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How to Start a Business in Brighton

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Brighton

Starting a business in Brighton

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

Start Your Own Business in Brighton 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 Brighton

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!

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

Brighton, located on the southern coast of England, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its thriving creative and entrepreneurial community.

Demographics

Brighton is home to a diverse population, attracting residents and visitors from all walks of life. The city's demographic diversity creates a unique market with varying consumer preferences and opportunities for businesses.

Major Suburbs

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

  • Hove: Located to the west of Brighton, Hove is known for its elegant architecture, vibrant shopping districts, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
  • Kemptown: Situated to the east of Brighton, Kemptown offers a bohemian atmosphere, a lively LGBTQ+ community, and a diverse range of independent businesses.
  • Preston Park: Situated to the north of Brighton, Preston Park is a residential area known for its green spaces, family-friendly amenities, and local businesses.
Local Authority

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

Brighton & Hove City Council - Business

Business Support Organisations

Brighton 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:

  • Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce: The Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce offers networking opportunities, business support, and advocacy for local businesses. Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce
  • Enterprise Centre Brighton: The Enterprise Centre Brighton provides workspace, business support, and training programs for startups and small businesses. Enterprise Centre Brighton
  • Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership: The Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership works to promote economic growth and collaboration between businesses and organisations in the city. Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership
Conclusion

Starting a business in Brighton can be an exciting and rewarding venture. With its diverse demographics, vibrant suburbs, and supportive business community, the city provides a conducive environment for entrepreneurial success. By leveraging the resources and support available from the local authority and business organisations, you can navigate the process of starting and growing your business with confidence.

Remember to conduct thorough market research, develop a solid business plan, and tap into the network of support and guidance offered by the local community. With determination, creativity, and the right resources, your business in Brighton can thrive and contribute to the city's dynamic economic landscape.

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.

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in Brighton & Hove

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 Brighton

Key Contacts in Brighton

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

Brighton 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

Network Albion Business Club
Powered by Network My Club, Network Albion is Brighton & Hove Albion Football Clubs official business networking group, offering members quality monthly networking events, a host of exclusive benefits, and the opportunity to showcase their business at the Amex Stadium. Annual company membership includes: * 1 x FREE place to 12 networking events at the Amex Stadium * Company listing in the match day programme at Albion home matches (approx 9,000 sales) * Full company profile page on Network Albion Business Club website * Promote offers to other members, local businesses and Albion fans on the Network Albion Business Club website * Marketing support via the Network Albion and Network My Club social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) * Exclusive use of the Network Albion Business Club logo * Monthly members e-newsletter * Exclusive discounted rate on conferencing and event bookings at the Amex Stadium * Claim rewards and win free membership through the member referral programme * Discounted access to attend or join other business clubs managed by Network My Club throughout the UK
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HR

HR Dept Eastbourne, Brighton & Hove
The HR Dept Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove provides a comprehensive outsourced HR service for small to medium sized businesses across Eastbourne, Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas including Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford and Hailsham. We understand that your workforce is your most valuable resource, but you may need help to attend to your ongoing and ever-changing HR responsibilities. An affordable outsourced HR service enables you to have a professional HR department without the expense of hiring your own HR Manager.
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Design

Eyetooth Design
2020 Winner: Best Graphic Design Company in East Sussex! Eyetooth Design is an experienced, full-service graphic design company. I create impactful, visual communication materials for small businesses, large corporate marketing teams and everything in-between. I help clients all over the world make their businesses and products stand out from the competition with bespoke and creative multi-discipline design. Everything I do is geared towards a happy and satisfied customer. With over 21 years of experience, I am well equipped to handle everything you need, all in one place. Whether you are looking for a logo design and brand identity, print-based artwork (stationery, posters, brochures, etc.) or a stunning website and illustrations, I can help with it all. Providing friendly, helpful & creative services at reasonable prices. Get in touch to discuss your project, and I will be delighted to go through your graphic design or web design requirements with you.
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Mentoring

Chris Dowling Business Consultant & Mentor
Starting a new business, looking to expand and develop, or stuck in a rut? If thats you we can help. We will look at where you are, where you want to go and then guide you on a route to business success
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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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Advice

University of Brighton
If you want to recruit talent, train your workforce or access expertise, we may well be able to help you. We have a long history of working with businesses, education providers and public sector organisations - talk to us to explore how we can work with you. We have a vibrant pool of academic expertise and a wide range of specialist equipment based here at the University of Brighton.If you're looking to develop a new product or service, address a challenge within your organisation, or if you're keen to venture into new markets and grow, then talk to us - we'd love to hear from you.University of Brighton, Mithras House, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT
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Advice

Sussex Innovation Centre
Sussex Innovation is a business incubation network for entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups and corporate innovators. Its members are ambitious companies who are innovators in their field - solving important problems in new ways. Memberships range from support-only and virtual office packages, all the way through to full tenancy at one of the organisations hubs across the South East.
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Advice

South East Business Hub
The South East Business Hub (SEBH) is here to help your business on the path to growth and prosperity. SEBH can connect you with the services that match your business needs and help you make your mark in Englands most enterprising economy.SEBH is provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), the business-led, public/private body established to drive economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock.
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Networking

Let's Do Business - Sussex Events
We regularly run events across East Sussex to help entrepreneurs and business owners learn new skills. From start up skills to learning about marketing, sustainability, finance and more, we might have an event coming up to suit you!
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Advice

