The TOP contacts you MUST have in your business address book

Courtesy of Opportunity Peterborough, these contacts are essential for everyone looking to do great business in Peterborough

Steve Bowyer, Opportunity Peterborough: ‘People mean business…’

NWES: Offers a range of advisory services, enterprise start-up programmes and training courses for those looking to start, grow and improve their business. Details: 01733 462471, www.nwes.org.uk

IGNITE PETERBOROUGH: Free business support for young entrepreneurs, including pre start-up advice, mentoring, consultancy, workshop training and qualification opportunities. Details: 01733 294520, www.facebook.com/ignite.peterborough

GROWTH ACCELERATOR: Identify priorities for growth, develop a growth plan and begin to drive business forward. There is a cost to this programme depending on business size. Details: Penny Lord on 07715 024117, or www.growthaccelerator.com

PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Works with local businesses and other organisations to provide a forum for dealing with issues relevant to the area. Lobbies on behalf of its members. Details: 01733 370809, www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/peterborough/homepage.asp

OPPORTUNITY PETERBOROUGH: The OP Bondholder network is a growing network of diverse companies. Networking groups include manufacturing, digital and eco clusters. Details: 01733 317417, opportunitypeterborough.co.uk

ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK: A range of free services to help you develop your business in new markets, source or license new technologies and access EU finance and funding. Details: 01707 398716, een.ec.europa.eu

UK TRADE & INVESTMENT: UKTI can help you crack foreign markets and get to grips quickly with overseas regulations and business practice. Their local contact has strong ties with the city. Details: Patrick Smith on 07595 964083, or www.ukti.gov.uk

VENTURENAVIGATOR: Government-funded service to help businesses improve chances of success by road testing ideas. Post questions and receive impartial answers back from the 5,000 registered users. Details: www.venturenavigator.co.uk

MANUFACTURING ADVISORY SERVICE: MAS East has a team of 12 and provides manufacturing businesses with expert advice through hands-on support, training and events. Details: John Coubrough on 0845 6589600, or www.mas-east.org.uk

PETERBOROUGH DNA: Programme focusing on growth, innovation and sustainability. It concentrates on four strands of work: skills, sustainable business, encouraging innovation and open data. Details: www.peterboroughdna.com

BRAINWAVE INNOVATION PORTAL: Free-to-use open forum where entrepreneurs can put forward their solutions to city-scale challenges. Have discussions, develop ideas and get feedback. Details: www.brainwaveinnovations.co.uk

PETERBOROUGH WORKSPACE: Not-for-profit organisation offering business support and low cost business premises for startups. Only 28 days’ notice required and rental rates are competitive. Details: 01733 390707, www.peterboroughworkspace.co.uk

ECO INNOVATION CENTRE: Business innovation, incubation, conferencing and meeting space provider located within Peterborough city centre. Flexible space, support and networking. Details: 01733 317414, www.ecoinnovationcentre.com