The current economic climate is making it much harder for businesses everywhere and especially for retailers in towns up and down the country. The Urmston Partnership and the Council are committed to trying to help businesses in the town and if, as a business, you have any suggestions about how either the Partnership or the Council can assist, then please do get in touch to discuss these so we can work together and see if they can be taken forward. Please contact 0161 912 4384 in the first instance.

Trafford Council’s website www.trafford.gov.uk/business provides information and services for businesses and also links to other useful websites that assist businesses. During this difficult period of time, business ratepayers are being encouraged to apply for business rate relief. Over 1,400 local businesses in Trafford receive help under the small business rate relief scheme. And some businesses receive a reduction in their bill of up to 50 per cent. More details of how to apply for this help, or any of the other reliefs available to business ratepayers can be found at www.trafford.gov.uk or by telephoning the Business Rates Section on 0161 912 2346.

Business Link - Open for Business

You may have read in the media recently speculation over the future of Business Link. The Coalition Government is committed to replacing Regional Development Agencies with local enterprise partnerships, and reviewing the delivery of business support in the future. We are working closely with the North West Development Agency during this transition.

In the meantime Business Link remains the government's support service for business and we will continue to offer the same quality and level of support to local businesses in the North West.

We are still very much open for business
Business Link Northwest is a free-to-use, independent business support, advice and information service, available to businesses across the North West.

Whether you are already in business and want to grow, or if you are thinking about starting a business...we can help!

We provide relevant up-to-date information and advice on business issues such as, sales and marketing, starting or expanding a business, access to finance, managing people, innovation, technology and exporting.

This free service can be accessed via telephone, online, or face-to-face for more in-depth support.

Online
Our website is bursting with information and a range of interactive tools on everything you need to start and grow a business. Sales, marketing, social media, financial management and employing people are just some of the topics covered. Simply visit: www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest and start your journey now.

On the phone
Speak to an experienced and impartial business adviser in confidence today. Call 0845 00 66 888 to discuss your business issues, receive relevant and specific business information and get the support you need.

Face to face
If required one of our qualified and experienced advisers can visit you at your convenience.

In addition, the organisation, Business Support Solutions, www.chamber-link.co.uk also offers advice, information and resources to help businesses and works closely with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. You can contact them on 0845 608 3388.