Free, confidential advice on business debts, tax arrears, rent and whether to carry on, from regulated advisers. It's the first call to make if money is tight.
Worth: Free
Ring 0800 197 6026, Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, or use webchat (9am to 5pm). No referral needed.
https://www.businessdebtline.org/ · 0800 197 6026
Run by Money Advice Trust (charity) · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Unlimited free one-to-one sessions with volunteer business mentors, on anything from marketing to cashflow. Open to any size of business.
Worth: Free
Sign up on the Digital Boost website and book a mentor.
https://www.digitalboost.org.uk/
Run by Digital Boost (charity) · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
A 12-week leadership course at Northumbria or Teesside University, 90% paid for by the government.
Worth: £750 for a course worth around £7,500
Apply through the Help to Grow website or directly with Northumbria or Teesside University.
https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support/help-to-grow-management-uk
Run by Department for Business and Trade · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
A free, confidential 24-hour line for anyone who works in hospitality, including owners, for stress, money worries or just needing to talk. They also give hardship grants.
Worth: Free, 24 hours a day
Ring 0808 802 0282 any time.
https://hospitalityaction.org.uk/get-help/ · 0808 802 0282
Run by Hospitality Action (charity) · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
A free 24-hour helpline for anyone who runs or works in a pub, bar or brewery, for stress, money or family worries. They can also help with grants.
Worth: Free, 24 hours a day
Ring 0808 801 0550 any time.
https://www.licensedtradecharity.org.uk · 0808 801 0550
Run by Licensed Trade Charity · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Free, impartial one-to-one advice for any business in the North East Combined Authority area, and the place that lists every current grant.
Worth: Free
Ring 0191 561 5468, email info@northeastgrowthhub.co.uk, or book an appointment on the Growth Hub website. Start-ups can ring 0800 998 1098.
https://growthhub.northeast-ca.gov.uk/business-support · 0191 561 5468
Run by North East Combined Authority · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Free advice for pubs on adding services like a shop, post office or café to bring in more trade, with some project funding when available.
Worth: Free advice; occasional project grants
Contact Pub is The Hub through their website or ring 01423 546 165.
https://pubisthehub.org.uk/ · 01423 546 165
Run by Pub is The Hub (charity) · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
A free 24-hour helpline for anyone who works in retail, for stress, money worries or needing someone to talk to.
Worth: Free, 24 hours a day
Ring 0808 801 0808 any time.
https://www.retailtrust.org.uk/ · 0808 801 0808
Run by Retail Trust (charity) · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
If you're thinking of closing, get free advice first. Closing a company properly is cheap; getting it wrong can leave you personally liable.
Worth: Free advice; striking off a company costs £18 by post
Ring Business Debtline on 0800 197 6026 first. For a company that can pay its way, strike-off is through Companies House. If it can't pay what it owes, find a licensed practitioner through R3; many offer a free first meeting.
https://www.gov.uk/strike-off-your-company-from-companies-register · 0800 197 6026
Run by Business Debtline, Companies House, R3 · Last checked 14 Oct 2026
Also: Business rates · Tax and HMRC · Staff and apprentices · Grants, loans and bills