Detailed information about the Enterprise Essentials service
Enterprise Essentials is a web service operated by Lantra and SFEDI on behalf of partner organisations such as Sector Skills Councils, National Skills Academies, Regional Development Agencies and Professional Bodies. Funding from many sources including Central Government and Europe supports the service. The majority of the Enterprise Essentials service is entirely free to all users.
The service is aimed primarily at small businesses and provides specialist support and guidance to people just thinking about it, just starting a business and who already run an established small business. In some special cases versions of the Enterprise Essentials service are given additional funding by specific bodies so that, for example, special regional support can be included. The online system will automatically highlight where additional information relevant to you is available.
There is no need to register to use any part of the service, however, the online system is very sophisticated and will be better able to signpost you to the right resources if you submit some simple information through the registration process. Your personal details are not collected, and you will not receive unsolicited contacts from anyone associated with the Enterprise Essentials service at any time. Once you have registered you will be able to keep a permanent record of your own personal development and access further resources and assistance if you choose.
EnterpriseEssentials is based on the National Occupational Standards for Enterprise. These are Internationally Recognised Standards of Good Practice, and describe in detail the skills and knowledge you will need to be a successful small business owner/manager. Most recognised development programmes are either based on the National Occupational Standards, or can be directly related to them. These standards are at the heart of the EnterpriseEssentials system and are your guarantee of quality.
Working with small businesses
At the heart of the EnterpriseEssentials Service are the 4 million small businesses that are the backbone of the UK economy. Often overlooked and often undervalued this service is aimed directly at those enterprising entrepreneurs who initiate, establish and grow their businesses.
Who contributes to the EnterpriseEssentials service?
EnterpriseEssentials is supported by many organisations dedicated to improving the ability of small businesses to deliver profits for their owners, and economic prosperity for the country. They usually include:-
- National Governments of the United Kingdom
- Sector Skills Councils
- National Skills Academies
- Regional Development Agencies
- Recognised Awarding Bodies
- Training Providers, Consultants, Mentors and Business Advisers
Support from these Agencies and Organisations will vary from time to time, but will include funding to develop or maintain the EnterpriseEssentials service, access to quality guidance notes and advice notes, subsidised development opportunities and supported mentoring and advice services.
To get the maximum benefit from the EnterpriseEssentials service you should register some information about your business. There is no need to do this at once - you can use the service for free for as long as you like. However, if you tell the system about your location and the type of business you are in, then additional information relevant to you will be supplied automatically at the time that you need it.
In order to maximise your benefit from the system you should create your own long-term record of personal growth and achievement. Registering also ensures that the most relevant information is delivered to you. Details of special regional subsidised development opportunities etc can only be directed to users who have supplied registration detailes about location and industry type.
