Banner image

How to Start a Business in Bolton

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Bolton

Starting a business in Bolton

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

Start Your Own Business in Bolton 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 Bolton

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in Greater Manchester

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

If you're considering starting a business or expanding your existing venture in Bolton, you've come to the right place.

Bolton, located in Greater Manchester, England, is a diverse and vibrant town with a rich industrial heritage and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Demographics

Bolton is home to a diverse population, offering a wide customer base and business opportunities. The town attracts residents from various cultural backgrounds, creating a unique market with different consumer preferences and demands.

Major Suburbs

Bolton comprises several major suburbs, each with its distinct characteristics and potential for business growth. Here are some notable suburbs in Bolton:

  • Horwich: Situated to the southwest of Bolton, Horwich is known for its beautiful landscapes and is home to various thriving businesses.
  • Farnworth: Located to the east of Bolton, Farnworth offers a bustling town center and a range of local businesses catering to the community's needs.
  • Westhoughton: Situated to the west of Bolton, Westhoughton is a residential area with a growing business community and a supportive local atmosphere.
Local Authority

Bolton Council is the local authority responsible for governing and supporting businesses in the town. Their website provides valuable resources and information for businesses, including licensing, planning, and economic development initiatives. You can access the business section of their website for specific guidance and support:

Bolton Council - Business

Business Support Organisations

Bolton offers a range of organisations that provide support and resources for entrepreneurs and businesses. Here are some notable organisations you can turn to for assistance:

  • Bolton Enterprise Centre: Bolton Enterprise Centre offers business support, advice, and workspace solutions for startups and growing businesses. Bolton Enterprise Centre
  • Bolton Business Ventures: Bolton Business Ventures provides funding, mentoring, and business support services to startups and SMEs in Bolton. Bolton Business Ventures
  • Bolton and Bury Business Growth Hub: The Bolton and Bury Business Growth Hub offers free business support and access to resources for businesses in Bolton. Bolton and Bury Business Growth Hub

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.

Comply at Work Ltd
Walmsleys Commercial Insurance Brokers Ltd
Doing Biz For Yourself
Cangaf Accountancy Services
MJM Business Services
Darkside Design Ltd
Len Blazey Consulting Ltd
DCW International Ltd

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 Bolton 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 Bolton

Key Contacts in Bolton

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

Bolton 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.

Fertile Frog

Web design

Fertile Frog
At Fertile Frog our team has an individual commitment to teamwork and group effort. We love to work together towards a common goal. Fertile Frog are here to support your business growth through means of Internet presence, marketing and corporate branding. Wether you are a start up entrepreneur business idea, a long established corporate company, a group of companies or even a sole trader. We have multiple solutions to help you.
(+)
Davies McLennon

Accountancy

Davies McLennon
We are chartered accountants based in Stockport We are Chartered Accountants based in Stockport, close to Manchester, offering accountancy, tax planning advice, payroll services and business consultancy to small and mid sized businesses. We have a special package for business startups. If you are looking for an accountant see the Eight Great Reasons why you should talk to us. We are interested in helping our clients grow, and become more successful and profitable. Click here for a free report with ten very practical ideas on how you can grow your business. Our web payroll service is unbeatable value for money at just £1 per employee per month. Its also an easy and convenient way to work.
(+)
North West Cyber Resilience Centre

IT

North West Cyber Resilience Centre
The North West Cyber Resilience Centre is a not for profit, police led partnership approach to protect small businesses from online crime. As a not-for-profit initiative, we provide a targeted programme of crime prevention activities to increase the take-up of effective cybersecurity measures to safeguard the North West business community. Our skilled team of Ethical Hackers are trained in the latest trends used by cybercriminals, so they can help protect your business. Awareness Training; We can train your staff to be your strongest defence against phishing attacks by equipping them with the information they need to identify, report and stop any attempts before any damage can be done. Internet Investigations; We can search the web for any freely available information out there about you or your business that could be gathered by criminals in an impersonation attempt against your customers. Vulnerability Assessments; We can assess your network by scanning for known vulnerabilities that may give access to attackers and provide you with recommendations on how to mitigate the risk of an attack.
(+)
Business Growth Hub - Starting a Business

