Business Information Services at the Central Resources Library

Most of the larger libraries in Hertfordshire hold basic business information.

The Central Resources Library in Hatfield holds the central collection of business information. The collection includes company directories, business start-up information, market research reports and online databases.

What's in the collection?

Company information
FAME database providing company reports for all limited companies in the UK and Ireland. Information includes contact details, names of directors, business activity information, employee numbers and up to 10 years of accounts
D&B National Registers and Key British Enterprises covering the UK
Who Owns Whom covering UK, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australasia and Asia

Market Research
Key Note Reports in hard copy and online
MarketLine providing world wide online market research reports from Datamonitor
Mintel Reports in hard copy from 2007 - 2011

Business start-up
COBRA factsheets providing information on setting up and running a business and profiles covering a range of business ideas - from plumber to poodle parlour

Financial Information
Company REFS database has share information for companies listed on the London Stock Exchange
Financial Times back to 1970
Periodicals including Investor's Chronicle, Moneyfacts and The Economist

British Standards Online
The British Standards Institute's database of British, adopted European and International standards can be viewed in all Hertfordshire libraries. It is not possible to print or download any part of a standard via our subscription.

Overseas Trade
Customs and Excise Tariff Codes
Guidance for importers amd exporters and advice on doing business with other countries

Most items are for reference only but there is also a small collection of loan books providing practical guidance on setting up and running a business. Most of the services are available free of charge.

We have extensive contacts with other UK information providers so that we can refer you to the appropriate business related organisations beyond Hertfordshire.

If you want more details about business information available in Hertfordshire look under Business Information in the Community Directory section on this website.

• Information for job seekers

  If you are seeking work or considering a change of career the Business Information Point at the Central Resources Library has a variety of sources that can help you.