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How to Start a Business in Liverpool

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Liverpool

Starting a business in Liverpool

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

Start Your Own Business in Liverpool 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 Liverpool

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!

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or considering expanding your existing business to this vibrant city, you've come to the right place.

Liverpool, known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving music scene, and entrepreneurial spirit, offers an excellent environment for startups and established companies alike.

Demographics

Liverpool, located in the northwest of England, is a diverse and dynamic city with a population of over 500,000 residents (as of 2021). The city is known for its welcoming community, vibrant student population, and a range of industries including creative, digital, and maritime sectors. This diversity contributes to a thriving business ecosystem, making Liverpool an ideal place to start and grow a business.

Major Suburbs

Liverpool is made up of several distinct suburbs, each offering unique opportunities for businesses. Some of the major suburbs include:

  1. Liverpool City Centre: The heart of the city, Liverpool City Centre is a bustling area with a mix of retail, entertainment, and professional services. It's a prime location for businesses looking to establish a presence in the city.
  2. Aigburth: Situated south of the city center, Aigburth is a leafy suburban area known for its green spaces and Victorian architecture. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, attracting businesses catering to local residents.
  3. Wirral Peninsula: Located across the River Mersey from Liverpool, the Wirral Peninsula is a diverse area with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. It provides a range of business opportunities across various sectors.
Local Authority

Liverpool City Council is the local authority responsible for the administration and development of the city. Their website provides valuable resources and information for businesses, including licensing, planning permission, and economic development initiatives. You can access the business section of their website for specific guidance and support:

Liverpool City Council - Business

Business Support Organisations

Liverpool offers a range of support organisations and initiatives to assist entrepreneurs and businesses. Here are some notable organisations you can turn to for assistance:

  1. Liverpool Chamber of Commerce : As a well-established business support organisation, the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for local businesses.
  2. Enterprise Hub : The Enterprise Hub offers business support services, workshops, and mentoring for startups and established businesses in Liverpool.
  3. Merseyside ACME
  4. : Merseyside ACME provides support and funding opportunities for creative and digital businesses in Liverpool. They offer mentoring, access to workspace, and business development programmes.

Whether you need advice on business planning, funding options, or want to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, these organisations can provide the support you need to succeed.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into various aspects of starting a business in Liverpool. From understanding local regulations and licensing requirements to exploring the city's vibrant business community, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in Liverpool's entrepreneurial landscape.

So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and discover what it takes to build and grow a successful business in Liverpool!

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 on Merseyside

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 Liverpool

Key Contacts in Liverpool

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

Liverpool 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

One Economy
Starting your business? You may be simply thinking about starting a new business in the coming weeks or months, or you may have already fully committed to the journey. Whatever stage you are at, you need to ensure that you have the right planning, strategies and systems in place to ensure you are on the right track from the onset. Our professional advisers can help you with: Business structures, Incorporation of the business, Business growth and planning, Financial management, Marketing strategies Through the Business Start Up Programme you can access: * Bespoke, one-to-one support to start your business. * Access to specialist guidance, knowledge and expertise * Accredited advisers who understand all forms of business and enterprise * Assistance to access suitable forms of funding to support your ambitions Depending upon your location, grant funding may be available so your business start-up support is free of charge. Such support is dependent upon grant funding eligibility at the time of application.
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Accountancy

Oakes Accounting
Offering a personal and professional accounting and bookkeeping service for the small business and self-employed. We make accounting simple and provide an online UK wide accountancy service for one FIXED MONTHLY FEE, with no hidden extras. Free software and advice. No time consuming meetings necessary.
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Networking

