Business support

Image of a toolbox

Information and tools to support your business

We know it's difficult for businesses right now – and we want to help. Over the last few months we've been asking business owners to tell us what's on their minds so that we can provide the practical support needed. And you've been telling us.

Over 5,100 businesses completed our Have Your Say online business survey, sharing their views. And 46% 2 of businesses who took part believe they will need to borrow money this year. One of their main concerns is whether they will be able to get the business finance they need agreed. One of our hot business topics below focuses on accessing finance and aims to answer some of the questions you may have.

We'll be covering a new hot business topic every eight weeks and we'll update you when we've got new tips to share.

The Budget 2011

The Chancellor delivered the Government’s Budget on 23 March 2011. But what does it mean for your business – and what are the implications for you personally?

Small business support

Find out about the business services that can help you take you one small step towards your goals.

After the excitement of seeing your first profits, the next high point is growing your business. We offer small business support to help with everything from planning ahead to attracting new customers.

Access to Business Finance

Businesses need to borrow for many different reasons - from an extra source of cash to help them through the quieter times, through to funding plans for growth.

Whatever your reason, here you'll find lots of information on the various sources available to you, along with some hints and tips to help you when applying for business finance.

Keeping on top of your cashflow

Cashflow is just as important to a business as profit. If you're struggling with cash flow there are things you can do to avoid the pitfalls and apply some of the tricks of the trade. We've got lots of useful information to help you.

Free Seminars

Our award-winning 3 Let's Talk programme includes a range of free, interactive seminars useful for every business, from a start-up to an established company. You'll get tools and support to help start a new business or grow an existing one, practical tips and the opportunity to network with people in similar circumstances to your own.

Workshops

Our interactive workshops can help you learn valuable new skills, network with other business owners and make your business even more successful.

Industry knowledge

Agriculture

If you are running an Agricultural business, we understand the challenges of growing profitable businesses in your field, and have the skills, experience and knowledge to help you achieve your objectives.

 

Reports

Read the findings of Barclays Business Regional Impact Index 3, published in conjunction with Kingston University, which shows the role SMEs are playing in boosting recovery of the UK economy.

 

Read rich insights into the concerns and priorities of business owners as they strive to make their business a success in these challenging times. 4

Awards and competitions

Barclays runs awards and competitions throughout the year, including the Take One Small Step competition.

How to do your own marketing

When we asked business owners what was the main thing on their minds, 44% told us that they needed support with marketing and attracting customers, so this Hot Topic is here to help you with exactly that.

It covers where to start, what you need to think about and how to put your plans into action.

Small steps you can take now

Are you a Barclays customer?

See loan options
Arrange to talk to a Barclays Business Manager

Book an appointment
Download a guide on government grants

Download now

 

Important Information

1. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. To maintain a quality service, we may monitor and record phone calls. Read our call charges and information
 
2. Lines open Monday to Friday, 8am-7pm. To maintain a quality service, we may monitor and record phone calls. Read our call charges and information
 
3. The Index is based on an in-depth study of 1,000 owner managers, combined with qualitative analysis by Kingston University’s Small Business Research Centre, ranks each region on 13 key indicators including profit last year and expected profit in 2010, outlook on growth, employment generation, investment in training, purchases from local suppliers and innovation.
 
4. Source: Barclays and The Times Have Your Say business survey. Results based on the responses from 2,000 business owners. 12 June, 2009.

Barclays Bank PLC. Registered in England. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Registered No 1026167. Barclays Insurance Services Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the FSA. Registered No 973765. Registered Office for both: 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP. "The Woolwich" and "Woolwich" are trademarks and trading names of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Business is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC subscribes to the Lending Code which is monitored and enforced by the Lending Standards Board and is licensed and regulated by the Office of Fair Trading for the provision of credit products to consumers and related services. Further details can be found at www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk


Proud sponsors of the Barclays Premier League  &  the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals