Visit Dorset Business Support Hub Legislation advice

Running a business in the tourism and hospitality industry can be daunting at times but there are many sources of information, practical advice and training to help you research and comply with current legislation and have great business practices.

Accommodation business advice

The VisitBritain Pink Book Online Legislation for Tourist Accommodation is available free online and to purchase in hard copy. www.visitbritain.org/pink-book

This includes business advice for accommodation businesses on key topics including: fire risk assessment tool, alcohol and entertainment licencing, food safety and hygiene.

Business Support Helpline (England)

This helpline is a key element of the Government’s business support provision. It offers a free multi-channel service that can be accessed by telephone, web-chat, e-mail, social media, and website. 

The helpline can provide signposting, support and business improvement advice to pre-starts, start-ups, and existing businesses to help them start and grow. It is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Tel: 0300 456 3565
Textphone: 0191 581 0052
Website: https://www.gov.uk/business-support-helpline
E-mail: enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org
Web Chat - https://bis-helpline.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/BusinessGov
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BusinessSupportGov
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/BusinessSupportGov

Information from your local authorities

Local council business information covering a wide range of topics including licences, superfast broadband, business rates, recycling, food hygiene etc. can be found on dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Mentoring and advice

Business Growth Dorset, are dedicated to supporting businesses across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Whether you’re a start-up, established company, or growing enterprise, they provide a wide range of resources, information, advice and access to business programmes to help your business flourish.

The Dorset Business Mentoring Programme (Dormen) provides one-to-one mentoring support for small businesses across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole. The programme has supported over 1200 businesses, ranging from sole traders to medium sized companies.