a business, and other resources to research your market, your customers, your competitors.

Email us with your start up enquiry

You can access these databases with a SBREC membership.

  • You will need a subscription membership to access our databases that 'available remotely' from anywhere in the UK.
  • A free (Access) membership will give you access to all our databases in person at the Centre, which is open Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm

Cobra (Complete Business Reference Adviser) has a wide range of market research, and Profiles of over 300 industries to help you find out what you need to start a particular business, including key market trends and legal issues. It also contains Factsheets covering things like choosing the right legal structure, carrying out a SWOT analysis, writing a business plan, and many, many more.

IBISWorld and Global Data  are both in-depth market research databases that can help you identify if your idea is likely to have a demand, and whether or not it is forecast to grow. There is also practical information on start-up and running costs.

Business Source Premier and European Newsstream contain thousands of articles that are useful for finding out trends, information on companies, and tips and advice on practical issues such as advertising or managing staff.

Fame contains contact and financial data on over 6 million active UK companies. Find business-to-business contacts. You can also check out potential competitors to find out their financial performance.

Statista contains a vast array of statistics, showing worldwide performance indexes and forecasts for consumer markets and industry sectors, including digital markets. Demographics, economics and other statistics via the infographics tab.

We have a range of short video demos for each of our databases.
These are available to view on our Small Business Research and Enterprise YouTube Channel, these will show you how to use our databases and what you can find in them.

Membership is required to get access to data. Please register below.

Become a SBREC member

Visit our blog to read articles about starting a business from industry professionals and successful start ups who have lots of experience to share.

Press articles are a powerful source of business information, and you can access our databases with your membership.

Business Source Premier and European Newsstream (both available remotely and at the Centre) contain thousands of articles that are useful for finding out trends, information on companies, and tips and advice on practical issues such as advertising or managing staff. You will also be able to use Access to Research (available at the Centre) and Ebsco Discovery Search (available remotely and at the Centre) which also include articles and reports from many sources.

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