Advice

Business Growth Hub - Starting a Business
No matter where you access your finance from, be it the bank, start-up loans, crowdfunding or elsewhere, you must have a sound business plan and at least one year’s cash flow projection – which is where we can help. Your business idea doesn’t need to be original, but you have to offer something new. Whether filling a gap in the market, or building on an existing offering. Our service is designed to encourage and support entrepreneurs like you and growing businesses, to create prosperity and ultimately create jobs. Business Growth Hub, 90 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester M1 5JW
(+)
Greater Manchester LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)

Advice

Greater Manchester LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
The GM LEP sits at the heart of Greater Manchesters governance arrangements, ensuring that business leaders are empowered to set the strategic course, determine local priorities and drive growth and job creation within the city region. It is central to the wider partnerships established between local government, businesses and educational institutes, and the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.
(+)
Enterprising You

Advice

Enterprising You
Supporting your self-employment journey Are you self-employed or running your own business and keen to grow? Not sure how to improve client retention? Know the basics but want to take your venture to the next level? Whatever you’re facing, whether financial issues, instability with work, health barriers or not knowing what step to take next; there is support available. EnterprisingYou is a government-funded programme specially designed to support self-employed individuals, including those who work in the gig economy and small business owners in Greater Manchester. You will discover your growth potential and ways to achieve your career goals through this programme. Apart from start-up owners and gig workers, we also support people who receive work from a company or an agency but are registered as self-employed or pay their own taxes. We can help you with free advice in different areas, from personal skills and career development to business finance and mentoring – we’ve got you covered. You’ve done the hard work setting up a business or taking that step into self-employment, now it’s time to go further, but it doesn’t have to be alone. Register below to find out how our programme could help you.
(+)
Cangaf Accountancy Services

Accountancy

Cangaf Accountancy Services
Handling all your accounting needs Based in Bolton, we offer clients the tools, resources and guidance necessary for all their accounting needs. Clients receive the personalised attention and care they need in order to make sure everything is done on time. We guarantee to get all the numbers right on the first go so that no time is wasted in unnecessary processes. Cangaf Ltd provides unparalleled, personalised accounting services. As your accountant, we are here to ensure that all of financial decisions are made carefully and with your best interests in mind. Whatever you need, we have the clout and the experience to take care of your finances. Accounting solutions we can help you with: Research and development tax Tax preparation Corporation tax Payroll Bookkeeping VAT returns
(+)
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Networking

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Providing first-class business support to companies of all shapes and sizes. With over 4500 members, the largest accredited Chamber of Commerce in the UK, the Chamber is located in the heart of the City Centre and has a strong presence in Greater Manchester’s ten local authority areas. Elliot House 151 Deansgate Manchester M3 3WD
(+)
Black Diamond Accountancy Services Ltd

Accountancy

Black Diamond Accountancy Services Ltd
Established in 2002, Black Diamond is an accredited service provider to the flexible labour market. Offering Umbrella and Accountancy Services, Black Diamond is perfectly placed to handle any contractor accountancy or employment requirement. Black Diamond are currently expanding. We are now able to offer our experience and expertise gained over the last decade not only to the flexible labour market but to business and individuals outside of this sector. Black Diamond are delighted to introduce: Diamond Bureau (managed and bespoke payroll bureau services), Diamond Compliance (ID verification, Anti-Money Laundering and Eligibility to work in the UK checks) and Diamond Employment (Employment law and contract advice via our business partners Peninsula). Our focus is always to work in partnership with our clients and shared business growth and success. Black Diamond continues to value the partnerships it has cultivated with its recruitment clients and are excited to expand its offerings and mirror good service to other businesses across the UK.
(+)
Invest in Manchester

