Find Business Grants
Banner image

How to Start a Business in Andover

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Andover

Starting a business in Andover

If you are thinking about starting a business in Andover or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Andover contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Starting a business in Andover

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Starting a Business in in Andover

Business advice and support

"Two heads are better than one."

Whether you have been trading for some time, are new to the market or are just thinking about starting a business of your own, it has been proven that your chances of success are considerably improved if you seek support from an experienced business advisor or mentor. You can find out more about both options at Business Advice in Andover and Business Mentors in Andover.

Funding and grants

Running out of money is one the most common reasons why businesses fail. This risk of this happening to can be avoided (or minimised) by careful planning and cashflow forecasting. If you need additional funds to start or keep your business going, you can learn more about your options and download our free funding factsheet at: Andover Business Grants and Business Funding

Business networking

Does the idea of business networking fill you with delight or dread? Either way, it can be beneficial for both your business and you as an entrepreneur. See Business Networking in Andover for details of local groups and our free Networking Factsheet.

Business premises

Working from home is appealing to many new business owners but not practical for many others. Even if you are running a business by yourself, you might like to consider the option of 'hot desking' or co-working in one of the many flexi-workspaces that have emerged in recent years. Find out more at: Andover Co-Working and Business Premises.

Finding new customers

Paying customers are the lifeblood of any business. Knowing how to find, satisfy and retain them is vitally important and best achieved with the help of experts in the field.

Accountancy, tax and law

While starting a new business is very exciting, this should not disguide the fact that there are some very important legal responsibilities that must be considered. See: Bookkeeping, Accountancy, Financial Planning and Law

FREE startup workshops

If you are thinking about starting a business, our FREE three-hour ONLINE workshop is definitely for you!

Open to everyone, our sole aim is to increase your chances of success. We do that by explaining:

The reality of running a business; the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them; which legal status is likely to be most suitable; funding, grants and managing your money; business planning and cashflow forecasting; finding and keeping customers.

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business In Test Valley

Download the 2024 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don’t become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
Starting a business in Andover

Key Contacts in Andover

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Andover is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Advice

Solent Growth Hub
The Solent Growth Hub offers businesses in the Solent LEP area simplified access to a range of information, advice and support services provided nationally and locally. Helping individuals, organisations and businesses - from start-ups to established operations to find funding, support initiatives and services that can best help them achieve their growth potential.
(+)

Bookkeeping

Paycounts
At TVCS we know many businesses have a go at doing their own bookkeeping only to discover it requires considerable discipline and an eye for detail. For most businesses it’s a tedious job that ends up being done long into the evening when the pile of invoices and receipts has got to big to ignore. We can relieve you of this unproductive work by keeping your books: professionally accurately cost-effectively. We will ensure your books are presented to your accountants just the way they like to see them, helping to keep their bill down too. To find out more about what we do, please contact us for a free estimate. finance@tvcs.org.uk or call 0330 400 4116
(+)

Accountancy

Oaktree Accountants Limited
Oaktree Accountants Ltd are a thriving local firm catering to the accountancy, taxation, payroll and advisory needs for businesses and individuals across Hampshire and the surrounding counties. With our excellent eye for detail, you can spend more time doing what you do best, run your business. Founded in 2003, Oaktree was built by our directors Sarah Robinson and Lucy Macginnis, who envisioned accounting without the jargon. They pictured a fresh, friendly and informal approach to accountancy which, in 2019, continues to put our clients at ease. We boast a diverse clientele of all shapes, sizes and industries, from young families to retired couples, from start-ups and sole traders through to partnerships and well-established limited companies. We pride ourselves on ensuring every client receives the upmost trust-worthy and professional advice tailored to their individual needs and their developing business goals. Working closely with the directors, our team strive to empower our clients and strengthen their confidence in running their business. We are committed to looking beyond the numbers so we can find them the best possible opportunities and give specialised business advice based on their accounts and projections. With our clients at the forefront of what we do, client satisfaction is integral to our work. Oaktree Accountants Ltd offer a friendly and welcoming service combined with a wealth of experience and extensive skillset to offer not just accountancy but advisory services. Contact us today for a free consultation.
(+)

Marketing

Love Andover
Andover news, events and information from Love Andover and Andover Radio. Promote your new business to the local community at a very reasonable cost.
(+)