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is the authentic voice of business in Liverpool, connecting businesses to enable them to thrive together. Trusted since 1850, it is centred on representing the interests of its members and the wider business community, now and for the future, providing a voice for businesses from start-ups to multi-nationals across every sector. Backed by national and international expertise, the Chamber is a powerful opinion leader on the major issues affecting its membership, beyond Brexit to the Northern Powerhouse and the Northern connectivity agenda. The Chamber and its members are passionate about achieving positive change that transcends every sector; in trade, transport and talent - lobbying for improved connectivity, creating a better skilled workforce and attracting inward investment into our City Region. With unparalleled knowledge sharing, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is cultivating business communities. At round tables, masterclasses and through peer to peer engagement, the Chamber connects members with inspiring voices, the thought-leaders shaping the future world of work and the opinion formers shaping our city. Regionally, the Chamber delivers international trade expertise - stimulating export growth for our businesses and helping drive investment into the city. Through the Quarterly Economic Survey it provides the most comprehensive and respected insight into business sentiment in the region and across the UK. Number One Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9HG Tel: 0151 227 123
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Advice

Citizens Advice Knowsley - Business Start Up
Citizens Advice Knowsley have entered a new partnership with Enterprise Hub, the enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Merseyside. What is Enterprise Hub? Enterprise Hub offers expert advice and support to local residents who are thinking of starting a business or becoming self-employed, bringing together expert community organisations from across the Liverpool City region.
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Advice

Liverpool City Council Business Support and Advice
Business support and advice. This page on the Liverpool City Council's website contains details of a number of organisations and services are on hand to help you start or grow your business.
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Advice

Invest Sefton
InvestSefton in Partnership with the Enterprise Hub offers Start Up support to Sefton residents. Enterprise Hub is the enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Liverpool City Region. Offering expert advice and support to anyone who is thinking about starting a business. Whether you are considering your self-employment options or have a clear business idea and are ready to receive guidance to start, get in touch with the Enterprise Hub team who can link you to local support to guide you through your journey.
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Networking

real 5 Networking Liverpool Group
This is your opportunity to be part of the most innovative business networking group in Liverpool. Specifically designed for selected business owners and entrepreneurs in the Liverpool area, the Real5 Networking wants to help maximise your profits through opening new revenue streams, creating new business opportunities, and giving you the opportunity to work with like-minded forward-thinking individuals in a refreshing no-nonsense business group. Being a member of real5 networking will provide you with all-inclusive access to a wide variety of products, deals and service such as: Profit share on referrals More new business Increased buying power Business strategy support Investment opportunities Major retail discounts For more information, contact us about membership and be part of something special.
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Advice

Liverpool BID Company
iverpool BID Company is a private, not-for-profit organisation, working on behalf of our 1,500 BID Levy Payers in Liverpool across two BIDs (Business Improvement Districts): Retail & Leisure BID and Commercial District BID. A BID (Business Improvement District) is a designated zone (BID Area) in which businesses (BID Levy Payers) benefit from a wide range of additional services over and above those funded through the standard commercial rates and council services. Constituted by UK law in 2004, a BID is a powerful, independent voice representing the interests of a varied community of organisations, committed to working together to ensure that the area continues to progress whilst providing the best possible trading and working environment for its occupiers.
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Funding

MSIF
Investment & Support for the Liverpool City Region and the North West MSIF provides a wide range of funding to businesses across the North West, predominantly in the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas. Funding is available from as little as £500 right up to £2 million+ for a variety of business needs including start-ups, expansions, acquisitions and management buy outs/buy ins. Established in 1994, we are a local, independent organisation which is not bound by national policy - all lending decisions are made here in Liverpool. Our experience and knowledge of the unique characteristics of the region means we understand the business community here and don’t conform to a “one size fits all” approach. MSIF is a not-for-profit organisation; all returns on investment go back into the fund to be re-invested in local businesses. We work closely with banks and other lenders. Sometimes this is because their customers don’t fit their criteria and they are referred to us to see if we can help, or to put together joint funding packages where one or both parties can’t commit the full amount. We also work with corporate finance advisors, accountants and other professionals to put together investments for their clients.
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Advice

Virgin Startup - How I started a business in Liverpool.
Liverpool is a former European Capital of Culture, and a city with a long and vibrant history that stretches back hundreds of years. It's no wonder then that it's home to some really exciting businesses. But what's it like to start a business there? We ask a Virgin StartUp business to share their top tips.
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Advice

Startups.co.uk - Starting a business in Liverpool
Startups.co.uk, the UK’s leading independent, online resource for anyone starting and growing a business and they have a page dedicated to starting a business in Liverpool.
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Networking

FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire & Wigan
FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire & Wigan 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: Phil McCabe Development Manager Phil.McCabe@fsb.org.uk
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Advice

Liverpool Business and Intellectual Property Centre
Based on the first floor of Central Library, the Business and Intellectual Property Centre can support you if you're looking to start or grow your business. From taking those first steps to successfully launching and developing a business, you will find people and business resources here to help you.
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Advice

Together For Liverpool For Good
Is there a need in your community that nobody is solving? Maybe it’s time to do it yourself. Then again, maybe it isn’t… There are lots of questions to answer before deciding to set up a new organisation. What’s the best legal structure? Which structure can get what funding? Why do people keep talking about constitutions? At LCVS, we provide training, advice and support to launch your new organisation. We can help you with: Proving the need for your organisation – to yourself and to your funders Choosing the right legal structure, draft legal documents, and liaise with relevant statutory agencies Business planning – developing your business case and/or strategic plan Identifying and applying for appropriate start-up funding Advice on appropriate systems, policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and good governance Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services 151 Dale Street Liverpool L2 2AH Call Us: 0151 227 5177
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Networking

North Liverpool Business Forum
The North Liverpool Business Forum is an informal breakfast meeting for local businesses from all industry sectors providing you with an opportunity to network with other members of the business community. We are a friendly local group of business people who meet once a fortnight over breakfast to talk, learn from one another, share ideas and contacts. Our meeting format is welcoming and informal and provides an opportunity to make contact and spend time building those all important business relationships. As North Liverpool moves into a new era of development with many new projects already underway, there is no doubt that it will mean increased employment, new public and private investment and boost business competitiveness. Through NLBF you can meet the people to help you build your business and benefit from key links with Liverpool City Council. The meetings provide knowledge on the regeneration of the area with key decision makers from the public, private, voluntary and community sector regularly visiting the group to keep you up to date with information and advice about partnering and procurement opportunities.
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Bookkeeping

A2B Bookkeeping Services
Our aim in business is to take away the hassle of worrying about your business finances by providing you with a Bookkeeping Service which you can trust. If you are not happy with the service you are given we offer a 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Whether you are a new or established small business, it is highly important to keep expenses to a minimum. Profits will happen eventually but often not within the first few months of opening. Some business owners will try to cut costs by not hiring a bookkeeper. Instead they will get admin staff to manage their financial records. Although expenses are reduced in the short term this could be a mistake. Off-the-shelf accounting software may be easy to buy but it isn’t necessarily easy to use – properly. By hiring A2B Bookkeeping Services you will avoid some mistakes listed below. 1. Invoicing Incorrectly Incorrect invoicing may entail a lot of extra time reconciling your products sold or services rendered, thus resulting in inability to collect from your customers on time. Also, if not done on time, invoicing can strain your cash flow. A2B Bookkeeping Services will ensure that invoices are correct and prepared in a timely manner. They can also monitor “aging of accounts” to make sure that receivables are collected from customers on time. 2. Unknowingly Missing Deadlines There are specific dates for filing your taxes and other requirements to the government. Missing a date, no matter how unintentional, can cost you penalties and other charges. With A2B Bookkeeping Services, the only thing that you have to worry about is getting all the pertinent information to them on time. They’ll take care of the rest. 3. Incorrectly Classifying Items for Taxation Purposes Tax laws are revised and updated periodically. What is classified as an item under a particular tax bracket or rule may change. A2B Bookkeeping Services are always abreast with the latest tax rules. They also have a clear understanding of items that may be tax deductible for your business. Trust A2B Bookkeeping Services and take advantage of their knowledge. In the long run you will save money and headaches. 4. Lack of Know-How in Using Accounting Software Inaccuracies in handling the accounting side of the business can potentially lead to more losses than you think – Not to mention government penalties. It sounds obvious, but accounting software works best if the correct data is inputted. What you put into the system, is proportionate to the output. A2B Bookkeeping Services understands this perfectly. The advantage for you as a client is that you don’t have to worry at the end of your fiscal year. Ensuring proper handling of your company’s bookkeeping needs is paramount to your business success. Don't delay, call TODAY.
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Advice

