Business and company services are mainly located at Central Library and staff will be happy to help you with your enquiries. 

You can also contact us using the online enquiry form.

Business management information

• Businessballs - free online articles, materials and resources for the ethical development of people, business and organisations.
• Karen Blakeman's Business Information on the Internet - evaluated listings of business information resources on the internet.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) - go to Information Resources for surveys and research.
• Chartered Management Institute - website aimed at professional managers looking to improve their skills and extend their qualifications and recognition through chartered status. More extensive service through membership.
• Cranfield (University) School of Management - academic Gateway aimed at students and professional managers contains general information on courses, professional development, as well as articles and links.
• Google Digital Garage - for free tutorials from Google on everything from your website to online marketing and beyond.
• Information Commissioner's Office - the UK's independent authority for advice about the new General Data Projection Regulations (GDPR).

COBRA - online small business information database

COBRA, the online small business information database, is currently offering remote access to library members. 

Visit the COBRA website and use your library card number to log in where it asks for your ticket number.

COBRA is a continually expanding business encyclopaedia covering all aspects of starting and running a business.

COBRA gives you quick and easy access to exactly the information you need if you are running your own business, considering self-employment or looking for a career change.

COBRA contains thousands of factsheets that are packed with useful information about setting up, running and growing a business. With detailed guides on about 600 small business trades and professions plus practical how to guides, market summaries and information about trade events, business support and funding.

It is free to use although printing charges will apply.

Company Information

• Invest MK - local business information and practical help.
• The Gazette - official public record of UK limited companies.
• MisterWhat - comprehensive business directory of UK companies. Search by keyword or location.
• Kompass Directory - including UK and overseas companies. Search by company name or industry.
• Applegate Directory - including UK and Ireland. Search by company name, product or industry.
• Hoovers UK - worldwide company information.
• Investor Network offers the latest worldwide industry and company news and information.

Doing Business Abroad

• British Exporters Association - an independent national trade association representing all sectors of the export community.
• GOV UK - the Gateway to UK government websites.
• Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform - UK trade policies on importing into UK.
• Department of International Development -international news and articles, country profiles and case studies.
• Export Credits Guarantee Department - advice on all aspects of export from the UK, finances, insurance and law related to investing overseas.
• HM Revenue and Customs - go to the imports exports section for more detailed information.
• UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office - advice for overseas businesses seeking to invest in the UK and services for UK companies looking to expand abroad.

MK business information

Statistics

• The Milton Keynes City Council statistics pages and Milton Keynes Insight are the main sources for Milton Keynes economic and employment statistics.

Local business organisations

Milton Keynes has a variety of organisations which can provide you with business information or advice, including:

• Milton Keynes Trading Standards
• Business Information (Milton Keynes City Council)
• Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce
• Touch Local for local businesses and entertainment

Newspapers and magazines

Online newspaper and magazine databases:

• PressReader - Digital access to over 7000 newspapers and popular publications from the UK and all around the world. This service offers newspapers in 60 languages and is available within libraries and remotely from home with your library card number and PIN.
• Access to Research - Within libraries you can access academic and scientific journals.

(For full details and access information, please visit the eLibrary page.)

Information about local and family history newspapers can be found on the Reference and Research webpage.

Small business startup

Setting up your own business

If you are planning to start your own business or are already running a small business, the business library can help you.

• Cobra is an online business tool covering all aspects of starting and running a business.

Useful startup websites:

• The government’s GOV.UK portal provides a rich source of information on the practicality of starting a new business and their HM Revenue & Customs pages cover tax and national insurance requirements.
• Federation of Small Businesses - Advice, contacts and news for small businesses.
• Prince’s Trust - Help for 18-30 year olds, including grants, loans, business support and advice.
• Small Business Gateway - Advice on starting a new business, researching business ideas and plans, finances, sales and marketing. Case studies.
• Eu Small Business Portal - For information about starting and running a SME (Small and Medium Sized Enterprise) in the EU.
• Visit the council business pages for any further support and advice.
• WENTA - A 'one-stop-shop' for business support, with everything from start-up advice, mentoring and training to workspace, meeting rooms and virtual offices.