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How to Start a Business in Bristol

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Bristol

Starting a business in Bristol

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

Start Your Own Business in Bristol 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 Bristol

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in Bristol

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

Starting a Business in Bristol

What you need to know!
Aerial view of Bristol town centre

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or considering expanding your existing business to this vibrant city, you've come to the right place. Bristol, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving economy, offers an excellent environment for startups and established companies alike.

Demographics

Bristol, located in the southwest of England, is the largest city in the South West region. With a population of over 463,400 residents (as of 2021), it's a bustling city with a diverse and vibrant community. The city's population is known for its young demographic, with a significant number of students and young professionals, creating a dynamic and innovative atmosphere.

Major Suburbs

Bristol is made up of several unique and diverse suburbs, each with its own distinct character. Some of the major suburbs include:

  1. Clifton: Known for its elegant Georgian architecture, Clifton is an affluent area with a vibrant social scene. It's home to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and offers a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  2. Bedminster: Located south of the city center, Bedminster is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its thriving arts and music scene. It has a mix of residential and commercial areas, making it an attractive location for businesses.
  3. Stokes Croft: Renowned for its alternative and creative atmosphere, Stokes Croft is a hub for artists, musicians, and independent businesses. It's known for its street art and lively nightlife.
Local Authority

Bristol is governed by Bristol City Council, the local authority responsible for the city's administration and development. Their website provides valuable resources and information for businesses, including licensing, planning permission, and economic development initiatives. You can access the business section of their website for specific guidance and support:

Bristol City Council - Business Section

Business Support Organisations

Bristol offers a wide range of support organisations and initiatives to help entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. Here are some notable organisations you can turn to for assistance:

  1. Business West: As one of the largest business support organisations in the South West, Business West offers a range of services, including business advice, networking opportunities, and access to funding.
  2. Bristol & Bath Regional Capital: This organisation focuses on connecting investors with socially and environmentally responsible businesses in the region. They provide support and funding opportunities for businesses with a positive impact.
  3. Bristol SETsquared Centre: SETsquared is a globally recognised business incubator supporting technology-based startups. The Bristol branch offers mentoring, access to funding, and networking events for entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

Whether you need guidance on business planning, funding options, or want to connect with like-minded professionals, these organisations can provide the support you need to succeed.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into various aspects of starting a business in Bristol. From understanding local regulations and licensing requirements to exploring the city's vibrant business community, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in Bristol's entrepreneurial landscape.

So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and discover what it takes to build and grow a successful business in Bristol!

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.

Higos Insurance Services Ltd
Aardvark Creative
Greg de Tisi Online Marketing and Coaching
Wave Marketing
Working Breakfast
Paul Roland Williams | Photographer
Greenaway Scott
Flexworks HR Consulting Ltd
Clifton Web Design

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 Bristol 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 Bristol

Key Contacts in Bristol

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

Bristol 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.

Origin Workspace

Co-Working

Origin Workspace
Origin Workspace is designed to meet the changing needs of today's entrepreneurs, small and growing businesses, ambitious consultants, freelancers and remote workers. We know that your workplace needs to be more than a desk with internet connection. You need networking opportunities as well as IT support, a place to hold meetings. And all in a supportive environment that inspires you to connect and grow, and in a convenient location next to Bristol's Clifton Triangle.
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Orega Bristol

Property

Orega Bristol
An office designed for you The offices at Orega Bristol are fully flexible and serviced to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of businesses. The office environment we create is strategically designed to help businesses flourish. Every office is fitted with the latest IT and telecoms solutions to provide unrivalled broadband speeds along with the latest telephony capable of supporting a variety of recording and monitoring software. Each office is personally configured by our sales and management team providing office space to suit your choices and requirements, creating a hassle-free move. This process is known as our Perfect Move In and will be explained to you in detail prior to completion of contracts. All Orega offices are unbranded but our clients are welcome to brand their own offices in a manner which best reflects their business. Corporate name boards and logos can also be situated in prominent areas. You will benefit from being able to call the building your own whilst using it to help promote the prestige of your company. We aim to provide a fantastic working environment for the people in your business. The space we offer is totally flexible enabling business to expand in a matter of days when necessary. About Ten Victoria Street Ten Victoria Street is a stunning newly redeveloped, five-storey period office building just a stones throw from Bristols floating harbour and Temple Quay Station. Situated on Victoria Street the building offers 27,000 Sqft of Cat A serviced office space, the building has been finished to a BREEAM rating of very good. Within Bristols central business district the red brick facade leads to a grand modern entrance and reception offering a great first impression to visitors. To the rear of the building is a private, secure-access car park, making it the perfect base for your business. Location Our Bristol Business Centres location means you and your colleagues have a range of options for travelling to and from our building. Aside from both our on and off site parking, Temple Meads station is just a short five minute walk down the road. Both bus and cycle routes are conveniently located close to the building and the canal ferry docks are nearby. Victoria Street itself leads directly out of Bristol, connecting to neighbouring A roads and to the three motorways (M32, M4 & M5) that surround the city. Victoria Street is close to Cabot Circus shopping centre and a number of cafes, bars and restaurants are also located in the vicinity. Orega Bristol Ten Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BN
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One Up Coworking