Business East Sussex
The Business East Sussex Growth Hub is a free, independent, and publicly funded business support service for businesses across East Sussex.We are the first step for any business seeking support, and we can help you find the support and solutions your business needs to thrive. Whether you are starting up, looking to grow, or are seeking to overcome challenges to your business, we can help. Our team of business experts are dedicated to helping you find the right support, helping your business grow and helping to make East Sussex a great place to run a business.
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Directory

STORROR
If you’re a fan of adrenaline-fuelled stunts and heart-racing action, you’re in the right place. STORROR are recognised as one of the world’s best team of parkour and freerunning specialists, having worked with major brands like Apple and Sony over the years. Find out more through the website.
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Networking

Business Social Brighton
Business Social Brighton is a private Facebook Business Group for Brighton and Hove It is a place where a growing number of local independent business owners can interact and collaborate. It also has daily tips and blogs on business marketing, social media, and networking.
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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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Advice

East Sussex County council
This page contains a list of business support organisations in East Sussex. Getting in touch with other members of the local business community can help you grow and develop your business. Whether you meet people from other business sectors, or within your own industry, networking can provide advice, support and useful contacts. Your local borough or district council may also provide advice and support.
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Directory

W.E.Clark & Son Watch Repairs
If you're looking to restore your old watch back to its former glory, W.E Clark & Son can help. Offering a wide variety of services, including battery replacements, watch dial restorations and a range of other forms of refurbishment, to find out more about how the team could help you, visit the website today.
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Advice

Let's Do Business Group
Our business support service is tailored to meet small-to-medium sized businesses needs. Our support includes, but is not limited to: Strategic planning All good businesses have a plan we can help you shape yours by understanding your objectives and then working with you to plan the steps you need to take to be successful. Finance and risk Our advisory team includes finance specialists who will identify finance solutions to support your cash flow as well as helping you to invest in new opportunities to grow your business. Marketing When youve built a brand your customers will love, the next step is getting it to them. We can help you to build a new marketing strategy to raise your business profile and generate new leads. Workplace operations We can work with you to identify the best operating environment including finding or relocating premises, staff management and your stock and supply chain. Get in touch https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or call 0844 415 2272 (Calls cost 5p/min plus your phone company's access charge. If your mobile tariff allows free calls to landlines, you can call 01424 205 500.) Email info@ldbgroup.co.uk Start up support If you've got your business idea but don't know where to take it next, we offer support that can help you learn the skills you need to succeed. How can we help your business to #StartUp? - Access our fully funded start up workshops - A free online session with one of our specialist business advisers - A free online session with one of our finance & funding experts - Free advice on finding premises in East Sussex - A free advice session from an approved accountant and an approved solicitor - Preferential rates for new businesses moving into Newhaven Enterprise Centre - Access to business information fact sheets - Support to apply for a Start Up Loan Get in touch https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or call 0844 415 2272 (Calls cost 5p/min plus your phone company's access charge. If your mobile tariff allows free calls to landlines, you can call 01424 205 500.) Email info@ldbgroup.co.uk
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Advice

Locate East Sussex
Our free business support programme is designed so that the guidance, skills development and support you receive is tailored to your business growth ambition and potential. Our team of business experts will work alongside you to identify the critical steps to successfully develop your business in East Sussex.
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Directory

Applications engineering
Supplier of high quality mechanical components including switches, valves and sensors for a range of applications. Based in Uckfield, East Sussex and operating out of an ISO 9001 certified facility.
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Directory

Quadratech
Quadratech Diagnostics specialise in equipment related to haemostasis, bacterial toxins, rapid & POC tests and parasitology, you can find out more about the team's range of services on their dedicated website.
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IT

Stehlik IT Services
We simply make IT better. Computer maintenance, networking, servers, software installations, data storage, security.
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Networking

Eventbrite - East Sussex Events
Eventbrite is a national site which lists events, including local networking, by area. It is a great way to keep up to date with what is happening in the area. The linked page focusses on East Sussex but you can search by town too.
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Accountancy

Cooden Tax Consulting
Many businesses are missing out on money that is owed to them via the governments R&D tax relief scheme this is where Cooden Tax Consulting can help. A Sussex-based consultancy founded in 2013, the company specialises in helping businesses get the full value of their R&D tax relief claim to help transform projects and boost cash flow. Visit the website today to get more information.
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Accountancy

Sussex Chamber of Commerce
Our vision is to support business growth, champion key issues and drive sustainable economic growth in SussexOur team works with businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals to ensure they get access to the best possible business support. Our services can raise your profile, cut your costs and provide links to our close network of influential business leaders. We drive change from the ground up, helping companies, places and people achieve their potential. There are plenty of reasons to being a member.
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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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Directory

HomeCall Carpets
Homecall Carpets is an established flooring and carpet specialist in Sussex, with a mobile showroom and fitting service. We will measure up, give you an instant quote and arrange a fitting too. Visit our Ditchling showroom for our full range of carpets and hard flooring. Take a look at our website.
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Advice

Business and IP Centre
We offer a wealth of FREE online business resources that can help you to start your own business, build professional skills, connect with others, and grow.The BIPC Brighton & Hove at Brighton Jubilee Library is the Sussex Regional Centre, with a BIPC Local at Crawley Library, West Sussex. In East Sussex, BIPC Locals at Eastbourne Library and Hastings Library, support entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises in Sussex, from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.
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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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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