Lewis Carroll & L.S.Lowry have risen from the dead, coming together to form a creative agency…

what are they going to call it?

MATCHSTICK

Why? The infamous description of the figures in Lowry’s paintings, combined with the flame of Carroll’s words,

igniting the world’s imagination.

A match that is going to stick.

What key services, in both the public and private sectors, support small businesses?

How can these services help Carroll and Lowry start their agency?

PUBLIC SECTOR SERVICES

Why is Business Link a key service?

• General info & training materials

• Tax info

- a single form for registering for tax

- a tax 'dashboard' enabling businesses to view a single online statement of all their main

taxes

• Government info

- Links to key Government services

- Info on Government regulation

• Contracts Finder

- Notification of public procurement opportunities

How can this help Matchstick?

HUGE resource of info including:

Starting up, finance & grants, tax paperwork, employment and skills, environment & efficiency, premises & property, IT E-commerce, Sales & Marketing, Growth.

Matchstick needs to learn, understand and implement every aspect of starting a new business, registering and contracting lawfully and responsibly.

How?

Works at the strategic level through partnerships in the public and private sectors, managing practical programmes

- Skill development - Inward investment trade

- Policy & Strategy - Environment

Why?

Regional Development Agencies aid the progression of the UK economy, investing in the development of small businesses. Matchstick can use SEEDA to find information and training.

How?The British Library has databases and publications to help start up businesses.

Why?Matchstick will need to:

- Research customers, clients, suppliers

- Find out how to protect & exploit your ideas

- Go to workshops on everything from PR to business

- Attend a free advice session with a business expert

- Take e-courses on IP

- Network at the ‘Inspiring Entrepreneur’ events.

How? Information & tools to ensure the deliverance of tax payments.

Why?Matchstick will need to pay:

Direct taxes - paid on the money Matchstick earns or capital it gains.

Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax, Income Tax, Inheritance Tax & National Insurance Contributions.

Indirect taxes - paid by Matchstick on money spent on goods or services.

Excise duties, Insurance Premium Tax, Petroleum Revenue Tax, Stamp Duty, Stamp Duty Land Tax, Stamp Duty Reserve Tax & VAT.

How?

The Intellectual Property Office provides assistance to get the correct type of protection for the integrity of a company and what it creates.

Why?

Matchstick need to trademark their name and logo, as well as enforcing copyright and patents upon the work it creates.

IPO provides info on the cost, timeline, formats, fees and renewal of intellectual property protection.

Matchstick can apply online using the IPO website.

How?

Services that connect talent & creative industries.

Why?

Skillset - Partnered with the IPA, Skillset can provide Matchstick with creative talent and business development advice.

Linkedin - Matchstick can use Linkedin to find a diverse range of employees across for the entire agency staff.

Creative Match - Used to find creative talent.

LizH - Headhunters to the advertising and communication industries.

Student Competitions - Resource of creative talent.

PRIVATE SECTOR SERVICES

How? A new campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, launched on 28th March 2011. Designed to celebrate, inspire and accelerate enterprise in the UK.

Supplies companies with general information and links to useful resources.

Why?

Matchstick can find information on:

Writing a business plan, getting organised, market research, business registration, finding studio space, business tool downloads, suppliers, funding resources, bank loans, setting up email and website SEO.

How?

Workspace Group is the leading provider of commercial property to let on flexible terms to small and medium sized enterprises in and around London.

Why?

Matchstick can use Workspace to find studio space.