Start Your Own Business in Kent

If you are thinking about starting a business in Kent or would like to grow your exisiting business, you have come to the right place!

Start Your Own Business in Kent contains masses of free resources and the useful information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights local organisations who offer friendly business advice and services that you need.

Everything that you will find on the site is free or very low cost and includes our free start-up pack , a series of factsheets which cover all of the key considerations, relevant templates, links to other useful resources and our free downlodable 'Start & Grow Your Business' guide . We have been helping start-ups and exisiting business owners for the past 18 years and in Kent since 2005.

Accordingly, we have amassed an enormous amount of relevant useful business information which we are happy to share with you free of charge.

Friendly Advice

We hope that you find the site useful and wish you the very best of luck on your exciting journey. If you are unsure of where to start, we suggest that you get a feel for what is going on locally by having a look at the following pages:

Kent Business Advice Advice

Kent Business Funding Funding

Kent Business Networking Networking

Kent Business Grants Grants

Kent Business Insurance Insurance

Kent Business Mentoring Mentoring

Kent Business Marketing Marketing

Kent Commercial Property Property

Kent Website Design & SEO Website Design & SEO

If you offer services that could help local business owners, we would be happy to point them in your direction! Add your details (FREE!) here.

Kent Locations Covered

Recommended Local Partner

The Lets Do Business Group help businesses throughout the South East of England to start-up and grow through access to finance, business advice and training, as well as organising exhibitions in Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton.

We are a delivery partner for the Start Up Loans scheme and help budding entrepreneurs to launch sustainable and viable businesses, as well as running free start-up workshops in Hastings and Eastbourne.

For those established companies looking to grow and expand, we offer Business Growth Loans to those unable to access funding from the usual High Street sources and are an approved provider of the GrowthAcclerator service.

Our in-house training team specialise in leadership and management training and apprenticeships to all types of organisations, from start-ups to large multinationals.

The popular Lets Do Business exhibitions take place each year in Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton, giving companies across the region the opportunity to network, promote their services or products, make new connections and generate new business.

For more information about how the Lets Do Business Group can help your business, please call 0844 415 2272 or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk.

The Lets Do Business Group
Tel: 01424 205500
Web: http://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk

FREE Start-Up Pack

Our FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'. However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly.

Start-up checklist
Step-by-step guide
Business plan template
Personal budget planner
Cashflow forecast template
Marketing plan template
Guide to business networking
Start-up map
Web & SEO Checklist
Start-up map

Download Pack

One-time registration required but this unlocks all of the free resources on the site.

FREE Book

Start Your Own Business in Kent

This free 174 page book is packed with information and contact details designed to help you start or grow your business successfully.

We have been running SYOB for over 10 years now and have accumulated an enormous amount of information which could make the difference between success or failure.

Starting a business is easy but keeping it going and making a profit is a completely different proposition. The good news is that there are tried and tested 'rules' which have consistently proved to work.

As the old addage says 'you don't know what you don't know'!

Download Now

FREE 'Start & Grow Your Business' Book

This 2020 Edition is packed with the information that you need to start or grow a business in Kent

Overview - easy to follow step by step guide
Advice - where to find help and support
Business planning - are you ready?
Market research - is there a gap in the market?
Business set-up - choosing the right structure
Premises - work from home or premises?
Finance & funding - your funding options
Accountancy & tax - tax and VAT explained
Business networking - tips and local groups
Getting online - online marketing, social media
Employing staff - how to find and recruit
Law & insurance - the key considerations
Common mistakes - and how to avoid them
Business directory - useful contacts

You can download the whole of this 174 page book now free of charge. We are sure that you will find it both interesting and useful. The 2020 edition is packed with useful hints and tips, relevant, easy to read guides to all of the relevant subjects, real-life examples, and lots of contacts to enable you to get off to the best possible start.

Download Free copy

Start-Up Services

We are keen to see you succeed and can recommend the following...

Business Plan Review

If you have already prepared a business plan, but feel it needs a professional 'eye' to look over it before presenting it to a bank or investor, or you’re worried that it simply isn’t up to scratch, then we can help.
Find out more

Mentoring

A professional business mentor is an invaluable resource for businesses of all shapes and sizes, so stick with one and they will help you to grow from a start-up to an established business.
Find out more

Business Opportunity

Discover how you can earn a lifelong income by helping people get an all together better deal on their Gas, Electricity, Landline, Broadband and Mobile services. People like you have changed their lives!
Find out more

Start-Up Loans

We have partnered with Transmit Start-Ups to deliver the Start Up Loans scheme to UK entrepreneurs. This is a government backed scheme, providing repayable loans and mentoring to individuals in the UK with a viable business idea but no access to finance.
Find out more

