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Government departments and research councils aim to procure at least two and a half per cent of their research and development (R&D) work from small businesses - this amounts to about £50 million a year. SBRI is an initiative, managed by the Small Business Service (SBS), designed to help SMEs gain greater access to publicly funded Research and Development (R&D) contracts. Go to www.sbri.org.uk for more details.

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The Business Connect network provides a channel for services available to small and growing businesses in Wales. Tel: 08457-969798 to find your nearest branch or visit the website: www.businesseye.org.uk .

Market research is essential to help you to find out if there will be enough demand to start up and grow your new business successfully in its first year. This introductory guide outlines the kinds of questions your market research should address before starting up, and describes the main ways of carrying it out. It also introduces you to some popular sources of market information that you will find useful. To purchase the factsheet, visit Scavenger.net

Small firms will soon have direct access to Government business opportunities through a national web portal from the Small Business Service (SBS) and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). Click here for more details.

The Essential Guide to Surviving an Economic Downturn – A free guide from Bibby Financial Services with advice on credit management, choosing new clients, purchase control and marketing during a recession.

Available by calling 0800-389 8811.

Advice is available to those starting up or already running a business from Business Links. The advice can be general or specialised e.g. about marketing or your business plan.

To find your local office visit www.businesslink.org or ring the Business Link contact centre on 0845-600 9006.

Government team set up to encourage innovation and help inventors.

The Future and Innovation Unit is at the DTI, V BO7, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET Tel: 020-7215 6642 Fax: 020-7215 6644. The unit's website, www.innovation.gov.uk, also has lots of information.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise can give advice and support through its own staff or outside consultants.

Contact Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Tel: 01463-234171 E-mail: hie.general@hient.co.uk Website: www.hie.co.uk .