Co-Working

One Up Coworking
Coworking space, meeting rooms and a content studio in the centre of Bristol. Growing a business is hard. It’s even harder without the right space. Don’t settle for overpriced and overcrowded. If you are you a startup, growing business, freelancer or someone just looking for their own space; we have flexible desk space plans designed to help you achieve your goals. For more info on OneUp membership. Meeting rooms available OneUp's office space offers onsite meeting and training room hire. available to hire by the hour, or by the day, with monthly use credits available for our OneUp tenants. Becoming a OneUp member We encourage you to make OneUp’s coworking spaces your own. Whether you're a solo freelancer or a company of six you are free to personalise your space to help boost your productivity. Arclight House, 3 Unity Street, Bristol BS1 5HH Tel: 0117 214 0111
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Netcentrics.co.uk

Web design

Netcentrics.co.uk
Netcentrics.co.uk has been helping UK small businesses and charities grow online since 2005. Professional business websites and ecommerce sites boost business in many ways. So Netcentrics.co.uk offers services ranging from growth-focused, affordable website design to bespoke web development and unique digital marketing packages including SEO, social media, video marketing and more. Turning dreams into business plans, and plans into reality, isn’t easy. Expert advice is vital, whether you’re growing or still in the planning stages. With years of experience, professional website designer, web developer and digital marketing consultant Pete Wright can help. Do you want cost-effective small business website design? Or SEO and other digital marketing services? Then get in touch today!
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Interactive Business Club

Networking

Interactive Business Club
The Interactive Business Club was founded in 2011 by a small group of disgruntled breakfast networkers who recognised that the way to network needed to change and be less formal and less regimented, with meetings to be held at an optimum time of day, fortnightly – not weekly, and to give member businesses a platform to really explain what they do plus understand how they can help each other. Fundamentally, the network must produce business and embrace business relationships, but members must enjoy being part of the new network community. Future Inn, Bond Street, City of Bristol, BS1 3EN
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BRAVE

Advice

BRAVE
BRAVE Enterprise is Bristol’s leading small business advice service. With the help of approachable, experienced business professionals we offer advice, training and consultancy to thousands of people each year – helping them to start and run successful, profitable businesses. Established in 1983 as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, BRAVE will support you if you are: thinking about starting a business or becoming self-employed for the first time, starting a business, running a business you’d like to develop and grow in need of solutions to business problems As a social enterprise, our aim is to offer top-quality advice and training which is accessible to all and at extremely affordable prices.
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Rebel Business School

Education

Rebel Business School
We make business possible. Our FREE business courses show a new way of thinking and practical ways to get your business idea off the ground and how to sustain and thrive as a business. Whether you are at the beginning of your start-up journey, or you are an already established business, our course will give you the information, inspiration, and practical advice to teach you how to build and evolve your business.
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South Bristol Enterprise Support

Advice

South Bristol Enterprise Support
Open to existing SMEs and budding entrepreneurs within the Private Sector - with a particular focus on construction, engineering and food services. If you have an idea you’d like to make a reality, or you’re looking for advice and mentorship on how to take your business to the next level, then you’re in the right place. If you get involved in the SBES programme, you can expect expert advice, support and mentorship across pre-start and existing businesses growth. Introduction to Enterprise workshops, via the YTKO OutSet, to support entrepreneurs to explore business ideas and start trading.
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Ben Smith

Web design

Ben Smith
Smarter Bristol web design, starts by listening to you We are web design Bristol experts and marketing specialists covering Bristol, Weston Super Mare, Somerset and beyond! We help to deliver more sales and qualified leads with smart thinking, high quality, user friendly website designs and search engine friendly content. We can achieve results on very tight budgets by clever digital marketing and traditional marketing methods – giving your business a great return on it’s investment! Our web design service delivers results fast – our concepts and methods have helped many businesses become more streamlined and cost effective – see for yourself by looking at our website portfolio and testimonials – We come highly recommended from lots of companies locally and Worldwide.
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Sova Surveys

