Business Support Helpline

FREE as part of your TICA or ACAD
Full Member Subscription!

Running your business or organisation can be a daunting task and having the right help and information can make all the difference. We have developed the Business Support Helpline because TICA is committed to service excellence and aims to support our members in everything they do. The service, which is operated by IRPC Group Limited, gives members immediate access to a team of highly experienced, professional consultants who can provide reliable telephone advice in a practical, easy to follow style using everyday language.

Members are able to access the Helpline by telephone from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) quoting the special scheme number provided, which changes every year. There is no charge for members for the advice given.

What type of advice can I get?
The Business Support Helpline offers you reliable and practical advice on virtually every area of business management covering:-

• Employment and Personnel
• VAT, PAYE and Payroll
• Commercial and Contract Law
• Landlord and Tenant Issues
• Company Law
• Consumer Protection; Licensing
• Copyright and Patents
• Debt Collection and Credit Management
• Business Rates and Lease Negotiation

How often can I use the service?
Access to the advice is unlimited and, apart from the cost of a standard rate national telephone call, is included as part of the TICA or ACAD subscription (full members only). Remember, there is no premium rate telephone line and no additional hourly charges. Whenever you need expert advice simply call the Business Support Helpline and quote your access code. If you have misplaced your access code please call Ralph Bradley at TICA on 01325 466704.

How do I know the advice I receive is accurate?
The Business Support Helpline advisers are qualified professionals in their area of expertise – barristers, solicitors, accountants, human resources experts. Members can be sure that their advice is the product of many years experience as not only do they know the law, but they have worked in a wide range of businesses, in government and in industry.

Why do I need the Business Support Helpline?
Some issues come to the fore sooner than TICA can inform their members about via a newsletter or the website. This is when members will be glad of having access to the Helpline. Members can discuss the issue immediately with a consultant who will then advise them on the most appropriate course of action.

Also, there may be occasions where members know the most appropriate course of action to take to deal with a workplace issue or problem, but would like a ‘sounding board’, preferably someone who is independent and can offer an impartial option. The Helpline consultants are not just there to provide answers but also to listen and validate the decisions members have made.

The business support line has teamed up with its sister company, Hawksmere, to offer full members a 20% discount off their seminars which include Contract and Commercial Management, Accountancy and Finance.

Should members need the assistance of a solicitor, this can be obtained independently and impartially through FirstLAW. This service is completely free of charge as FirstLAW take an introductory commission from any firm that you appoint using their service.