Advice

Invest in Manchester
MIDAS is the inward investment promotion agency for Manchester, with a strategic aim to secure significant levels of new investment for the city region to create and safeguard jobs. This is achieved through the global business marketing of Manchester key sectors and the provision of an extensive package of free advice and assistance for potential investors and location consultants. MIDAS has helped hundreds of businesses successfully relocate to or expand in Greater Manchester.
(+)
Manchester City Council - Starting a Business

Advice

Manchester City Council - Starting a Business
Manchester City Council's website has a section dedicated to stating a new business ion the area. It includes pages about: What it means to run a business Helping you start a new business Business & intellectual property centre at central library Business events Business rates Trading standards Licensing 16-30 year olds: Try out your business idea Business premises Research and statistics Food hygiene & safety Health and safety Be prepared for an emergency Registering a business Grants for employing young people Can't find what you're looking for? How Brexit might impact your business
(+)
Blue Orchid

Advice

Blue Orchid
Greater Manchester Business Start-up and Support. Blue Orchid is one of the most knowledgeable and well-respected providers of business advice and support programmes in the UK. Established in 2001, we have a proven track record of delivering best in class start-up advice and business growth consultancy. Blue Orchid is recognised by government as innovative with our delivery programmes and are valued by the business community as entrepreneurial and driven to succeed.
(+)
AXT Accountants

Accountancy

AXT Accountants
Based in Cheadle, Cheshire, our dedicated team provides expert solutions to a range of businesses, from individuals to small limited companies, both locally and nationally. We specialise in providing solutions to contractors and those in the property and construction industry. At AXT, we pride ourselves on our modern and forward-looking approach. We understand that your time is precious, which is why we offer a fully digital and online service. So say goodbye to the days of client visits and traditionally long accountancy meetings – we offer convenient and effective online solutions, as and when you need them, saving you time and helping you to succeed.
(+)
Bolton Library & Museum Services

Mentoring

Bolton Library & Museum Services
Have you always wanted to start your own business? Or are already running one but need help to grow it? Build A Business is aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business. It's running across all 10 Greater Manchester authorities, offering tailored help to support new businesses. From Artisan Baker to Zumba Instructor, we can help you with whatever the type of business youre focusing on.Library services in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan each have their own small business Enterprise Officer and are delivering a wide range of workshops and services including information surgeries, digital support including selling online and 3D printing, business planning and pitching for business.Get help launching your business and gaining the skills and confidence you need.
(+)
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.
(+)
Rocket Scynce (pronounce science)

Online Marketing

Rocket Scynce (pronounce science)
"People call us Growth Hackers! Although the last time I checked, we called ourselves a hard-working digital marketing agency with a fully comprehensive portfolio for all your business needs. So, whether you require a wicked website, brilliant branding, dynamic design & print service, vibrant promotional videos, an appetizing mobile app, seductive social media marketing, surreal SEO, or addictive Google Ads and PPC, we could make it happen for you. Our aim is quite simple; to deliver the right solutions to your needs. And we achieve this by listening to you and understanding your requirements. No matter what you approach us for, the first thing we ask is ‘Why?’ Only then we set out to deliver that ideal solution to enable you to grow your business. Our team has all the experience and the expertise required to help you reach out to your ideal clients. We take pride in being trendy and creative with our projects. Our ‘against the run-of-the-mill' approach ensures that our projects carry our signature originality and creativity."
(+)

Advice

Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid is one of the largest providers of FREE Business Start Up and Growth Support in the UK. Whether youre looking to start your first business or want to boost an existing venture were here to help you plan, launch and grow.
(+)

Advice

Economic Solutions
Economic Solutions is a not-for-profit group of companies delivering a wealth of skills, training, employment and recruitment services to businesses and individual customers across Greater Manchester. Our services include The Business Growth Hub, Access 2 Finance, Manufacturing Advisory Service, UKTI, Business Finance Solutions, Enworks and Skills & Work Solutions. For Start Up Loan enquires, please email info@business-finance-solutions.org.uk or call 0161 245 4968.
(+)

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