Starting a Business - using information in the library

Croydon Libraries have a wide selection of online and printed resources for those looking to start their own business and small business owners. These are available at all Croydon Libraries. Please ask staff if you cannot find the information that you require.

General Guides

The COBRA database covers all aspects of starting your own business including business profiles, legal information, synopses of markets, writing business plans, finance, marketing, health and safety information and much more. It can be accessed in libraries or remotely using your library ticket.

Information on:

• Starting a business is shelved at 658.022
• Preparing a business plan is shelved at 658.4012
• Business letter writing is shelved at 651.7

There are a number of useful leaflets about starting up including information about local and national bodies that provide help and advice for potential or new businesses.

Raising Finance, Grants and Loans

COBRA contains information about raising finance for new businesses, small firms already trading, grants, business angels, venture capital and private equity.

• Financing a new business is shelved at 658.1
• Business finance is shelved at 658.15
• Bookkeeping is shelved at 657

Details of Croydon Enterprise Loans are available and staff have access to GrantFinder which can help find funding sources for social enterprises.

Researching the Market

Key Note Market Research information is available online in all libraries and contains detailed information covering 30 different market sectors. COBRA gives a synopsis of different markets.

• Marketing and conducting market research is shelved at 658.8

Statistics for Assessing Potential Markets

Key Note reports give statistics for markets and the COBRA database gives market synopses.

National Statistics:

• National Statistics website www.statistics.gov.uk

Local Statistics:

Various publications by London Research Centre contain demographic and economic information. The Local Studies Library holds material on current Local Authority Development plans and planning issues. The Yellow Pages and Thomson directories can give a guide to the number of businesses in your sector.

For detailed neighbourhood statistics for borough and ward level see:

• Neighbourhood statistics www.nomisweb.co.uk

Competitor Information

General directories can be found in Business Directories section under UK companies and include Kompass and Kellys. Kompass is also available on line.

Directories for the Croydon area include Croydon Chamber of Commerce & Industry Directory, Dun & Bradstreet Business Register for Surrey and London, and Regional Leads Reports for North and South Surrey.

Again, the Yellow Pages and Thomson directories can give a guide to the number of local businesses in your sector.

FAME gives details of all companies registered at Companies House including financial data and company directors and secretaries. It is useful for checking whether a name is already registered. This can be accessed in all libraries.

Companies House Directory on the internet at: www.companieshouse.co.uk gives details of all registered companies in England, Scotland and Wales. If starting up a limited company it is useful for checking whether a name is already registered. A free search of the site lists names and registered addresses of all Limited companies. Staff can carry out searches for Directors/Secretaries and financial data. There is a charge for this service.

Useful websites for those looking to set up their own business.

Please contact Level 3 of the Central Library for further information 020 8726 6900 or email level3@croydon.gov.uk

Would you like your business included on the our business register - it's free! Click here and fill in our online form.

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Thursday, 2 September, 2010

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