Property

Sova Surveys
We are experts in measured building surveys, topographical surveys, BIM modelling and more. Operating in London, Bath and Bristol, our team have a wealth of cutting-edge technical surveying techniques to produce accurate results for all types of residential and commercial property. Contact us today.
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Wave Marketing

Marketing

Wave Marketing
Wave is a small team of passionate marketers based in Bristol. We help people and organisations to tell their stories, build their brands and grow their businesses with website design and digital marketing. We have tons of experience in defining markets and product positioning, and use this expertise to help startups really pinpoint their mission and create impact with their messaging.
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Bristol Business & Enterprise Support (BrisBES)

Advice

Bristol Business & Enterprise Support (BrisBES)
Looking to start or grow your own business in Bristol?Bristol has a thriving community of entrepreneurs and growing businesses crossing a range of industry sectors. YTKO provides fully funded support to pre-start, start-up and growth businesses across Bristol. Bristol Inclusive & Sustainable Business and Enterprise Support (BrisBES) is a new programme designed to deliver high quality, inclusive and sustainable support to Bristols entrepreneurs and business. Through BrisBES, you can take your small business to the next level with the support of 1:1 coaching, training workshops, e-learning, networking events, grants and more! YTKO Ltd.Unit 1.6, First Floor, Temple Studios,Temple Gate,BristolBS1 6QA
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Aardvark Creative

Design

Aardvark Creative
Based in Bristol, Aardvark Creative are top quality graphic designers and website designers who offer services both in Bristol and around the UK. Now, like all creative consultancies, we
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Colliver Consulting Ltd

HR

Colliver Consulting Ltd
I specialise in helping small UK businesses work on organisational culture and employee engagement to improve revenue and profitability.
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Federation of Small Business

Advice

Federation of Small Business
Membership Adviser for the FSB in the Bristol area. We help SME's reduce the cost of their essential services and grow their business. If you would like to know more, feel free to get in touch.
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North & East Bristol Business Support

Advice

North & East Bristol Business Support
We have now launched our North and East Bristol Support service (NEBS), funded by Bristol City Council (BCC) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) as part of Universal Business Support. It offers support for pre-starts, new and existing private businesses and social enterprises in all sectors. Despite the name of the programme, we are pleased to say that we are able to support any businesses in Bristol who are not eligible for the South Bristol Enterprise Support programme. Whilst our marketing will focus on North & East Bristol we are available across all areas of Bristol. YTKO Ltd. Floor 3, 2 – 4 Park Street Bristol BS1 5PB
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Business West

Advice

Business West
Business West represents and works with over 18,000 businesses across the region, delivering a range of support and events. Their website contains masses of information that could help you including advice on how to start a business, grow a business, funding, export and much more. Business West, Leigh court business centre, Pill Rd, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RL
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Appeal Digital

Web design

Appeal Digital
We are Appeal Digital a specialist WordPress & WooCommerce Agency based in Bristol. We use open source platforms and best practice to increase visibility and grow sales for our clients.
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West of England Growth Hub

Advice

West of England Growth Hub
The West of England Growth Hub supports businesses throughout Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire to innovate, grow and thrive. We achieve this by connecting businesses to support streams and encouraging collaboration. We offer free telephone and face-to-face support tailored to the needs and goals of your business. We listen to your vision for the future and your views on the challenges you face.
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Greg de Tisi Online Marketing and Coaching

Mentoring

Greg de Tisi Online Marketing and Coaching
Greg de Tisi Coaching is all about specifics. Whether you want a new career, a new lifestyle, more money or just more motivation I can help. With over 10 years of experience helping others I am committed to serving others and helping others to tap into what drives them and what they are passionate about. I have 15 books so far on self growth and wealth growth and work from home In Bristol. I have successful students from all over the globe and continue to seve in my local community also where I can. I offer a free 45 minute consultation no obligation to see whether I am the right fit for you. I look forward to meeting you soon Greg De Tisi www.GregdeTisi.com
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Higos Insurance Services Ltd

Insurance

Higos Insurance Services Ltd
Higos is one of the largest independent regional intermediaries in the UK, specialising in general insurance products for both personal and business risks. Higos offers a distribution network for independent financial advisers. We have built our reputation on providing a winning combination of professional, independent advice and customer service for both personal and business customers. We have offices located throughout the South West - for further details visit www.higos.co.uk
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Enterprise Online Marketing Solutions

Online Marketing

Enterprise Online Marketing Solutions
In todays connected world Digital Marketing and the World Wide Web forms an essential part of business marketing. You need to be easy to find in all the places that your existing and potential customers are likely to visit and make sure that you are professionally representing your business. You want more sales, more leads, phone calls and enquiries, more newsletter subscriptions andor more downloads! To achieve these ambitions, you need an effective website, effective Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to make sure that you appear in Google, Bing and Yahoo search results as well as an active presence on all the Social Media sites that your clients are likely to be using Using a range of affordable and effective Digital Marketing I can ensure that your business is easy to find by your customers.
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Bristol Business Network

