Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth

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

Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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:

Portsmouth Business Advice Advice

Portsmouth Business Funding Funding

Portsmouth Business Networking Networking

Portsmouth Business Grants Grants

Portsmouth Business Insurance Insurance

Portsmouth Business Mentoring Mentoring

Portsmouth Business Marketing Marketing

Portsmouth Commercial Property Property

Portsmouth 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.

Recommended Local Partner

Starting up your own business?
Would you like some free support?

Since 1981 Enterprise has been helping people start their own companies and develop their existing businesses. As a not for profit company with sponsorship from the public and private sectors we can offer free support and funding guidance.

We are also a member of the National Enterprise Network. Free, confidential, and independent advice is provided from our team of experienced accredited business advisers.

Contact us on 0845 458 7535 or e-mail us (info@enterprisefirst.co.uk) if you would like to discuss your idea with one of our advisers. This is completely free of charge and without any obligation.

Funding

Enterprise First are the Virgin StartUp loan delivery partner for the South East. If you are looking for finance to start your business please do get in touch.

Enterprise First
Tel: 01252 319 272
Web: http://www.enterprisefirst.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 Hampshire

This free 180 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 2019 Edition is packed with the information that you need to start or grow a business in Portsmouth

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 180 page book now free of charge. We are sure that you will find it both interesting and useful. The 2019 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

Portsmouth Local Contacts

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

Start-Up Disruptors

Start-Up Disruptors was founded by Becky Lodge and Laura Kenward. As female entrepreneurs starting their own businesses in 2015, they were horrified to find that lots of small business owners were being ‘ripped off’ by unscrupulous suppliers – so decided to do something about it. Having been to lots of other local events, they decided that there wasn’t one that met the unique requirements of those developing their ideas (before taking them to market), or those in the early stages of starting their own businesses and scaling up. So StartUp Disruptors was formed by 9 people in a pub. The monthly format of meeting in a pub, to discuss business issues and problems has grown from nine people to over 1,000 community members online on the Meetup platform too.

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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.

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Radian

Do you have a business idea and passion that you want to turn into a reality? Are you currently self employed and need to update your knowledge about running your business? Radian EST invite you to ‘Go Your Own Way’! See our website for more details.

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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.

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Morlan Gil

How can HR help your business move forward? Have You Ever Employed Someone You Wish You Hadn’t? If You Employ Staff From time to time you’ll have Human Resources issues. You would like the confidence and reassurance of knowing that you are legally compliant. That all of your HR policies and procedures are in place and that you are protected should problems arise. If You Have an HR Problem It clearly needs your immediate attention, but you are not sure of the best way to proceed. The way that will lead to the outcome you want, with the least cost and minimum disruption to your company. If You Run a Growing Company You need an experienced and professional Human Resources partner to whom you can outsource all of your HR responsibilities, without incurring the cost of a permanent staff member EXCELLENT SUPPORT Jim has worked with Fraser Freight for 5 years as our retained HR Adviser. In that time he has provided quality, professional support on the full range of Human resource issues form employing staff, managing performance and dealing with staff problems. He has been flexible in his approach, always giving advice based on the needs of the company. I would happily recommend him. If you are looking for HR support, you should speak to him.

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Minerva Marketing

With more than 20 years’ experience as a Marketer, mostly in small and not-for-profit organisations, Claire prides herself on having a very practical approach to marketing strategy and planning. Since taking the decision to work freelance, Claire has worked alongside clients to – amongst other things – conduct marketing audits, plan new ventures and raise social media profiles. Claire is happy to work on a retainer, project or day-by-day basis, to fit around a clients’ needs. She will also offer a free initial consultation to help scope the possibilities. “I tend to find most of the clients I work with have come to the conclusion that they might need some marketing but don’t know where to start; that’s where I come in!” Claire says. “I love to be useful and it gives me a real buzz when I can make a difference.” Claire also has an address book full of specialist contacts, so if you need to call in a web-designer, photographer or printer, she will be able to make some recommendations. Claire is a History & Politics graduate who achieved the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Postgraduate Diploma in 2001. She is a Chartered Marketer. Get in touch with Claire by email: claire@minerva-marketing.co.uk or phone: 07957 28811, or follow her on Twitter @MinervaMkting

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Inspiring Enterprise

Inspiring Enterprise helps unemployed people and graduates in North Hampshire and South West Surrey develop the skills and confidence they need to build their own business or social enterprise. We understand that starting a business or community enterprise isn’t for everyone. But we also know there are people out there who just need a chance and have what it takes to make a success of their own life or change the lives of those around them. Being a socially funded project, we are required to have a few criteria for the people and projects that can receive our support.

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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.

