Find Business Grants
Banner image

Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Welcome

Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth

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

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 business advice and services that you need.

We have been helping start-ups and existing business owners in Portsmouth since 2005 and a list of key local contacts can be found below.

Starting a business in Portsmouth

Popular resources

There is plenty of help locally but where can it be found? We would love to point you in the right direction.

Click to go to
in Portsmouth

Download the 2021 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. links to key contacts such as HMRC, Companies House etc. are contained along with a useful step-by-step checklist.

Start Your Own Business in Portsmouth
Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
More Information and instant download
More Information and instant download
Starting a business in Portsmouth
Would you like to have your business featured here (only £10 per YEAR)?
Find out more information on our partnership opportunities

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.

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.
(+)
Start-Up Disruptors

Advice

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.
(+)
Solent Growth Hub

Accountancy

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.
(+)
Oaktree Accountants Limited

Advice

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.
(+)
Inspiring Enterprise

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
(+)
The Incuhive Space

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.
(+)
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

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
(+)
First Friday Network (Portsmouth)

Bookkeeping

Keeping Your Books Ltd
Hello! I am Heidi and I offer a wide range of admin services to suit you and your business needs. Helping with admin support, Social Media Management and Bookkeeping. Portsmouth based but working remotely supporting businesses throughout the whole of the UK. If you require help setting up an accounting system or need a new website then I also offer packages to suit your needs. For the business owners who require regular dedicated hours each month I have packages to suit - from just 5 hours to 40 hours per month. Why Hire a Virtual Assistant? A Virtual Assistant is such an asset to any small business, and here is why: * No tax or national insurance to pay - I pay my own * No holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions - I pay my own * No lunch or tea/coffee breaks - you only pay me for when I am working on your business * No equipment or office space or energy costs - I have my own * No salary - just pay me for the hours you need and cancel when you do not need me or when business is slow This is why hiring a Virtual Assistant instead of an employee is becoming so popular because it works out cheaper. You may think my hourly rate of £26 per hour is high but in fact it works out much cheaper in the long run because I come with no overheads, I just come with skills and knowledge to help build your empire
(+)
Keeping Your Books Ltd

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.
(+)
Enterprise Connexions 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.
(+)
Itseeze Websites Portsmouth

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
(+)
Digital House Marketing & Design Agency

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!
(+)
Portsmouth Business Exchange

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.
(+)
JCI Portsmouth

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
(+)
Cibas

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.
(+)
Invest in Portsmouth

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.
(+)
Shaping Portsmouth - Business & Enterprise

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.
(+)
Adult Enterprise Courses

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.
(+)
Portsmouth Technopole

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.
(+)
Portsmouth Business School

Web design

Big Rocket
Big Rocket is a leading Web Design & Branding Agency that takes businesses to infinity and beyond. With over 10 years of experience, we are experts in taking brands to a happier, more profitable place. Big Rocket are experts in Web Design & Development, SEO, Digital Marketing E-Commerce and Branding.
(+)
Big Rocket

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.
(+)

Networking

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
(+)

Directories

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
(+)

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.
(+)
Desktop Artists studio
Mobile Artists studio

FREE business listing in your area.

We are delighted to promote suitable businesses and organisations completely FREE of charge. Your coverage can contain: logo, company name, brief description, special offers, telephone number and link to your website.

Get My Free Listing More Information
Get My Free Listing More Information

Start-up Steps

We have created a collection of start-up steps 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 'steps' at: Startup Steps

FREE Start-up Pack

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

Startup Pack

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

Startup Pack