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How to Start a Business in Nottinghamshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Nottinghamshire 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

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Nottinghamshire but where can it be found?

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Grants

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Local partners

Local people are starting businesses right now, and many have not yet chosen an accountant, bookkeeper, designer, web designer, premises, funding, business adviser or provider for anything else they need.

Be the one they find first - we only ever recommend one partner per trade, per area, for just £10 per year. Find out more

These local businesses have already claimed their exclusive spot and are keen to help local start-ups:

If you're considering starting a business or already running one in Nottinghamshire, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Located in the East Midlands region of England, Nottinghamshire offers a dynamic business environment with a rich history, diverse population, and thriving business sectors.

Demographics of Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire has a population of approximately 1.1 million, making it a significant county in terms of both population and economic activity. The county encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas, providing opportunities for businesses across various sectors.

Major Towns and Cities in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham : Nottingham is the largest city in Nottinghamshire, known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic landmarks, and thriving business community. With a population of over 330,000, Nottingham offers a diverse range of businesses, including retail, hospitality, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.
Mansfield : Mansfield is a market town located in the north of Nottinghamshire. With a population of around 108,000, Mansfield has a rich industrial heritage and offers opportunities for businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
Newark-on-Trent : Newark-on-Trent is a historic market town situated on the River Trent. With a population of approximately 38,000, it boasts a mix of traditional and modern businesses, including tourism, hospitality, retail, and professional services.
West Bridgford : West Bridgford is a suburban town located just south of Nottingham. With a population of around 47,000, it offers a range of local businesses, including restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and professional services.

Local Authorities in Oxfordshire

Local authorities can often help you understand the business landscape and help you access useful resources. They are responsible for numerous business related subjects and often have a department dedicated to economic development.

Nottinghamshire County Council : Nottinghamshire County Council is the primary local authority responsible for a range of services across the county. Their website provides information on business rates, planning and development, licensing, and community initiatives.
Nottingham City Council : Nottingham City Council oversees local government services in the city of Nottingham. Their website offers guidance on starting a business, licensing, planning applications, and access to business support programs.
Mansfield District Council : Mansfield District Council represents the interests of the local community and businesses in Mansfield. Their website provides information on local services, events, and business support initiatives specific to Mansfield.
Newark and Sherwood District Council : Newark and Sherwood District Council is responsible for local governance in Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. Their website offers information on business support, planning applications, and economic development initiatives.

Business Support Organisations in Nottinghamshire

In addition to the local authorities, Nottinghamshire offers access to various business support organisations that can provide valuable guidance and resources. Consider exploring the following organisations:

D2N2 Growth Hub : D2N2 Growth Hub is a comprehensive business support service covering Nottinghamshire and the wider D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area. They offer guidance on funding, skills development, networking, and business growth strategies.
East Midlands Chamber : East Midlands Chamber is a leading business support organisation representing businesses across the East Midlands region, including Nottinghamshire. They provide a range of services, including networking events, training programs, and business advice.
NBSL : NBSL is a business support agency that provides funding and expertise to help businesses grow. They offer grants, training programs, and consultancy services to support business development and innovation.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) - Nottinghamshire : FSB is a leading voice for small businesses in the UK. Their Nottinghamshire branch provides support, resources, and advocacy for small business owners in the county.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Nottinghamshire. Exploring the websites of local authorities and business support organisations will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours in Nottinghamshire!

Free Startup Guide

Download the 2026 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.

Key Contacts in Nottinghamshire

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

Nottinghamshire 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.

Web design

H22 Solutions Limited

Providing stunning, affordable website design and graphic design services for clients in Nottingham, Birmingham and the rest of the UK. Building clean, SEO friendly website designs that are easy for you and your visitors to use. We specialise in developing Magento and WordPress applications.

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Advice

First Enterprise

A leading business support organisation in the heart of Nottingham, established to support the needs of pre-start and existing business owners in Nottingham and throughout the East Midlands. FREE, impartial and confidential one-to-one support, including the provision of business advice, training, access to finance, help with business plans, help with research and identifying sources of funding and information and sign-posting to other useful organisations. FEBA can help you to take your idea from concept to reality and provide follow-up and ongoing support as your business grows.

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Geo Green Power

Geo Green Power help residential and commercial clients in the UK achieve their renewable energy goals. Whether you are investing in solar panels for your home, your office premises, warehouse or agricultural land, we are the expert energy consultants, system designers and installers for you.

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Advice

Nottinghamshire County Council

Starting and growing your business. Start-up or grow your business in Nottinghamshire by accessing support and advice from the County Council and its partners, providing your business with a competitive advantage to successfully develop and compete on a local and global basis.

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Networking

FSB Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire

FSB Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire 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: Natalie Gasson Development Manager Natalie.Gasson@fsb.org.uk

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Advice

NBV

NBV are a full member of the NFEA (National Federation of Enterprise Agencies), committed to encouraging the formation and growth of small businesses in England. All full members of the NFEA have achieved both organisational quality standards and individual standards (for their advisory staff).

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Advice

D2N2 Growth Hub

The D2N2 Growth Hub provides businesses in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire with a single point of access to business support. Our team of Growth Hub Business Advisers and our dedicated telephone enquiry service have the knowledge, skills and expertise to signpost you to the right initiatives and resources to support your business growth.

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Law

Secure Inheritance Legal Services Ltd

Protective Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning

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Crucial Environmental Ltd

Crucial Environmental are experienced in providing clients across the UK with a range of asbestos services. Working from bases in Sussex and Nottinghamshire, the team works everywhere from private homes, commercial and industrial premises, providing asbestos surveys, testing, removals and more.

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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