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DTI’S new business regime

Details on the DTI’s business support offer can be accessed via www.dti.gov.uk/bss and www.businesslink.gov.uk . The Business Support Directory can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk/support

The solutions are grouped into four themes reflecting the areas in which businesses are most likely to need help:

innovation

best practice

raising finance

regional financial support

Succeeding through innovation

Knowledge Transfer Networks –  for businesses that want to grow by exploiting technology.

Collaborative Research & Development – for all UK businesses wishing to exploit technology.

DTI is delivering the Technology Strategy and Programme through these products. Applications can only be made in the technology areas specified by the Strategy. 2 calls for applications per year – April and September. More details are available at www.dti.gov.uk/technologyprogramme Advanced Compostie Materials & Structures has been identified as a current priority.

Grant for Investigating an Innovative Idea – for small businesses wishing to exploit an innovative idea (England only)

Grant for Research & Development – for small businesses with an innovative product or technology (England only)

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – all businesses who need expert help to innovate

These products are also helping to DTI to deliver the government’s Innovation Strategy. See www.innovation.gov.uk for more information. 

Achieving best practice in your business

Access to Best Business Practice – all businesses wishing to find out how to improve performance through better working

Support to Implement Best Business Practice – small businesses wanting practical help in implementing best practice (+ large firms for certain projects)

There are a wide range of booklets and fact sheets now available to order from DTI publications. They range from basic guides for business through to those specifically focussed on particular business processes. Most of the publications feature business case studies from a range of industry sectors. They are designed to help companies see what approaches could work for them and are available free.

To view the list of publications available, please see the Best practice in your business category on the DTI publications pages www.dti.gov.uk/publications or call the orderline on 0870 150 2500. Alternatively, see the “achieving best practice in your business” web pages at www.dti.gov.uk/bestpractice to see the full range of content now available to help businesses.

Raising finance

Small Firms Loan Guarantee – Small businesses with viable porposals unable to obtain conventional loans because of a lack of security.

The DTI also funds other porgramnmes to provide SMEs with better access to venture capital.

Regional Investment

 Selective Finance for Investment in England – All businersses located in (or considering locating in) an Assisted Area (England only).