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How to Start a Business in Portsmouth

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

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How to Start a Business in Portsmouth

Starting a business in Portsmouth

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

Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth

Download the 2025 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.
More Information and instant download
More Information and instant download

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

Portsmouth, known for its rich maritime heritage, thriving cultural scene, and strategic location, offers an excellent environment for startups and established companies alike.

Demographics

Portsmouth, located on the south coast of England, is a bustling city with a population of over 238,100 residents (as of 2021). The city is known for its diverse community, with a mix of students, military personnel, and professionals. This diversity contributes to a vibrant and innovative atmosphere, making Portsmouth an ideal place to start and grow a business.

Major Suburbs

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

  1. Southsea: Located to the south of the city center, Southsea is a popular seaside destination with a vibrant cultural scene. It offers a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an attractive location for businesses catering to locals and tourists alike.
  2. North End: Situated north of the city center, North End is a bustling commercial area with a diverse range of businesses. It's known for its shopping district, which attracts residents from across the city and surrounding areas.
  3. Port Solent: Positioned on the northern outskirts of Portsmouth, Port Solent is a marina complex with a mix of residential, retail, and leisure facilities. It offers a unique waterfront setting and attracts visitors from both land and sea.
Local Authority

Portsmouth 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:

Portsmouth City Council - Business

Business Support Organisations

Portsmouth 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. Hampshire Chamber of Commerce: As a well-established business support organisation, the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for local businesses.
  2. StartUp and Thrive Portsmouth: Creating a thriving and competitive business start-up environment by making Portsmouth a great place to start, grow and locate a business in the UK. To be the best place to get localised, create Portsmouth based information and resources to help businesses to start up and thrive.
  3. Portsmouth Technopole: Portsmouth Technopole is a technology-focused innovation center offering flexible workspace, business support, and collaboration opportunities for tech startups and established companies.

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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth!

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Portsmouth Enterprise Centres
First Friday Network (Portsmouth)
Tri-Synergy
Steve Hughes Photography
Quilter Financial Advisers

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!

Local help for startups

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

Select classification:

Business advice in a group

Advice & Support
An accountant with calculator

Accountancy
A bookkeeper at work

Bookkeeping
Coworkers desks

Co-Working
Bank of England

Funding
Photo of a piggy bank

Grants
A mentor with group

Mentoring
Networking group talking

Networking
A view of a smart office

Office Services
Online marketing graphic

Online Marketing
A web designer at desk

Web Design
A nice place to work

Workplaces

Latest articles

You don't know what you don't know!

The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles
Starting a business in Portsmouth

Key Contacts in Portsmouth

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

Portsmouth 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.

Start-Up Disruptors

Networking

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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The Incuhive Space

Property

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

Networking

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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Hampshire Growth Hub

Advice

Hampshire Growth Hub
The Hampshire Growth Hub is dedicated to empowering businesses across Hampshire to thrive and accelerate their growth. Our mission is to provide expert guidance, valuable resources, and tailored one-to-one support to help you navigate the challenges of running a business and embrace new opportunities to grow.
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Itseeze Websites Portsmouth

Web design

Itseeze Websites Portsmouth
Affordable bespoke websites, perfect for Start-Up businesses and freelancers, over 630 reviews on TrustPilot. Local personal support for both creating the content, and ongoing help, easy to self-edit (hence our name), optimised for SEO and mobile friendly.
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Digital House Marketing & Design Agency

Online Marketing

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

Marketing

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

IT

Century IT Services
Looking for help with your IT for your Startup or Small Business? Are you looking for Technology Service that assists you, and grows with your business when you need it? Does your business need Cyber Essentials accreditation to bid for certain types of Contracts or maintain your business supply chain? Are you looking for a flexible, no obligation IT service? We have a helped many start-ups and small businesses with their IT needs, with IT Services that are adaptive, and grow as your business grows. We have experience and expertise in many areas, to name a few: • Microsoft 365 • Business Cloud Solutions • Business Email • Mobile or Remote Working • VoIP Business Telephones & phone lines • Supply and Installation of Computer, Laptops Printers • Data Backups & Recovery • Microsoft Servers Installation & Support • Help with getting your business working from a mobile phone or tablet • GDPR Requirements Century IT Services offer advice on a wide variety of Business IT Services. And offer Free No Obligation Quotes with transparent pricing. For peace of mind, our IT Help Desk can offer your business an inclusive IT Support Package, for your day-to-day IT questions and issues for a fixed, monthly low cost. We also offer an IT Drop-In Service for the repair of laptops or Computers. Our typical customer tends to prefer their IT Provider to be consistent, friendly, approachable and accessible with a great Customer Service focus. Century IT Services are an established IT Services Company. We are based in Southampton, and offer a friendly, local, cost-effective service for Startups and Small Businesses
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DB Fire Ltd

Directory

DB Fire Ltd
DB Fire Ltd is a local fire safety consultant who offers type 1 fire risk assessments to local businesses. DB Fire Ltd has many years experience in the retail sector including licensed trade along with hotels and shops and offices. Also experienced in FRA's in blocks of flats if required from local flat management companies.DB Fire Ltd is a graduate member of the IFE (GIFireE) and on the life safety risk assessors register and a member of the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (MIFSM). Please contact via phone or email: db_fire@hotmail.com
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King's Trust - Hampshire

Advice

King's Trust - Hampshire
On Enterprise, youll develop the skills and knowledge youll need to launch and grow your business, thanks to free, flexible training and mentoring from business experts. Throughout Enterprise, youll have opportunities to apply for Start Up funding to cover start up costs and grow your business.
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Access business finance up to £150k

Funding

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

Networking

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

Financial Service

Quilter Financial Advisers
I am a Self-Employed Financial Adviser working for Quilter Financial Advisers. I have over 18 years in Financial services having worked across a range of companies from High Street banks to specialist SME's. I can help business owners find the most suitable ways to plan for the future, whilst protecting themselves against the unexpected. Contact me now for a free consultation. Approved Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited 6th July 2023 David Waters- ACSI Quilter Financial Advisers Mobile – 07481 969048 Email – David.waters@quilterfa.com Website - David Waters | Quilter - https://www.quilter.com/financial-advice/adviser-directory/david-waters
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Solent Growth Partnership

Advice

Solent Growth Partnership
Made up of the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton Councils, the Solent Growth Partnership offer a range of fully-funded, high-quality training, and business support services across the region.
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Portsmouth Business Exchange

Networking

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

Networking

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

Design

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

Advice

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

Advice

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

Education

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

Property

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

Education

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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Trading Standards - Hampshire

Advice

Trading Standards - Hampshire
The website offers a number of free resources but they also support businesses by offering some chargeable services on a cost recovery basis. The minimum charge for a service is half an hour, regardless of whether the full half hour is used, thereafter the charge is in quarter hour units. The standard turnaround time for enquiries is 10 working days.
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Enterprise Connexions Portsmouth

Networking

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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Let's Do Business Group

Advice

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

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

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.
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Networking

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.
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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

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