Libraries supporting businesses, jobseekers & consumers across Greater Manchester, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen

Ask About Business is a partnership between eleven library authorities in Greater Manchester, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.
Led by Manchester Library & Information Service, Ask About Business provides information through libraries to support:

Pre-start and new businesses
Existing businesses
Jobseekers
Consumers
Inventors
Business students

Stockport Silver Entrepreneurs

Friday, 30 April 2010 08:25

There's a Stockport Silver Entrepreneurs event at Bredbury Library on Friday 2nd July.

The theme of the work shop is Exploring Entrepreneurship, and it consists of an information workshop between 9 - 12.30 and an advice clinic from 1.30 - 3.30.

This programme is aimed at people in the 50+ age group who may be interested in self employment and want to know more about how to start up in their own business.

See Events for more details

Looking for work?

Looking for work? Whether you're looking for a part-time job, or hoping to change career, libraries have lots of useful information.

Ask About Business has access to up to the minute news and business resources to:

keep yourself informed
impress poential employers
stand out from the crowd
find ways to uncover leads
give yourself the competitive edge

Getting started

Start up People the world over dream of setting up their own business and working for themselves but are often overwhelmed by the prospect.
Ask About Business has a range of resources to offer support and sign posting, whether you are setting out your stall or building your empire.

Events in Oldham

Oldham Library are running another series of FREE business-related workshops and events.

Newly self-employed

Friday 11 June, 10am–12.30pm

A helpful starter guide looking at tax returns and HM Revenue and Customs information.

Ask About Business

Tuesday 6 July, 10–11.30am

Details of resources, information and support for local businesses from your local library.

Company and market information

Tuesday 3 August, 6–7.30pm

Learn how to compile mailing lists, run credit checks and explore company reports.

All sessions are free and refreshments are provided.

Call the reference library on 0161 770 8036 for more details or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book your place at the sessions.

Need help with your CV?

Take a look at CV Help in the Business Toolkit

There's a useful online CV builder, different formats and FAQs courtesy of Direct.gov.uk

COBRA: a free online business tool

COBRA is a practical and continually updated information resource covering all aspects of starting and running a business. From writing a business plan to expanding an existing business, COBRA contains around 4000 factsheets, market reports, contacts, and sources of funding and support to help entrepreneurs.

Ideal for anyone looking to start a business, write a business or marketing plan or conduct research into a new market, COBRA is available at any Ask About Business library with internet PCs.
But here's the really good news: you can also access this resource at home. All you need is your library ticket.

Credit checking

Being in business always involves some risk.
Don't gamble with your business!
Minimise the risks by using our free company credit check service. Everyone wants to avoid a bad debt, and setting up a good credit control system is vital for any business.