Where to Find Free Business Advice in the UK
If you’re unsure where to turn for business advice, start with the support service for your part of the UK. You can ask about getting started, money, taking on staff or finding customers. If you’re not sure what kind of help you need, explain what’s worrying you.
Updated: 7 September 2026.
Find help near you
These services can help you find advice, events and local support. What is available depends on your location and circumstances.
- England: the Business Support Service offers free advice and can point you towards local support.
- Scotland: Find Business Support brings together public-sector advice, funding, events and services.
- Wales: Business Wales offers information, advice and support for starting and running a business.
- Northern Ireland: nibusinessinfo.co.uk provides business guidance and information about local support.
What can you ask about?
You don’t need to arrive with a business plan or know the right terminology. A simple description is a good place to start:
- “I’d like to work for myself, but I’m not sure what I need to set up.”
- “Customers are paying late and I’m struggling to cover the bills.”
- “I’m thinking about employing someone for the first time.”
- “Could I get help buying equipment for the business?”
If you have a deadline, mention it. Bring any letters, figures or questions that might help explain the situation. The adviser can tell you what else they need.
Check what the help includes
Some services offer an initial conversation and suggest where to go next. Others provide workshops, mentoring or individual advice over a longer period. Ask whether the whole service is free and whether your business can use it.
If you are looking for a grant, check who can apply, the deadline and whether you must pay part of the cost yourself. Finding a possible grant does not mean you will receive it. Confirm a scheme on the organisation’s own website before spending money on an application.
Before the conversation ends
Ask what to do next, who to contact and whether there is anything you need to send. It is fine to ask someone to explain a point again. Keep their name and the details of any service they recommend.
When you need a specialist
For advice about your own tax, legal position, insurance or another specialist issue, you may need an appropriate professional. A business-support adviser can help you work out which kind of help to look for.