The 'InBusiness' service is based on Nottingham Central Library - Floor 2 and contains a wealth of up-to-date business related information, all of which are available to library users free of charge.

A team of information professionals are available to direct you to these specialised resources. Our users include market traders, recruitment specialists, marketing professionals and businesses wishing to market their products and services.

To inform companies and individuals about the Nottingham area and local companies the 'InBusiness' service has produced the 'Nottingham Business Directory' in conjunction with Burrows Communications Limited.  Copies of the FREE directory can be picked up from any City library and contains a searchable copy of the printed version on a cd-rom.

As well as businesses, users of Nottingham Central Library's 'In Business' service include jobseekers, consumers, investors and students.

The 'InBusiness' service covers:

• Starting a business
• Business in Nottingham
• Company information

Starting a business

Many people dream of setting up their own business, but often don't know how to get started and where to go for information and advice. The  InBusiness collection can help with a range of resources to offer support and sign posting, whether you are exploring a business idea or looking to expand your business.

The  COBRA database covers an extensive range of topics and ideas related to starting up, running or supporting the development of small firms, including:

• practical how-to guides - including how to write a business plan, reports, checklists and  covering hundreds of small business subjects
• hundreds of small business ideas and business opportunity profiles
• information on legal issues and health and safety

And if you're a member of the library, you can access COBRA from your desk top; you can also access the service in any City library.

Need help with choosing a name for your business and registering your company? Try www.companieshouse.gov.uk which is the official government register of UK companies and   www.start.biz/home.htm which offers free information, support and advice to help you identify what is the best structure for new enterprise and register a business name, new company, trade mark or brand and domain name. 

Not set up your office yet? - All Nottingham City Libraries offer free Broadband access for library members and  and  services.

Floor 2 of the Central Library has an extensive collection of management and business books and journals, newspapers and periodicals for you to borrow. You can look for a book from your desk by searching our on-line catalogue.

Business in Nottingham

Business activity in Nottingham continues to thrive despite economic problems, attracting companies and corporations on a regional, national and international level.  In the past Nottingham was well known for its coal mining, manufacturing and textile industries with world recognised names such as Boots and Raleigh making the city their home.  More recently the Nottingham economy has been transformed to be a leader in creativity design and science.  Boots and Raleigh are still here, but have now been joined by companies like Experian, Games Workshop, Speedo and Clinphone.

Advice for Companies in Nottingham

Guidance, help and support for businesses is available from:

• Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce
• First Enterprise Business Agency
• Independent Business Association
• NBV Business Support and Advice

Company information

 InBusiness has access to Companies House Direct with information on registered companies - from multinational PLCs to small firms in your neighbourhood.

Use our information to :

•  Find the names of directors or research the directorships of individuals
• Obtain copies of annual reports and accounts
• Obtain copies of documents companies have filed with Companies House 

Contact us at:

InBusiness
Floor 2
Nottingham Central Library
Angel Row
Nottingham
NG1 6HP
Tel: 0115 915 2846
Fax: 0115 915 2840
E-mail:enquiryline@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Opening hours:

• Monday - 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
• Tuesday - 9.30 am - 7.00 pm
• Wednesday - 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
• Thursday - 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
• Friday - 9.00 am - 5.30pm
• Saturday - 9.00 am - 4.00 pm