Support and advice to business

There are a number of bodies that provide support and advice to business, ranging from the local Chamber of Commerce or Chamber of Trade to government organised helplines, covering a range of important areas such as exporting to another country, or developing new employment initiatives e.g. the employment of disabled workers. Britain's mouthpiece for the business community is the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). It exists primarily to voice the views of its members to ensure that governments of whatever political complexion - and society as a whole - understand both the need of British business and the contribution it makes to the well-being of the nation. The CBI provides essential information and research services to its members. Membership of the CBI is corporate - organisation and companies are members, not the individuals nominated to represent them.
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) was set up in 1974 and is funded by government to improve employee relations. It provides advice and support to businesses on a range of employee relations issues.

Trade Associations provide a focal point for different sectors of the UK economy and provide a means by which companies can work together. They provide a range of useful information to business such as market analysis, research and advisory services. In addition they organise trade and export initiatives to promote a particular sector in new and existing markets.

Trade Associations are made up of member firms in a particular sector e.g. travel agents, road haulage and financial services. The Associations:

• promote the interest of members

• create conditions in which the sector will flourish

• work together for the good of all.

• providing a forum for discussion so that member firms can exchange views

• represent their members, for example in lobbying government

• provide services to members such as industrial data, and training courses.

Trading standards

Trading Associations are funded by subscriptions from their members and are not-for-profit organisations. Each Trade Association is governed by an elected Board or Council. The Association will seek to promote a positive image of their sector.

A well known example of a Trade Association is ABTA, The Association of British Travel Agents. More than 2000 travel agents and 600 tour operators are members.

ABTA provides consumer protection for people who have booked holidays. Should an ABTA member fail financially before the start of a holiday, then money paid in advance will be refunded. If a company fails while customers are abroad, ABTA will ensure their return home safely at no extra cost.

ABTA provides a code of conduct for its members and training. ABTA is continually pressing for tighter regulation of its industry.

There are many different Trade Associations in this country working to create better standards, and higher performance from members who share the same industrial sector or trade.

Government departments associated with trade, industry and business provide a range of advisory services related to the implementation of new legislation, and the development of trading and market opportunities.

Trading Standards officers provide business with advice about appropriate advertising and the claims they make relating to goods and services.

Local Chambers of Commerce are organisations set up by businesses in a particular locality to jointly promote their area, and business within that area.