Spend Your Marketing Budget Wisely

Print My Tablecloth and Harberson Ltd supply a wide range of printed tablecloths, exhibition display stands, pop up displays, pull up roller banners, and a range of embroidered tablecloths and personalised promotional items. If you are new to exhibitions and trade shows, we can help you to find the right solution to help grow your business in the direction you want it to grow.
Find out more

Kent Local Contacts

If you can help new business start ups or existing small businesses in the Kent area, we would love to promote you here free of charge. (Add Your Business)

Social Enterprise Kent

Social Enterprise Kent offers advice and support to social enterprise startups. To help you and your team develop new skills to grow your business, we also provide high-quality training in our venues in Ashford, Margate and Folkestone. Whether youre looking for courses to be compliant with the legislation and regulations, or management training to develop a high performing team, we have the courses every startup, and small business requires. From interactive one-day workshops, productive online training, to full-blown qualifications awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Mangement, you can build a skilled workforce. To chat about your latest social enterprise startup or training for your business, give us a call. Its the perfect opportunity to assess whether were right for each other. How does that sound? Lets get the conversation started today on 01227 469970.

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Muesli Mafia Cereal Networking

The Kent Invicta Chamber Muesli Mafia Ceral Networking provides an informal business 2 business networking breakfast in a congenial and relaxed atmosphere where local business people can get together, enjoy mutual fellowship, share their good news, views and discuss topics of mutual interest. Members are from all types of businesses. Events are held at the Ashford International Hotel, Mercure Maidstone and Mecure Tunbridge Wells.

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Insight Design

At Insight, were all about innovative ideas, great service and happy clients. Whether it’s graphic design, photography, or a new website, our aim is to work with you to ensure you get the results you need. Logo & identity Branding Brochures Newsletters Flyers & leaflets Posters Stationery Adverts Signage Websites SEO Google analytics Integrated social media Corporate imagery Product & lifestyle photography Staff portraits

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DP Web Development

You’ve made the decision. You’ve decided to stop talking and start DOING. Your dreams and aspirations are about to realised. You’ve waited long enough. You are nervous (the good kind) excited, you are on the verge of something BIG. Something special. This is real. You’ll need a clean, sharp, professional website design that will adapt to the future growth of your business. You’ll want a professionally designed website that puts all of the focus on you. In short you want a sharp, witty professional presence on the World Wide Web. You’re looking for someone who “gets you”. Someone who can see the big picture (as well as all the small stuff) and understands exactly where you are coming from. Someone who can make these thoughts real, make them bigger, make them shine! You’ve been dreaming of a digital design that is cutting edge, screams success, expertise, boasting boatloads of personality and above all PROFESSIONALISM. Introducing DP Web Development. I will not only make your website look good but I’ll make it work like a dream. No sloppy coding here. I’m a one stop shop for all your web needs. Contact me today! Tel: 01732 463357 Mbl: 07939 014511 Email: dougpitchers@dpwebdevelopment.co.uk

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Custom Marketing Resources

Marketing your business at every opportunity is crucial today, ensuring your potential clients instantly understand the benefits your business has to offer them. Creating a professional image and linking the different parts of your promotions to one another is not an option, it is vital. It is not surprising then, that one of the most essential areas for new and existing businesses to get right, is the area of creative design and marketing. Custom Marketing Resources are professional, experienced and qualified to provide design for marketing, printing and websites. Just take a look at this website and see for yourself - and see what others have said about Custom Marketing Resources too. Unique creativity comes from listening, asking questions, understanding and making experienced decisions to find the best solutions for your business. Skill and judgement are the major players when it comes to the art of image creation. We offer an hour long conversation about how to set up your business andor how to market your business. One call does it all - creative design, logos, ads, artwork, printing, websites, PR, copywriting, even van liveries and carrier bags if that is what you need!

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Invicta Linux Ltd

Invicta Linux are the business technology specialists, providing professional IT solutions for small businesses and startups. We provide a range of professional IT services in Kent and the south East. We specialise in professional IT solutions and packages for businesses, from startup to enterprise level. The people at Invicta Linux have a long history within the IT industry and are experts in supplying premium solutions to small and medium sized businesses, including award-winning on-premise alternatives to Microsoft.

