Equip yourself with a sea of resources. Below is a hand-picked list of companies and affiliates that we value. Begin to arm yourself with the tools for your start-up trade. If you also nurture the startup ecosystem and wish to be included on this list, we would ♥ to hear from you!

99 Designs is a platform for hosting “design contests”, where thousands of designers compete to be commissioned by you.

AVG Internet Security provide software to protect your most valuable assets aside from what is in your head i.e. the stuff on your laptops.

British Library Business & IP Centre enables access to swathes of advice, funding sources, market research, company data, business news and free and subsidised events.

Business Link is an official government website that helps with managing finances, employing people, and have a comprehensive searchable directory of UK events that covers everything from the environment to taxation to help develop or grow your business.

Bytestart features free guides for start-ups and SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises), covering a range of topics from building capital to sales & marketing.

Dell Computers have online offers for most of your IT hardware needs. Their small and medium business page includes free shipping options for computers and electronics.

Company Shortcuts a company that provides frameworks & templates to help businesses to grow faster.

Enternships lets you recruit the best and brightest students before they hit the job market: a valuable way of creating student-employer ties and offering placements.

HMRC gives information on things you need to be thinking about for your start-up, such as tax and NI (National Insurance) issues, and other important areas of law.

IBM SmartCamp is an exclusive event aimed at identifying early stage entrepreneurs who are developing business ventures that align with our IBM Smarter Planet vision.

Investor Pitch Clinic provides advice and coaching to entrepreneurs and companies trying to launch or seek business funding from Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists.

London Startup Guide everything you wanted to know about the London Startup Scene but were afraid to ask.

Microsoft Life Academy competition asks you to send them your idea for making a difference in the world for a chance to win £10,000 to put it to the test. Microsoft BizSpark connects you to a network of investors and gives you access to software development tools and resources.

MOO MiniCards help you stand out in a crowd with 100 unique mini-calling cards and some great new features! We like MOO!

Shell LiveWIRE is the UK’s biggest community for young entrepreneurs. You can win a £1000 start-up grant every month, or win a £10,000 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Springboard offers a 12-week incubator programme in Cambridge every year providing mentoring, office space, money and (apparently) a really good lunch to turn your new idea into a software business.

Startup Remarkable the home of kick-ass marketing tips for your startup. Helping entrepreneurs grow their business fast.

TechCrunch is an online news portal for technology updates and reviews, and information on start-ups and their funding organisations. It also profiles companies that are making an impact on the web space.

The Recruitment Site specialises in recruiting finance & accounting staff at all levels for your business.

Venturebeat is a news portal for entrepreneurs. It provides information on innovation and profiles established companies and startups.

Virgin Media Pioneers runs sessions to develop your business and networking skills. They also have an online video blogging community to share ideas and tips with others in the start-up community.

We Make Websites a London web agency that combines excellent analytical and technical ability with beautiful, highly-usable design. They work with startups, corporate clients and charities. Technical specialities include Rails and Drupal apps.