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First Friday Network (Portsmouth)

Businesses of all sizes are welcome, we meet to make connections, talk about our businesses and find ways of helping each other. Its a great opportunity to meet like minded people in an informal, friendly atmosphere. Come along, do some networking, and have some fun! If you understand the value of face to face networking - come along - if you havent yet experienced it - come along - its informal, friendly and people do business! There is no prior booking, no registration, no fees and no pressure! Please pass these details on to anyone who you feel will benefit from our great networking groups. Everybody is welcome! Bring plenty of business cards and some promotional material and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this unstructured networking group. Contact: Alan Lowe Portsmouth City Council alan.lowe@portsmouthcc.gov.uk Venue: Portsmouth Enterprise Centre Quartremaine Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5QT

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Enterprise Connexions Portsmouth

We meet at the Gatcombe House Hotel @ (Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Portsmouth, PO3 5EJ ) 6.30am to 9.00am Tuesdays biweekly Attendance fee for this business meeting is £15.00, which includes a breakfast. Our business meetings are structured for business owners who understand the benefits of successful collaboration and being part of a team. During our meeting, you will have the opportunity to introduce your business to your prospective sales team through an elevator pitch for 60 seconds. Our existing members intuitively understand the value of a virtual expert support network. They know it helps their own clients, and to furthers their own business objectives. If these concepts chime with your own business philosophy, come along to one of our business meetings hosted by Enterprise Connexions and experience first-hand, how being part of such a business group can enhance your business.

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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 Book now: http:www.digitalhousemd.co.ukdigital-insight-booking

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Support on the Spot Limited

If its Phones, PCs, Laptops, Software or IT Support you need to operate, our combined IT Service helps any mission critical business remove the stress

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BNI Hampshire

BNI is a professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. With over 7,800 chapters, and 211,000 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world and has been for over 32 years. Once you have joined, there is no conflict in passing leads, and none of your competitors can participate! Here is what some of our members say: “I was amazed to make my annual membership fee back within a month of joining BNI” HR, Southampton “17 years of BNI membership and I am still getting 55% of my business from it” Accountant, Fleet “A member from BNI in New Zealand contacted me to do some work for them on a house in Havant they had been left and wanted to sell. It turned in to 10 more referrals for my fellow members” Gardening Company, Romsey When starting my own business, I missed the support I used to get from my employer and colleagues. My BNI Chapter are now like my family - they motivate, inspire, encourage and challenge me. Therapist, Fareham

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Continuum

We are an established local firm of accountants who have served the small business community in Hampshire and the surrounds for many years. We deal exclusively with start up and young, growing businesses and have over 100 years of combined experience in this field. Consequently, we have little doubt that you will conclude we know all there is to know when it comes to providing sound advice and services to new entrepreneurs covering bookkeeping, accounting, business tax, company tax, VAT, payroll and all other relevant financial and corporate matters. What neither you or we know though is the most important thing of all - are we the type of people and personalities youd be happy to have on your team? Why not judge for yourself by meeting us for a free initial consultation; its the only way to find out and it wont cost you anything!

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Portsmouth Business Exchange

The Portsmouth Business Exchange network group meets every Wednesday morning at the Portsmouth Harbour Yacht Club at Port Solent Marina. The venue, just past David Lloyds leisure centre on the right, is modern and comfortable and on bright summer mornings, the group has held networking activities on the quayside which provides an invigorating start to the day!

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JCI Portsmouth

Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global network for young people in their 20s and 30s. We are present in more than 100 countries and have almost 200,000 members across the world. Meeting on a regular basis for fun and friendship, we run many inspiring events and projects with our members.

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Cibas

Since 2006, Cibas has helped more than 600 artists and creative businesses with one-to-one advice and guidance. In the same period, more than 2,000 individuals have accessed Cibas training, networking and continuing professional development opportunities.Cibas, Purple Door, University of Portsmouth, 28 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD. Tel: 023 9284 6232

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Invest in Portsmouth

A site dedicated to helping businesses who are planning to relocate or move premises in the Portsmouth area. The area is represented by The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (Solent LEP) and the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH). They can help you find the right commercial property or site, identify funding and incentives as well as assistance with recruitment and training.

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Shaping Portsmouth - Business & Enterprise

Shaping the Future of Portsmouth is an organisation made up of local business people who have combined their skills and experience to help improve the commercial landscape of the area. The Business & Enterprise Group has been set up to support small business start-ups and to help them grow. This includes offering workshops and networking opportunities in the city.

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Adult Enterprise Courses

Highbury College, based in Cosham, offers a number of adult courses which may help with your start-up plans. Of specific interest may be the Level 2 First Steps To Enterprise. This will give you a basic understanding of some of the key subjects like maketing, legal and finance.

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Portsmouth Technopole

You may well have seen the Portsmouth Technopole as you drive into the city via the M275. As an innovation centre, it can offer you: office space, virtual offices, and meeting rooms. They are always happy to hear from enterprising companies who are starting up and are looking for business premises.

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Portsmouth Business School

Would you like to learn more about business? Portsmouth Business School offers full and part time, postgraduate and MBA courses. It also undertakes research and prides itself on being approachable if local businesses are in need of advice.

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Solent LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (Solent LEP) is led by the business community and supported by four university partners, the further education sector, three unitary authorities, eight district councils, one county council and the voluntary and community sector, all of whom are actively working together to secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Solent area.

FSB Wessex

FSB Wessex 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: Neil Eames Development Manager Neil.Eames@fsb.org.uk

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

Network Pompey Business Club - Network My Club

Powered by Portsmouth FCs Business Club Partner, Network My Club, Network Pompey offers quality monthly networking in Portsmouth, a host of exciting benefits to members, and the opportunity to showcase their business at Fratton Park.

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

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