Business advisers and advisory resources
Updated 22 May 2026
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The following list is by no means exhaustive but serves as a good starting point for businesses looking for both intellectual property (IP) and general business advice.
1. UK wide support
1.1 Business Growth Service (BGS)
The Business Growth Service is a one-stop shop supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start, scale and export. It provides links to relevant support for your needs and quickly connects you to trusted and impartial support that is often hard to find.
1.2 Business and self-employed
This is the government’s online resource for business. It is a comprehensive website containing subject-specific guidance in many areas, including business start up, business growth, tax, finance and basic intellectual property information.
1.3 Innovate UK Business Growth
Innovate UK Business Growth provides information and advice for SMEs from any sector who are ambitious to grow further and scale.
1.4 Patent Information Centres
These centres, also known as Patent Libraries, provide users with local access to patent, trade mark, designs and copyright information. Their qualified and experienced staff offer practical assistance on a variety of IPR.
2. England
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in England.
2.1 Growth Hubs
Growth Hubs are a network of regional support organisations that help businesses and entrepreneurs unlock their potential by providing access to tailored business advice, online resources and routes to funding.
3. Northern Ireland
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in Northern Ireland.
3.1 Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI)
This is the primary source of advice for businesses in Northern Ireland. Its role is to grow the Northern Ireland economy by helping new and existing businesses to compete internationally, and by attracting new investment into Northern Ireland. It principally supports businesses in the manufacturing and tradable services sectors.
Invest NI, part of the Department for the Economy, delivers strong support to businesses in three main areas. These are supporting innovation for global markets; encouraging investment and re-investment within Northern Ireland; and stimulating entrepreneurial activity. They offer businesses start up and business growth information, including intellectual property advice, as well as technical advice on industrial and manufacturing standards.
4. Scotland
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in Scotland.
4.1 Scottish Enterprise Intellectual Assets Specialists
Scottish Enterprise work with companies and organisations across Scotland and offer advice, guidance and a one-to-one service tailored to the companies’ individual needs. They advise on intellectual assets management which involves capturing and managing knowledge so that it can be fully realised for commercial advantage.
4.2 South of Scotland Enterprise
South of Scotland Enterprise is the economic and community development agency for Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. It supports businesses and communities to start, grow and innovate through tailored advice, funding, training and specialist expertise.
4.3 Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
Highlands and Islands Enterprise are the economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It works with businesses, communities and social enterprises to drive sustainable economic growth through investment, advice, skills development and infrastructure support.
4.4 Business Gateway
Business Gateway is Scotland’s national business support service, offering free advice and practical support to individuals starting or growing a business. Services include one-to-one guidance, online resources, workshops and events tailored to all stages of the business journey.
5. Wales
The following organisations offer business and IP advice to innovators and businesses based in Wales.
5.1 Business Wales
This is the Welsh government’s online information service for businesses. It is a comprehensive website containing subject-specific guidance in many areas, including start up, business growth, tax, finance and basic intellectual property information.