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How to Start a Business in Basingstoke

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Basingstoke

Starting a business in Basingstoke

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

Start Your Own Business in Basingstoke 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 Basingstoke

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Basingstoke 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!

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 & Grow Your Business in Basingstoke

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 Basingstoke

Key Contacts in Basingstoke

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

Basingstoke 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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Networking

Enterprise Connexions - Basingstoke
We meet at the The Holiday Inn, Basingstoke @ 6.30am to 9.00am on Thursday 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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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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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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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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Accountancy

Strelitzia Accounting Limited
We offer a wide range of tax and accounting services, including business start up advice and support. Our prices are fair and if you find it cheaper elsewhere we will match your quote. With our flexible approach we tailor our service to your unique requirement so that you pay only for what you need.
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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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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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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