Free online help for start-ups

VentureNavigator was created by an expert consortium led by the University of Essex and aims to provide an impartial assessment of businesses, as well as offering access to a comprehensive library of resources.

The project has been developed by Library House, run by former Dragons’ Den judge Doug Richard.

“This is an invaluable service because it doesn’t focus on a simple or narrow interpretation of what a business needs to succeed,” he said.

“It’s able to examine and assist with a broad range of requirements including managerial, financial, cultural and administrative factors, all of which a business needs to develop, grow and ultimately thrive.”

For more information and a free sign-up see www.venturenavigator.co.uk.