VisitEngland

Where to find further information

For further guidance on a specific area of legislation, contact the following organisations

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Disclaimer

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the Pink Book, we regret that we cannot be responsible for any errors. The Pink Book contains general information about laws applicable to your business. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. Read our full disclaimer.

Business regulations

Better Business for All

Better Business for All is a BEIS (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) initiative that brings together businesses and regulators in local partnerships, to identify the issues facing local businesses and provide support to them. Most local authorities are involved with the programme, preparing and implementing action plans and sharing good practice.

Business Support Helpline

The helpline provides a quick response service if you have simple questions about starting or running a business. It also provides a more in-depth service if you have more complex enquiries.

  • Tel: 0800 998 1098 (England – Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (except bank holidays));
  • Tel: 0300 303 0660 (Scotland – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays));
  • Tel: 0300 060 3000 (Wales – Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except bank holidays));
  • Tel: 0800 181 4422 (Northern Ireland – Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (except bank holidays))
  • Email: enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org
  • Business Support Helpline website

Growth Hubs

The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) network has established 38 Growth Hubs throughout England, which are the central repository of information, advice and support for businesses within a defined local area.

The aim of the Growth Hub network is to provide a single point of contact for local businesses that provides all the information, advice or support they require, including compliance with legislation.

Legal advisors

The Law Society

The Law Society is able to provide you with a list of solicitors within your area. Your local Destination Management Organisation may also be able to supply names of suitable local firms.

Independent financial advisors

Unbiased

Use the IFA consumer website, Unbiased, to find independent financial advisors, accountants or solicitors in your area.

Utilities/facilities

These include the following:

Gas Safe Register

OFGEM (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)

OFCOM (Office of Communications)

OFWAT

The economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales.

WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme)

  • Tel: 01295 819 900 (England); 02920 100 100 (Wales); 01295 819 900 (Northern Ireland)
  • WRAP website

For any matters regarding collection of rubbish or recycling, contact your local authority.

Trade associations

These include the following:

ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions)

Bed and Breakfast Association

Bacta (trade association for the amusement and gaming machine industry)

BALPPA (British Association of Leisure Parks Piers and Attractions)

BAPA (British Activity Providers Association)

BAPA monitors safety standards and quality within the activity sector throughout the British Isles. It also provides a detailed consumer guide which is available on request.

British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA)

The BHHPA is the representative body of the parks industry, including caravans, chalets, tents and all types of self-catering park accommodation.

British Destinations

British Destinations represents the interests of resorts and destinations throughout the UK.

Farm Stay UK Ltd

Farm Stay UK Ltd is a consortium of farmers throughout the UK who provide serviced and self-catering accommodation on working farms.

Holiday Home Association (HHA)

The HHA is a trade association for self-catering operators, from individual owners through to agencies and associations.

Tourism for All

Tourism for All, a national charity, is the UK’s central source of travel and holiday information for disabled people, older people and carers.

PASC UK (Professional Association of Self-Caterers)

PASC UK lobbies on behalf of the professional self-catering sector throughout the UK.

People 1st International

People 1st International is an employer-led skills and quality assurance group for the hospitality and tourism sector. It is the lead agency on all issues relating to education, training and qualification within the sector.

The NCC (National Caravan Council)

The NCC is the representative trade body for the UK caravan industry, and is involved in setting standards and promoting quality. The NCC operates the Product Approval Scheme for new caravans to ensure compliance with minimum health and safety standards.

UKHospitality

UKHospitality represents accommodation providers, restaurants, catering establishments and leisure companies.

Publications

The publications mentioned within individual legislation sections are available from the following organisations:

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Services)

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)

Food Standards Agency (FSA)

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

  • VAT Helpline: 0300 200 3700
  • Employer Helpline: 0300 200 3200
  • HMRC website

Home Office

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

TSO (formerly The Stationery Office)

Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)

Valuation Office Agency

The VOA is an agency of HMRC.