Banner image

How to Start a Business in Southampton

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Southampton

Starting a business in Southampton

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

Start Your Own Business in Southampton 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 Southampton

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Southampton 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

Local partners

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

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

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

The Incuhive Space
BNI Hampshire
Punch Above League with Kerry Marchbank
Small goes Big
The Art of Communication
Konsileo

Starting a business in Southampton

Southampton city centre
Southampton is a fantastic place to set up and run a business... as long as it is the right business!

This website was born in Southampton over 15 years ago! Not only that, we have been working with local start-ups for almost two decades now - our first newspaper was called 'Start Your Own Business in Hampshire' and was sponsored by Business Link Wessex when they were the leading business support organisation in the area. As a result, we do think that we are perfectly placed to point you in the right direction!

Hopefully, you will be pleased to hear that the area has a good track record when it comes to start-up survival and up to 10,000 new businesses are formed each year in the SO postcode area alone. If you are planning to join them, can we humbly suggest that you make the most of the advice and guidance that is available and immerse yourself in the local business community.

Within the city itself there is a thriving business community and plenty of business support, much of which is free.

About Southampton

As well as being located in the relatively affluent south east, Southampton has excellent communication links via train, plane, boat and road. The motorway links provided by the M27 and the M3 give easy access to Bournemouth Portsmouth and London is a little over an hour away.

Local authority

Southampton City Council are extremely keen to support local businesses and their Economic Development department have funded start-up courses, business support and own Solent Business Centre, which is perfect for new businesses who do not want to be tied to long term leases. They have also funded The Network Eagle Lab which forms part of the Marlands Development. You may also like to have a look at Invest in Southampton

Business networking

If you want to meet other business owners, there is a healthy selection of networking groups. The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has a strong presence and has special packages for small businesses and new starts. National organisations such as 4Networking and BNI have local groups and these are complemented by local groups such as Solent Networking and Poddi.

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in 2026

Download the 2026 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

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 Southampton

Key Contacts in Southampton

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

Southampton 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.

Ocean Village Innovation Centre

Co-Working

Ocean Village Innovation Centre
We have a range of fully-serviced private offices and shared spaces in Ocean Village Innovation Centre, suitable for SME's and fast growing businesses. Whether you require a virtual package or 24-hour office space, we can help find the right solution to suit your businesses. And the best bit? You will be amongst our community of entrepreneurs, with regular events, workshops and networking opportunities to get involved in. Ocean Village Innovation Centre, Ocean Way, Southampton, Hampshire, S014 3JZ
(+)
New Forest Enterprise Centre - Business Units

Property

New Forest Enterprise Centre - Business Units
No delay - move in today. Whether you choose a workshop, an office, or both, you can move in striaght away. No legal costs, no long term commitment. The Centre is designed specifically for new and small businesses, comprising 36 offices and 35 light industrialworkshop self-contained units. We have constantly upgraded our facilities to ensure our Licensees enjoy a safe environment in a well maintained building. Being surrounded by woodland makes the location very attractive, though there is plenty of free parking. We work hard at keeping the site looking good, mindful that our image and our Licensees’ are one and the same. We believe that setting high standards benefits everyone, and we’re encouraged that our Licensees go out of their way to help us achieve that. Each unit is equipped with services to allow you to start work immediately. Fast, fibre-optic broadband is available. Access is 24 x 7 x 365. Most units have a water supply, and drainage. Energy is supplied by the Centre, and invoiced monthly. Our website has details of availability and prices, but if you’d like to discuss your needs do call us on 02380 667700.
(+)
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.
(+)
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
(+)
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!
(+)
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
(+)
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.
(+)
Access business finance up to £250k

Funding

Access business finance up to £250k
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 £250,000 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
(+)
Network Eagle Lab

Co-Working

Network Eagle Lab
Barclays has partnered with Southampton City Council to create Network Eagle Lab and support entrepreneurs and businesses within Southampton. With cutting edge facilities, including a photographic studio and maker space, Network will support creative, digital and knowledge-based start-ups and scale-ups by delivering the city’s first collaborative, co-working environment. External Entrance for Network Eagle Lab on Portland Terrace (street level entrance opposite Old Mutual Wealth), Southampton, SO14 7SJ
(+)
The Art of Communication