Property

The Incuhive Space
IncuHive Spaces are the place to be for start-up and small businesses. We offer an everything under one roof approach, virtual offices and desk space rental to private offices, photo studios, in house accountants to web developers and legal experts! Join a like minded supportive community of business people! IncuHive Spaces offer business incubation and co-working centres with a creative twist, providing mentoring, investment, office space, networking and a whole host more. IncuHive Spaces are open to an unrestrained demographic, IncuHive seeks to launch the next generation of businesses across all spectrums and backgrounds. College leavers, University students and graduates or those already in the workplace looking for a change of direction; IncuHive is open to everyone. IncuHive provides a range of services to help kick start a business into profitability, from basic one to one mentoring to complete investment acceleration programs. Alongside, the start-ups can take advantage of our in-house accounting, payroll, legal, web development and much more at affordable prices exclusive to IncuHive clients. IncuHive is a business incubator at heart, although we provide a range of affordable offices space for rental to anyone interested. This said, our aim is not to fill rooms with clients, but to create a diverse and innovative business community. This is the real benefit from working in IncuHive; the buzz and excitement of the people around you. As is often said, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and we have the mix of people who will really help launch and push your business to the next level. We look forward to welcoming you to a space near you! Chandler's Ford Unit 7, Mayflower Close, Chandler's Ford Industrial Estate, SO53 4AR Southampton IncuHive Space, 182 High Street, Southampton, SO14 2BY Winchester Westgate Chambers, Staple Gardens, Winchester, SO23 8SR Basingstoke 8 Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QE New Milton IncuHive - 31-33 Compton Road, New Milton BH25 6EQ
(+)

Networking

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber is a business support organisation. We assist businesses raise their profile, get connected to new customers and contacts, keep them up to date with relevant business information and are a voice for the business community at local and national Government level. We organise over 100 events ranging from speed networking, breakfast briefings on economic issues, behind the scenes visits, and workshops that enhance your skills. Call us for chat or have a look at our website.
(+)

Online Marketing

Digital House Marketing & Design Agency
A House Full Of Digital Marketing Experts…. Here at Digital House, we all love digital marketing! We’re passionate about doing it better than anyone else. With Digital House you don’t just get a design agency, you get a whole team of digital experts supporting the growth of your business in the right direction. We understand your business with a passion. Our team are dedicated to our promise of delivering an increase of enquiries and to building your business to the next level. The combination of our expertise and the way we work is what sets us apart from others. We’re refreshingly honest and our customers stay with us because they want to – we have no tie-in clauses. Based in Tadley near Basingstoke, covering North Hampshire. Free Digital Insight Workshop Free digital insight workshop to get more from digital marketing. We take the mist away from what is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), AdWords, Social Media, E-Newsletters, Google Maps and Google My Business, giving you plenty of tips on how to make digital marketing work for you. Venue: Our offices at Heath End House, Tadley, RG26 3SD
(+)

Marketing

Let's Do Marketing
Let’s Do Marketing is a subsidiary of Let’s Do Business Group that is here to help small businesses grow through marketing. Focussed on providing affordable and accessible support to new and small businesses, they offer consultancy and marketing services that can help you to achieve your big marketing ideas. Whether you’re just starting out with a brand new business or looking to grow, we can give you the guidance to create a marketing strategy that matches your goals. Let’s Do Marketing can also provide training to help you take control of your own marketing strategy, from learning new software and tools to creating award winning campaigns! Find out more about our services https://www.letsdomarketing.co.uk/ Want to chat about how Let’s Do Marketing can help you to level up your business? Get in touch at https://www.letsdomarketing.co.uk/contact or email us at hello@letsdomarketing.co.uk!
(+)

Utilities

Rosebourne Plumbing
Dependable maintenance & repair plumbers that you can trust in Andover and the local area. We aim to be with all our customers within 24 hrs of there call.
(+)

Funding

Access business finance up to £150k
Let’s Do Business Finance offers funding to both start-up businesses and businesses wanting to grow and invest in their future. Start up finance We’re one of the official Business Support Partners of the British Business Bank and Start Up Loan Company. We can offer loans from £500 up to £25k with a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum, and that includes 12 months of free mentoring to help you get off to the best start. Could you be eligible? Find out more https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/lets-start-up Business loans Let’s Do Business Finance are able to offer business loans to help established businesses to grow. We’re accredited lenders of the Recovery Loan Scheme under the British Business Bank, and we’re able to lend from £25,001 to £150,000 on terms from 3 months to 6 years. This business finance can be used to help you secure anything from new premises, equipment, and capital, and our team can help you to assess your cash flow and finances, build your marketing strategy and more with our built-in business support which is tailored to your needs. Want to learn more about business loans, and see if you’re eligible? Visit our website https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/ or send us an enquiry https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/contact-us
(+)

Property

Basepoint Andover
Set in an attractive landscaped courtyard setting, with 70 unfurnished studios, workshops and managed offices, the Andover centre is a 27,000 sq. ft centre encompassing five buildings. Purpose-built in 2003, facilities include a full-time reception, licensees breakout area, serviced meeting rooms and a free car park. All managed offices and workshop spaces are Cat 5e wired and come complete with state-of-the-art digital phones and superfast broadband. For further information please contact Des or Wendy on 01264 326326 or email: andover@basepoint.co.uk
(+)

