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How to Start a Business in Winchester

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Winchester

Starting a business in Winchester

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

Start Your Own Business in Winchester 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 Winchester

Local help for startups

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

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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.

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!

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.

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.

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in Winchester

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 Winchester

Key Contacts in Winchester

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

Winchester 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

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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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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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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Financial Service

Premier Mortgage Associates
Premier Mortgage Associates, your trusted Mortgage & Protection experts. We specialise in providing exceptional service to our clients, making their dreams of homeownership a reality. With a dedicated team of experts and a wide range of services, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you find the perfect mortgage solution for your needs.
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Online Marketing

Blue Gecko Digital
Web development and digital marketing services designed for sole traders, start-ups and SME's.
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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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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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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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Networking

WIN @ Cafe Winchester (Winchester Informal Networking)
Do you run a business in Winchester, or are you thinking of setting up?? Come along to our FREE business networking club at Cafe Winchester, between 9am - 11am on the third Thursday of every month. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS EXCLUSIVE TO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES BASED IN WINCHESTER, UK. We are an informal group, keen to meet with like minded business owners to share and support the local area. The events are held every month and are FREE to attend. All that we ask is that you purchase your own drinks andor food, as required.
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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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Opportunities

Winchester Job Centre
Amazing opportunities for businesses. Kickstart scheme 18-24's, 6 month government funded working placement with no cost to the employer!Advertise job vacancies for free on our Job website!Use our facilities for free to hold interview days!Take advantage of our Sector Based Work programs which require commitment from a candidate before reaching your interview process.Attend our job fairs for FREE!
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Law

Insight legal
With a commitment to delivering a first class level of customer service at the forefront of everything they do, Insight Legal provide high quality software to legal firms of all sizes. Used by professionals throughout the country, the software makes a genuine difference to a solicitors working life, streamlining processes and cutting down on costs. Find out more here.
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Insurance

Konsileo
Konsileo are disrupting the insurance broking industry and for good reason! We are an Award-Winning Chartered Commercial Insurance Broker, providing a range of specialist insurance products to businesses across the UK. With Konsileo, you don't just get an insurance broker, you get a risk partner and business adviser, someone to guide you through the complexities that otherwise seem daunting. Using sophisticated, inhouse technology, we work in a collaborative way, using state of the art platforms to streamline our brokers administration. This essentially means less office administration for our brokers, so that they can fully focus on providing you with the exceptional insurance and risk mitigation services that you and your business deserve. We have experienced brokers all over the UK, specially trained to work on commercial business insurance and risk management in a wide selection of industry sectors Wed love for your business to join us and become part of the Konsileo family. Below we've listed some of the industry sectors we cover: - Technology - Cyber - Professional Services - Property Owners - Manufacturing - Construction - Hospitality - Healthcare & Protection
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IT

BITSmart Technology Ltd
BITSmart.tech helps businesses of all shapes and sizes with their technology troubles, tribulations, and needs. We have spent the last 10 years developing fantastic relationships with global tech providers to bring the best quality, enterprise level technology product and services to the SME market. Meaning you literally have access to everything you could want, need or desire. We work with 1-man businesses all the way up to international and our approach brings all the tech know-how coupled with the best procurement practices to ensure we can give customers big or small choice and best value in services including jargon free tech support, Microsoft365, Connectivity, Cloud Communications, security and more. Making us a one-stop tech shop for ALL businesses. You don't need to suffer in silence, you don't need to deal with those tech headaches alone and finally you don't need to be clever with your tech you need to be smart!
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Web design

Golden Egg Web Design
Golden Egg are a results-driven team of web designers in Hampshire that are dedicated to creating the perfect solutions for small, medium and large businesses nationwide. Your new website wont just be pretty to look at, it will also get results. It will grab your visitors attention and encourage them to take action by getting in touch with you. 20% off for all local businesses !
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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.
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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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Design

Inca Design
Starting a new business? We’re a leading graphic design agency situated in the heart of Hampshire’s Meon Valley. Nurturing long term relationships, we create innovative design campaigns for dynamic marketing strategies using unique digital & print solutions.
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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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Accountancy

The Winchester Bookkeeping Company
The Winchester Bookkeeping Company offers bespoke, yet affordable professional bookkeeping services to small businesses in the Winchester area and throughout Hampshire. Services include bookkeeping, preparation of statutory accounts for small limited companies and self assessment tax for individuals and sole traders. Our objective is not only to help you keep your books, accounts and tax in order but also to provide a friendly and approachable environment in which you can seek practical support and advice to help your business grow and flourish. We understand that each business is unique and therefore tailor our service to your requirements and budget. Our support is flexible - we can do as little or as much as your require and are free to answer queries at weekendsevenings. We ensure our clients receive straightforward language and easy to understand advice. In short - We make Bookkeeping work for you! We are authorised and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales (ICAEW) and a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). Contact us now via our website or on 07596 516670 for more details or to arrange a free no obligation consultations of your requirements.
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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
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Networking

Winchester Rotary
Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their communities and around the world.
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Networking

Basepoint Networking Hub
The Networking Hub is a free B2B networking event hosted by Basepoint Winchester. The events are open to all kinds of business and our aim is to give all those that attend the opportunity to meet new people, to build on existing business relationships and to generate new leads. The format of the events are largely informal with a brief talk from a local guest speaker, a complimentary light buffet style lunch and plenty of opportunity to network with other attendees. Alongside this, Basepoint provide a business card prize draw and a business 2 business exchange facility in which attendees can promote their business to other attendees.
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Marketing

TLC Business
TLC Business is a marketing and design company based in Winchester and are specialists in marketing strategy, design, e-marketing, telemarketing, PR and event management for growing SMEs in the region.
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Directory

thebestofwinchester
thebestofwinchester is a comprehensive directory and information source. Advertising and listing opportunities exist for new and existing local businesses.
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Office Services

Winchester Business Centre
The Winchester Business Centre provides city centre office space and support for new and existing businesses in the area. Our services include use of our modern open plan office space, access to our 12 seat conference room complete with 50
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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