Swindon Borough Council works with a number of partner organisations, which provide business support to companies in the area. You can contact the following organisations directly or speak to the Economic Development team for more information.

Free grafitti removal service

Swindon Borough Council has launched a free graffiti removal service for small businesses. The aim is to assist small businesses during the recession whilst also improving our environment. This offer will initially last until 31st March 2010, when it will then be assessed.

Businesses will be requested to sign a disclaimer to give permission for the works to be completed. Any business requesting this service should contact 445501.

Business Link

Business Link is the portal through which all Government business support is delivered, including specific support available in response to the economic downturn. Services include:

• Availability of finance
• Managing your cash flow
• Debt problems
• Business health check
• Dealing with redundancies
• Alternatives to redundancy
• Restructuring and major change
• Exporting
• Reducing waste and saving energy
• Investing for the future

www.businesslinksw.co.uk

(0845) 600 9966

Train to Gain

Train to Gain is the national skills service, supporting employers of all sizes in all sectors to improve the skills of employees as a route to improving business performance. Get in touch with a Skills Broker for independent skills advice at no cost to your business.

www.traintogain.gov.uk

(0800) 015 5545

JobcentrePlus

JobcentrePlus supports people into work, and provides expert help to companies on training, recruitment and dealing with redundancies.

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

(01793) 489776

Chamber of Commerce

The Swindon Chamber is a membership organisation representing the business community, and providing a wide range of networking, training and events.

www.swindonchamber.org.uk

(01753) 870500

Federation of Small Businesses

The FSB is a membership organisation promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms, and offering member services such as business and legal advice.

www.fsb.org.uk

(01249) 449120

South West of England Regional Development Agency

The South West RDA is responsible for the development of a sustainable economy in the South West.

www.southwestrda.org.uk

(0117) 933 0200

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

ACAS improves employment relations, solving problems and improving the performance of employers and employees.

www.acas.org.uk

(08457) 474747