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How to Start a Business in Cockermouth

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Cockermouth

Starting a business in Cockermouth

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

Start Your Own Business in Cockermouth 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 Cockermouth

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!

Starting a Business in in Cockermouth

Business advice and support

"Two heads are better than one."

Whether you have been trading for some time, are new to the market or are just thinking about starting a business of your own, it has been proven that your chances of success are considerably improved if you seek support from an experienced business advisor or mentor. You can find out more about both options at Business Advice in Cockermouth and Business Mentors in Cockermouth.

Funding and grants

Running out of money is one the most common reasons why businesses fail. This risk of this happening to can be avoided (or minimised) by careful planning and cashflow forecasting. If you need additional funds to start or keep your business going, you can learn more about your options and download our free funding factsheet at: Cockermouth Business Grants and Business Funding

Business networking

Does the idea of business networking fill you with delight or dread? Either way, it can be beneficial for both your business and you as an entrepreneur. See Business Networking in Cockermouth for details of local groups and our free Networking Factsheet.

Business premises

Working from home is appealing to many new business owners but not practical for many others. Even if you are running a business by yourself, you might like to consider the option of 'hot desking' or co-working in one of the many flexi-workspaces that have emerged in recent years. Find out more at: Cockermouth Co-Working and Business Premises.

Finding new customers

Paying customers are the lifeblood of any business. Knowing how to find, satisfy and retain them is vitally important and best achieved with the help of experts in the field.

Accountancy, tax and law

While starting a new business is very exciting, this should not disguide the fact that there are some very important legal responsibilities that must be considered. See: Bookkeeping, Accountancy, Financial Planning and Law

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 2021

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 Cockermouth

Key Contacts in Cockermouth

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

Cockermouth 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.

Accountancy

Graham R Turner
We prepare Accounts/Self Assessment Return & specialise in Sole Traders, Partnerships, Income from Property, Tax Enquiries – We are here to help! Established in 1997 and with over 36 years combined experience, Graham R Turner accountancy and taxation services specialise in Sole Traders and Partnerships. We bring a depth of experience and knowledge when it comes to managing your self assessment, tax returns and accounts preparation as well as getting prepared for implementation of ‘Maxing tax digital’ (MTD) which starts in April 2021, we are ready, are you? If you are considering being self-employed or are currently self employed as a sole trader or partnership looking for a bespoke service in and around the Carlisle area or in the Tyne Valley, Northumberland or North Tyneside. We can arrange to come to you at work, home or a convenient location to discuss your individual requirements in more detail.
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Web design

Business Toolbox Cumbria
Cost-effective, smart solutions to make your business stand out without breaking the bank! I have a passion for designing websites that work as an excellent “shop window” for your business, that deliver smart and stylish solutions, but that do so in a cost-effective and functional way. I offer you joined up thinking and solutions across different marketing services under one roof, whether this is web design, brand, digital or print marketing, assistance with social media or a mix of these elements. I work with you to give you the right results and to work as part of your “toolbox” throughout the project, and for as long as you need support and services. I love doing this because I learnt through the years of developing sales and marketing teams and business strategies that websites need to be an integral part of what you do, and not an expensive ornament that just look smart. If you would like to work with someone who has “been there and got the t-shirt” on marketing and finding cost-effective solutions to raise the profile of a business do get in touch. I would love to chat.
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Accountancy

Tyers Accountancy
Tyers Accountancy specialises in providing accountancy and business support for the smaller business: sole trader, partnership and limited company. We provide friendly personal service and advice with just one point of contact so you will always talk to the same person! You can call at our office or were happy to come to your home. We use our knowledge and experience to help you get your business started up and running smoothly, and well handle the necessary registrations for you. We provide: A FREE initial consultation with no obligation so you can have your questions answered without pressure. FREE bookkeeping software to help you get started. Thats one less cost to think about! The software can be enhanced if your requirements grow at a later date. We also provide full bookkeeping training and support. Tax enquiry cover with FREE legal and business helpline. Our cover helps to greatly reduce the anxiety of tax enquiries. Our rates are extremely competitive - in many cases far below prices youll find on the High Street. We provide support for all areas of your business including: Accounts preparation Self assessment and Tax Returns Payroll administration VAT advice, VAT Returns and registration Limited companies and incorporation Bookkeeping service plus software and training We would be very happy to help you whatever your business needs. Please feel free to contact us for your free first meeting.
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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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Advice

Cumbria LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership provides a strategic lead in all activities contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the countys economy and where appropriate takes positive action, using the skills, capabilities and networks of the LEP partners. Its aim is to develop Cumbrias economy while maintaining its uniqueness in terms of landscape, culture and quality of life. The partnership is about much more than allocation of funding and supporting applications for the Regional Growth Fund. It wants to create new working practices, making the most of opportunities to support private sector led investment and initiatives.
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Networking

FSB Lancashire & Cumbria
FSB Lancashire & Cumbria is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Paul Foster Development Manager paul.foster@fsb.org.uk
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Networking

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Our Aim is to be innovative, committed and financially strong business organisation for cumbria, seeking opportunities to support and represent business whatever their size and sector. Address: 3rd Floor Broadacre House, 16-20 Lowther Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8DA
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Advice

Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency
We help both new and existing businesses in the Eden and South Lakeland districts of Cumbria. We also support farmers and rural businesses producing distinctive, Cumbrian products throughout the county.
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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