Specialist organisations

Shaw Trust (www.shaw-trust.org.uk or 0800 085 1001) is a national charity providing training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances. Shaw Trust is the largest provider of employment support to disabled people in the UK. To be eligible to access advice, clients must be in receipt of benefit.
Ready to Start (www.readytostart.org.uk or 08456 717173) is a joint initiative between Leonard Cheshire Disability and Barclays Bank, aimed at encouraging and providing support for disabled people to start their own businesses. In London, the Ready to Start boroughs are Enfield and Wandsworth.
Action for Blind People (www.afbp.org) is a national charity providing practical support to blind and partially sighted people through work, housing, leisure and other support.
Business Ability (www.enham.co.uk or 01264 345851) is a free and confidential service for disabled people, providing information, guidance, and advice in connection with disabled people’s business ideas. Business Advisers are welcome to get in touch to share experience and information. The programme is for people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Thames Valley.
Jobcentre Plus (www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk) has Disability Employment Advisers to assist disabled clients with self-employment.
Disabled entrepreneurs network (www.disabled-entrepreneurs.net) offers a resource guide on setting up in business.