bit of a vague question, but am hoping somebody might be able to give me some ideas.

I'm starting a small business in the next few months, and really need to get some help and information, but am not sure where to look. I'm already part of the i-start programme at the Workstation, and we don't need a bank loan, but we do need concrete advice on things like buildings insurance, public liability insurance, health and safety checks that need to be done before starting (we're going to be working with children).

Anybody been in a similar situation or can suggest the best place to find out things like this ?

Try this site - they provide free business advice
http://www.smallbusinessadvice.org.uk/

there are a lot of considerations to take into account. will you be employing people? health and safety may influence insurance? fire risk assessments will be necessary. I know a company that can assist with these areas, as with all things of this nature they do charge. but also back up the services with advice, and can provide insurance.

try business link - just google business link for a good starting point .

Sheffield Enterprise Agency helped me out a lot when I was starting out: http://www.senta.co.uk/

As for business insurance, most companies will quote for everything that you need in one policy i.e. buildings insurance, public liability, cover for employees. They'll take you through a check list when you call up for a quote and you can just pick which bits that you need and estimate the value of cover that you require.

The business and economy part of the council website is quite useful if you're unsure about licensing etc: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/business-economy You'll also find links on there regarding health and safety/fire officer checks etc.

Good luck with your new venture!

Business Link South Yorkshire: http://www.blsy.com/ have a fair amount of useful information.

good luck!

Yeah, try Business link or your local chamber of commerce, thats what they're there for.

The Sheffield Bioincubator (nothing to do with bioscience) could be of help aswell. They've got a site, so do a search for them.