Liverpool City Council - Business support and advice
Liverpool City Council's website has a section dedicated to business support. Coronavirus - support for businesses and employers: Measures to help businesses - business rates discounts, loan schemes, cash grants, ‘time to pay’ tax arrangements and more. Pay an invoice: Pay an invoice to the council using our secure e-payments system. Business information service: A host of information and research resources from our specialist unit based at Central Library. Payroll and Pension Service: Whether you're a local authority or school, our highly skilled and accredited team provide a fully compliant and secure end to end payroll and pension service. Health and safety: You must ensure that your business meets the necessary health and safety standards and procedures. Advertise your business: Advertise your business in Liverpool by using space on selected roundabouts or on our citybike fleet and stations. Business Growth Programme: Support for existing businesses who have the potential to grow and create jobs. Liverpool Chamber of Commerce: The voice of Liverpool's business community locally, nationally and around the world. Business continuity: What would happen if your business suffered a major interruption? Are you prepared? Brexit - Support for businesses: A regional Brexit Council has been set up to represent the private and public sectors across the city region. Filming in Liverpool: Application process. location database and how to register your property for film use.
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Networking

Liverpool Ladies Network
LLN is a not-for-profit business network for professional women working within Liverpool and the City Region. We hold five lunches per year and our purpose is to provide a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment where like-minded women can meet new contacts, build new relationships and develop new business within Merseyside. As senior professionals and business owners our members are at the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant and thriving business community. LLN is ran by a voluntary committee of local female professionals committed to the economic development of our member’s businesses. We do not currently charge a membership fee; simply pay for the events you wish to attend.
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Advice

Invest Sefton
InvestSefton in Partnership with the Enterprise Hub offers Start Up support to Sefton residents All enquiries call Dom or Sharon on 0151 934 3452 or email investsefton@sefton.gov.uk Enterprise Hub is the enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Liverpool City Region. Offering expert advice and support to anyone who is thinking about starting a business
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Advice

Startups - Starting a business in Liverpool
Startups is a leading website dedicated to supplying useful information to anyone thinking about starting a business. Startups was founded over 20 years ago by a serial entrepreneur and the site contains a page dedicated to the Liverpool area.
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Advice

Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid has extensive experience of delivering business start-up programmes across the UK. Our programmes include not only the general start-up advice essential for all entrepreneurs, but also in-depth training on key business issues for high growth start-ups and young businesses. Our experience in delivering start-up support as lead accountable body, delivery partner and sub-contractor has also allowed us to develop a tried and tested implementation process. This ensures that we can not only provide a rapid roll-out of support services but can do so using processes and procedures that are compliant with the most stringent monitoring and audit requirements including ERDF/ESF compliance.
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Advice

Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership
The Liverpool City Region LEP is Liverpool City Region’s primary economic development company, and the most innovative of its kind in the country.
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Accountancy

DSG Chartered Accountants
DSG Chartered Accountants are on hand to help you through the start up process, offering advice on the right business structure for you, producing a business plan, applying for finance and well make sure you remain complaint with HM Revenue and Customs.
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Networking

Liverpool Business Forum
iverpool Business Forum is a group of business owners that work together to develop relationships and leads for one another’s businesses. We consider ourselves to be Like a Business Family that is LBF. Collectively we are a powerful group that can lobby for more opportunities to work within the private and public sectors. We work collaboratively within a trusted environment and the local economy for the betterment of the forum and the local community. We recommend and develop business referrals based on trust and recommendations.
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Directory

Cosey Homes
Cosey Homes are an established firm of Chartered Surveyors for residential and commercial property across the UK. Our building expertise, independent judgement and quality of reporting will help you get the most out of your domestic or commercial property investment. Contact us today.
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Networking

St Helens Chamber
St Helens Chamber is a large and dynamic social enterprise, with a long history of helping the business community create prosperity and opportunity in and around St Helens. We are a unique organisation which has have moved beyond the typical Chamber of Commerce model into a private-sector led not-for-profit, that works with local businesses, partners and the community to contribute to growth and regeneration. St Helens Chamber, Salisbury Street, Off Chalon Way, St Helens. WA10 1FY
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Networking