Marketing

Lou Ellison
I am a Marketing Manager with 18 years of experience across a variety of sectors including automotive, engineering, FMCG, retail and non-profit. I bring to the table a diverse skillset, having worked in-agency, in-house and in my own business. I can help start-ups as a sounding board for the marketing segment of their business plan, channelling their ideas into a tangible strategy, defining clear objectives and deliverables. Providing advice on identifying their ideal audience, websites, social media and advertising.
(+)

Law

Insight legal
With a commitment to delivering a first class level of customer service at the forefront of everything they do, Insight Legal provide high quality software to legal firms of all sizes. Used by professionals throughout the country, the software makes a genuine difference to a solicitors working life, streamlining processes and cutting down on costs. Find out more here.
(+)

Networking

Natural Business Network
Natural Business Network (NBN) is a friendly and relaxed business networking group where you have the chance to meet other local business owners and community members and tell them about your business and interests. Our format is very relaxed, and all types of businesses and sole traders, and individuals are welcome as well as local members of Charities, Organisations, Education, Health, Local Authorities, Construction and Business Park, Volunteer and Employment Representatives. We also aim to have regular presentations from a mixture of members and outside speakers on a variety of subjects. We are always looking for new members, (and speakers) so if you would like to come along to one of our meetings, or apply for membership for inclusion on our website then please get in touch.
(+)

Co-Working

IncuHive Andover
IncuHive Andover offers co-working and business incubation services just off the high street, within the Chantry Shopping Centre! The site provides all the normal IncuHive services across 2 floors above the shopping centre in a convenient place to drop in while in town. Chantry House, 38 Chantry Way, Andover SP10 1LS
(+)

Web design

Big Rocket
Big Rocket is a leading Web Design & Branding Agency that takes businesses to infinity and beyond. With over 10 years of experience, we are experts in taking brands to a happier, more profitable place. Big Rocket are experts in Web Design & Development, SEO, Digital Marketing E-Commerce and Branding.
(+)

Co-Working

The IncuHive Space Andover
IncuHive Andover offers co-working and business incubation services just off the high street, within the Chantry Shopping Centre! The site provides all the normal IncuHive services across 2 floors above the shopping centre in a convenient place to drop in while in town. IncuHive Andover is situated directly above the Chantry Shopping Centre on Andover High Street. There are a range of long and short stay car parks near by. There is no onsite parking at this IncuHive. As with all out spaces we are open 24/7, however if you are a non-member you will need to contact us to arrange a visit in person. The IncuHive Space, Chantry House, 38 Chantry Way, Andover SP10 1LS
(+)

Grants

Rural Net Zero Support & Grants
Test Valley Borough Council is committed to supporting business and to play its part in tackling the Climate Emergency. We need to support our businesses to meet the Net Zero challenge and to help them transition to a low carbon world. We need to do this to ensure businesses are resilient to change, be that the direct consequences of climate change or through future regulation. We need businesses to be able to meet future consumer needs and we need to provide the environment for them to learn from each other and to innovate. We have partnered with IncuHive to deliver the Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Service. This comprises: * A Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Advice Service. This aim of this Service it to assist businesses on their Net Zero journey. Businesses may all be at different stages of their Net Zero journey and so the support and advice will be specific to each business. * A small capital grants programme to support businesses making those steps. * A pilot demonstrator / support programme focussing on land management and regenerative farming. For more information please see Net Zero Business Support (incuhive.co.uk) or contact George Scott-Welsh at netzero@incuhive.co.uk.
(+)

Advice

Let's Do Business Group
With the ability to help businesses across all sectors, our team can offer business consultancy services to help you achieve your goals. The Let’s Do Business Group can provide virtual business consultancy services through our team of business professionals and quality assured consultants. Whether its developing a business plan or strategy, coaching or mentoring of senior staff and business owners, or just being a sounding board our team are here to help. We offer a free initial consultation so that we understand your needs, and you get to know us. We will then agree how we will work together and our fees – this could be from a one off session, a short support programme or a longer term project. We also have access to a range of other business specialists to help you with anything from Marketing to HR – so whatever your need, we can find a solution. Contact the team today at https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk
(+)

Grants

Community Rural England Prosperity Fund
Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has been awarded just over 500,000 of Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) money to support its rural communities and businesses. Rural areas often face specific challenges including: - lower productivity rates - poorer connectivity - poorer access to key services. The REPF supports the aims of the Governments Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure. This will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
(+)

Networking

The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive
Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.
(+)

Directories

Hampshire County Council
Visit the business section of the Hampshire County Council website to find local support, Hampshire business directory, Hampshire Ambassadors, support for rural businesses, economic facts & figures, Invest in Hampshire, find a business premises. The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UJ
(+)

Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business