Networking

Bristol Business Network
Making Meaningful Business Connections On Behalf Of Our Members since 1993 There is a very good reason why Bristol Business Network is still so popular since it’s launch in 1993 – it works! Attracting senior decision-makers to the monthly lunchtime events, the unique, professional and business focused format offers an effective environment for building close working links and establishing that invaluable ‘support network’ of business contacts.
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MO Transport

Directory

MO Transport
At MO Transport, we recognize that every move is unique. Whether it's your move's scale, budget, or specific timelines, our approach is all about personalization. We offer a customized service that perfectly aligns with your individual moving needs.From small removals in Bristol to comprehensive transport van services in Bristol, weve got you covered. Choose us for removal thats not just efficient, but also tailored just for you!Why choose us? Here are just some of the reasons everyone loves our transport van service in Bristol: Fully insured removals services provider. We are available 24/7. Packing service. Plastic crate rental. Furniture assembly/disassembly available upon request. Trusted by hundreds of repeat customers over the years - we never let our customers down! We are the Bristol van and removal service you can trust to get the job done right. With thousands of satisfied customers and over five years of experience, we won't let you down!
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Working Breakfast

Networking

Working Breakfast
Working Breakfast: Where everyone feels welcome. Where members genuinely understand that helping others is the very best way to find new business, get help and support – and build genuine friendships as well as solid business relationships. Working Breakfast is a Bristol based networking group. We encourage good quality referrals to help members improve workflow and grow their business. Recommendations from a known and trusted source far outweigh any form of cold calling. Our members span a wide variety of businesses and we enjoy a friendly, helpful atmosphere at our meetings, where those attending can benefit from one another’s experience and expertise.
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Business West

Networking

Business West
Participate in a strong and lively business community where you can share ideas, identify new opportunities and generate leads for your business. Hundreds of businesses attend our events every week. Our events are held at different times of day and are varying lengths to meet the demands of busy schedules. Members can attend events for free or at a discounted price. Breakfast & Evening Events Participate in a strong and lively business community where you can share ideas, identify new opportunities and generate leads for your business. Leigh Court Business Centre, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3RA. Email: info@businesswest.co.uk
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Greenaway Scott

Law

Greenaway Scott
Greenaway Scott are a new style law firm designed for businesses. We provide clients with legal advice and support in the areas of Corporate Law, Commercial Contracts, Intellectual Property, Employment and Commercial Property. The delivery of our service is innovative and designed to suit the needs of our clients working in fast paced business environments. We aim to become a valued part of your team for the life of your business and can work with you according to your needs. Please contact any member of our team directly for a no obligation conversation about your business. We look forward to speaking to you.
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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.
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It'seeze Web Design Bristol

Web design

It'seeze Web Design Bristol
Small and friendly web design company, we have been creating websites for local businesses in Bristol and the South West for the last ten years. As well as affordable, professional sites, we also offer ongoing help and support and an easy to use content management system (CMS) to edit your website - or we can do it for you! To find out more, please contact Suzi Perry on 07837 003937 or by email: suzy.perry@itseeze.com
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Bristol City Council - Business

Advice

Bristol City Council - Business
Bristol City Council's website has a section dedicated to helping local businesses. Within this you will find a page dedicated to starting your own business and key local contacts in and around Bristol.
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Advice

BRAVE Enterprise
BRAVE Enterprise has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and run successful and profitable businesses in Bristol. BRAVE is an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Bristol. BRAVE provides support to: Trading businesses looking to develop and grow Business needing solutions to problems, Start-up businesses, those thinking about starting a business or becoming self employed for the first time.
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Advice

Hartcliffe and Withywood Ventures
Free confidential impartial information, advice and guidance is provided. For further information please call 0117 9781708 between 9.00am - 5.00pm or e-mail us at gatehousecentre@yahoo.co.uk.
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Advice

Flair 4 IT
Flair4IT are a energetic, fresh faced IT company at the heart of Bristol supporting companies ranging from SMEs to local government.
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Insurance

Crest Insurance Consultants Ltd
Independent Insurance Intermediary offering SMEs with business combined insurance packages, liability, professional indemnity, property, motor, household etc
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Networking

Business West Chambers of Commerce
We are one of the most influential independent business leadership organisations in the UK, representing and working with over 18,000 businesses across the South West. Address: Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, BS8 3RA
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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

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