BNI Merseyside
BNI - The World's Leading Business Networking and Referral Organisation Come and Meet Us: The best way to find out about BNI is to visit a chapter. Click here to find out more about what to expect. Come and visit and see why BNI is the world's largest business networking and referral organisation. BNI Works : Last year the members of BNI UK reported income in excess of £521 million in new business! Globally, the 270,000 members of BNI passed over 12.2 million referrals which resulted in more than $16.7 billion in business. Givers Gain: Givers Gain is the core principle of BNI and is lived throughout the membership.
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Online Marketing

LMNts Marketing
LMNts Marketing is a full service digital marketing agency in the heart of Cheshire, right between Liverpool and Manchester. Our superpower is that we take our time to understand your business and your goals so we can find the right lead generation methods. We offer an exclusive service called Marketing SWOT, which is great for startups. A marketing SWOT gives you a 360 overview of your market, customer behaviour and preferences, as well as your competition. We come up with suggestions on how to enter a market or improve your marketing strategy. Our services include:Website designCopywriting and content managementSocial media marketing Search engine optimisationLead generation and sales funnel developmentMarketing strategy developmentPaid Facebook ads managementYouTube channel management LinkedIn lead generationIn house marketing trainingMarketing coaching for business ownersIn the past few years, our marketing agency got all-round 5-star reviews on Clutch, DesignRush, Google My Business, Facebook, and other directories. We have also picked up a B2B award from Clutch and a Best Digital Marketing Agencies UK award from DesignRush this year. Get in touch to arrange a chat with one of our startup specialists.
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Advice

The Womens Organisation
If you have a great idea for a new business, The Women’s Organisation is here to help. Everyone’s journey is different, from the exciting light bulb moment of initial inspiration, to the many milestones along the way towards actually starting your own business. We can help you with a bespoke plan to suit your personal circumstances and experience, which will give your new business the very best chance of success. So talk to us today about your big idea, and let’s get your business ball rolling.
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Advice

Business 4 Beginners
Business 4 Beginners offers free advice for startups in the UK. Their website contains a page dedicated to Liverpool and the surrounding area.
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Advice

Centre for Entrepreneurship
Nurturing talent and empowering entrepreneurs Since launching in 2003, we've helped kick-start more than 300 businesses. Are you curious to find out more about starting up your own business? Perhaps you have an idea that you want to explore – or maybe you’re ready to launch your venture right now? Whatever stage of the process you’re at, the Centre for Entrepreneurship is here to support you. If you are a current LJMU student or a recent LJMU graduate (within the last five years) looking to start your own business, become self-employed or work as a freelancer – then LJMU’s Centre for Entrepreneurship is the place to make it happen. We’re a dedicated team of enterprise professionals with a wide range of work-based and start-up experience, committed to helping you explore and develop your ideas, turning them into reality.
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Funding

MSIF
Investment & Support for the Liverpool City Region and the North West. MSIF provides a wide range of funding to businesses across the North West, predominantly in the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas. Funding is available from as little as 3k right up to 2 million+ for a variety of business needs including start-ups, expansions, acquisitions and management buy outs/buy ins.
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Networking

Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce
Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce exists to create business. We commit that we will develop and grow more than 60 businesses every year through Spark Up, our private-sector funded accelerator programme for entrepreneurs Address: Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce ,Number One Old Hall Street,Liverpool,L3 9HG
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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.
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Advice

Alt Valley Business Start Up Support
Starting a new business can be daunting. Whether going self-employed, opening a new company or starting a new social enterprise, the skills and planning necessary to ensure a new venture is strong and successful can often seem overwhelming. Alt Valley Community Trust has been supporting new businesses for over seven years. Through two major European Union part-funded projects, Making Business Work and Enterprise Hub, we have worked with over 4,000 businesses, assisting from starting up to helping them grow. We now provide tailored support for those living in Croxteth, Old Swan, Dovecot, Knotty Ash, and Yew Tree areas of the city. Alt Valley Community Trust, Altcross Road, Croxteth, Liverpool L11 0BS
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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