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Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Kent Invicta Chamber is the ultimate business support network in Kent. The Chamber provides, Membership services, Business Advice, International Trade services, Representation and much more. Covering the County of Kent the Chamber is perfectly placed to promote, support and facilitate business across the Count We are the main Chamber of Commerce for Kent and the only British Chamber of Commerce affiliated chamber in Kent. We have a full range of both paid and free, local authority funded business support. Which services are free depends on which local authority you are a resident of or pay business rates in as funding varies in each Local authority. A full range of our free and paid services can be found here http:www.kentinvictachamber.co.ukbusiness-advicelocal-business-support

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Tiny Robot

Web Design, Photography & Video in one easy to swallow package. 85% of consumers are searching for local businesses online. You need to be where your clients are. Each day more of your existing and potential customers are searching on mobile devices.

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Whitefish Marketing

Welcome to Whitefish Marketing! We are a specialist Digital Marketing agency based in Kent, servicing clients throughout UK and abroad. Our core services focus on helping clients to grow traffic to their website, improve sales leads that come in, and to increase brand loyalty and retention of their existing customer base for future repeat business. We call this our ACQUISITION, CONVERSION, and RETENTION services. With our experienced team of digital marketing professionals, we know we can enhance your online visibility to increase your bottom line figures. Our marketing promise is – “we won’t accept your business unless we are 100% confident we will add value to your company”. Offering you specialist services such as: - Professional Web Design and Development - SEO (search engine optimisation) - PPC (Whitefish Marketing are an official Google PPC Partner) - Social Media Marketing - Email Marketing - Content marketing and blog writing - Digital Public Relations - and much more... We are there to provide business with a compete Multi-Channel-Marketing campaign bespoke to your needs and budget. The choice and flexibility is yours. We work remotely from our offices in Kent, but will gladly arrange face-to-face meetings as required. Our friendly and professional team will always be on hand to help Call us today for a frank and no obligation discussion to see how Whitefish Marketing can measurably help your business grow 01303 720 288.

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Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

FSB Kent & Medway

FSB Kent & Medway is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Alison Parmar Development Manager Alison.Parmar@fsb.org.uk

Into The Blue

In addition to our range of thrill-seeking adventure days, Into The Blue offers activity breaks, romantic getaways, hotel retreats, glamping holidays and city breaks. So if there's a destination on your bucket list or you've ever fancied escaping to a log cabin or tree house for a weekend, we have options to suit everyone's tastes. Our variety of breaks can all be found on our website.

South East Business Innovation & Growth

South East Business Innovation and Growth provides focused support which is designed to have a tangible and positive impact on companies in the South East of England which have the potential to innovate and grow significantly. Kent & Medway. Contact Paul Walsh. 34 Tower View Kings Hill, West Malling Kent, ME19 4UY

Kent County Council - Start a Business

This page on the kent county Council website lists some useful places to find information on how to get started.

Kent County Council - Grow Your Business

A useful section on the Kent CC website. It contains dedicated pages for: Business loans and grants; Doing business with KCC; The opportunity to sign up for email updates; Ask Phil business advice; Start a business; How to deliver services on their behalf; Business awards and events; Chambers of Commerce; Grow your business abroad; and information about the Kent and Medway Growth Hub.

Ask a Kent Librarian

If you need help with research or a library service, our librarians are here to answer your questions. You can chat with a librarian in real time or send us your question and wait for the answer. Its a bit like going into a library and asking a question in person, but can be done from your computer or mobile device. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but Kent librarians are only available Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm (excluding public holidays).

Locate in Kent

Locate in Kent provide free support for businesses to locate and grow in Kent.

Ask Phil

Kent & Medway Growth Hub offer free advice, information and guidance that will help you to start, grow or improve your business. To get things started you can either fill in a Call Back request using a form on thee page or use the Ask Phil Live Chat facility. Or you can call us using the phone number above.

Kent Invicta Chamber - Starting a Business

The Chamber Business Support team provides an extensive range of services for people starting or running a business. If you are unsure which event is right for you call us on 01233 503838 or visit our Business Advice page at: http:www.kentinvictachamber.co.ukbusiness-advice

Kent Investors Network

Arguably the biggest challenge in leaving your secure well-paid job behind and starting out on your own is funding. You have rent to pay, food to eat and a business to launch! Unfortunately, unless you’re already well off, you will need to go through a difficult phase of not earning and needing to spend money on material, coders, marketing and more. This first phase is the ‘bootstrapping’ phase. You cannot raise money on an idea or a business plan. You need a lot more. If you are seeking investment, Kent Investors Network welcomes you to get in touch. We’re also growing our investor base so if you are interested please contact christina@inen.global.

Supply My Business

Supply my Business is a community of small businesses in Kent that want to do more business locally. We are the one place where you can find all the quality local suppliers you require for your everyday business needs and at the same time supply your goods and services to help meet the needs of local businesses just like yours.