Design

The Art of Communication
Today we live in a brand conscious world and it is more important than ever to make a good and lasting impression. We all make split second assumptions based on conditioned perceptions and these influence how we see things and respond to them, often on a subconscious level. Your business gets just one chance to create a first impression and of course you want it to be a good one. If your logo looks amateurish or your branding confused why would a potential customer assume that you run your business any differently? First impressions count and affect the response of your potential customers. Branding is all about influencing choice! I work to create a brand with the right visual representation of your vision and who you are as a company and with the brand applications very much taken into account so that your logo will work across all mediums. I work with two main clients — SME businesses that need a brand strategy, rebrand or refresh, and start-up businesses.
(+)
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.
(+)
Konsileo

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
(+)
Small goes Big

Online Marketing

Small goes Big
Small goes Big provides digital marketing solutions for smaller tech-led businesses with big ambitions. I’m Kat Hounsell, digital marketing consultant and the face behind Small goes Big. I’m a firm believer in ‘people buy from people’. Yes, even in the wonderful world of B2B. If you have amazing products and services but need some help getting others to be as passionate about them as you are, I’m here to help. I inject the human element into your marketing strategy and engage your customers in conversations that build valuable relationships. And, get you those all-important sales.
(+)
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.
(+)
Southampton Solent University

Advice

Southampton Solent University
Solent University operate Enterprise programmes to support students and recent graduates who are keen to explore the possibility of starting a business. This can include training, guest speakers, business games, mentoring and funding.
(+)
University of Southampton

Advice

University of Southampton
Southampton University operate an incubator to assist new businesses who plan to offer an innovative product or service. The Southampton SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre is located at the University of Southampton Science Park in Chilworth and are happy to help high-tech, high-growth businesses get off the ground.
(+)
West Itchen Community Trust

Advice

West Itchen Community Trust
West Itchen Community Trust supports residents and businesses located in the sO14 postcode area. It is a social enterprise and is keen to hel;p regenerate the local economy. Oneway that his is achieved is by offering a free business support service called SO14 Enterprise Service. If you live in the area or are thinking about starting a new business in SO14, you can take advantage of one-to-one business coaching, free workshops and access to finance.
(+)
Solent Business Centre

Property

Solent Business Centre
Centrally located near Southampton City Centre and with easy access to the M27 motorway, our Solent Business Centre is ideal for growing and established businesses. with managed office space, workshop and storage facilities all available. With 92 units in total, over 6 floors, the centre is a hub for small, medium and large businesses. Business Support and Advice is always on hand, and throughout all of our 4 linked centres we encourage our tenants to network and connect for even more business opportunities. Solent Business Centre also has the benefit of free, onsite car parking; reception services; conference and training space; Internet access and an onsite cafe. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, Solent Business Centre is the ideal city base for your growing business, so call or email us to discuss your business today. Solent Business Centre offers office space or workshop rental from as little as £148 per month (excluding VAT). Licence fees are inclusive of: - The Central Reception - Rates (Non-domestic, Water & Sewerage) - Buildings Insurance, External Repairs & Maintenance - Cleaning & Maintenance of the Common Areas - Waste Disposal FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE WITH ADVICE & SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
(+)
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.
(+)
The Incuhive Space

Property

The Incuhive Space
IncuHive Spaces are the place to be for start-up and small businesses. 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!
(+)
Gareth Evans IT Consultancy

IT

Gareth Evans IT Consultancy
IT consultancy, systems development, training and support
(+)
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
(+)
FIMA Digital

Online Marketing

FIMA Digital
FIMA Digital was established in 2013, and since then has grown into becoming a reputable SEO company in Southampton, with clients all around the UK and globally. The company is committed to helping start up businesses in making more from digital marketing with in-house SEO training offered, as well as bespoke online marketing strategies designed to generate more business via the web. The company specialises in online lead generation, PPC (Google Adwords), and search engine optimisation (SEO services).
(+)

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.
(+)

Property

University of Southampton Science Park
Office space, lab space, business incubator and commercial property development sites in a landscaped science park, 1 hour from London. Southampton Science Park is a 45-acre development in a prime Hampshire location - just a mile from the M3 motorway and 1 hour from London. The Science Park provides high quality office and lab space in attractive landscaped surroundings. It is home to science and technology based companies of all sizes, from fast growing start-ups to international household names.
(+)

Marketing

AK MEDIA ONLINE
A small marketing agency in Southampton, here to provide you with digital marketing services to help your business grow.
(+)

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

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