Business information

Most of the larger libraries in Hertfordshire hold basic business information.
The Welwyn Garden City Library and Information Services 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.