Kent Live

Kent Live covers breaking news, features, What’s On, events and sport for readers across all areas of Kent and parts of east Sussex. It has regularly attracted more than four million page views per month since its launch in 2016. Part of the Reach PLC group, our newspapers are the award winning Kent and Sussex Courier, Sevenoaks Chronicle, Isle of Thanet Gazette, Dover Express and the Folkestone Herald.

The National Centre for Micro Business

Through the NCMB you have access to practical workshops to get you in a position to better help yourself. Understand what is an entrepreneur, what it means to be your own boss – The NewMe™ and put a plan into action. Through the NCMB you have access to learning, teaching, training programmes together with practical workshops to get you in a position to help yourself.

Kent Adult Education

Have you ever considered taking a course in Business Management? From Social Media for your Small Business and Applying for Loans to Strategies for Small Businesses, whether you’re starting from the beginning or need an accredited qualification, we’ve got it covered. Improve your employability and business knowledge with a Business course from Kent Adult Education. From learning the ins-and-outs of Microsoft Office and Bookkeeping to Search Engine Optimisation and Website Development, we have the Business courses to help you achieve your goals. All of our business courses are run by tutors with extensive industry experience who will be able to help you get the most from your learning, and take away a valuable skill which will benefit you and your business.

Visit Kent

Visit Kent offers free on-site business advice as well as a range of customer care courses and training workshops.

Kent Business Advisers

We have proudly helped businesses in Kent achieve their goals and aspirations since 2005. We can provide you with the support and guidance to grow and improve your business.

Kent Excellence in Business Awards

An awards scheme staged and produced by KM Media Group and Kent County Council to recognise and reward excellence in businesses in Kent and Medway. The Kent Excellence in Business Awards have a high profile, so winning this accolade will say a lot about the quality of your organisation and the strength of your management team. These awards attract a wide range of entries from across a variety of sectors - but the winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this in their entry.

Business Vision Live

For more than a decade, Kent Vision LIVE has been helping businesses from across the South East to become more successful. As the South Easts premier business showcase, the event brings together over 3,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors every year, with the aim of creating new customer, supplier and partner relationships to make your business even better.

Kent International Business

Kent International Business (KIB) is a Kent-wide initiative which aims to encourage Kent businesses to export and access overseas markets and to provide information, advice and support to help them do so. KIB is led by Kent County Council in partnership with various business support organisations in the county. KIB is also backed by a range of commercial organisations.

Kent Online

Kent Online includes a section which contains the latest business news across Kent. There are interesting articles as well as the opportunity to advertise or promote your events.

Kent Investors Network

KIN comprises a group of experienced business people who co-invest, assist and when requested advise growing companies. Since its formation KIN has built up strong links with various institutions in Kent including Kent County Council, its enterprise investment initiatives and leading lawyers, accountants and M&A advisors in the County.

Kent County Council Business Advice Services (Trading Standards)

From start-ups and small businesses to importers and manufacturers we can help you navigate complex regulations to protect your businesses and support good customer service. We offer a free telephone consultation with one of our officers to discuss your needs. During the consultation, which can last up to 30 minutes, we will identify how we can help you. Depending on your requirements this can range from free signposting to guidance and advice tailored to your business or a full package of support. Any costs will be discussed during the consultation.

Kent & Medway Growth Hub

The Kent and Medway Growth Hub forms part of the South East Business Hub, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s overarching business support programme, which also supports local hubs in East Sussex and Essex, Southend and Thurrock. We help new and existing businesses find the most suitable type of business support available in their area.

Visit Kent - Business

As a Kent business, there is a range of support available to help you grow your business in the way that you want to.

University of Kent Hub for Innovation & Enterprise

The University of Kents business incubation and support unit is devoted to helping start-up ventures and early stage companies to increase survival rates. The Hub for Innovation and Enterprise is a purpose-built incubation space for entrepreneurship and enterprise in Canterbury and offers a professional working environment with business support to assist new businesses.

Kent International Business

International trade can help businesses grow. There has never been a better time to consider exporting. Kent International Business (KIB) is a Kent-wide initiative which aims to encourage Kent businesses to export and access overseas markets and to provide information, advice and support to help them do so. KIB is led by Kent County Council in partnership with various business support organisations in the county. KIB is also backed by a range of commercial organisations.

Thames Gateway Kent

Local authorities and other Thames Gateway Kent partners offer a range of services to support businesses in their area. The following links provide more information.

Photo of Kent courtesy of Start Your Own Business under a Creative Commons Attribution licence

Local Partner

Kent Pages

Local Partners