Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Derbyshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Derbyshire 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

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Derbyshire but where can it be found?

Select classification:

Advice & Support

Accountancy

Bookkeeping

Co-Working

Funding

Grants

Mentoring

Networking

Office Services

Online Marketing

Web Design

Workplaces

If you're considering starting a business or already running one in Derbyshire, this web page is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey. Derbyshire, located in the East Midlands region of England, offers a rich business landscape, a skilled workforce, and access to diverse markets.

Demographics of Derbyshire

Derbyshire is home to a diverse population and offers a range of business opportunities. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Derbyshire is over 1 million residents. The county boasts a mix of rural and urban areas, creating a dynamic economic environment.

Major Towns and Cities

Derby: Derby is the largest city in Derbyshire and serves as its administrative center. It has a population of over 250,000 residents and is known for its strong manufacturing and engineering sectors. Derby offers a supportive business community and excellent transport links.
Chesterfield: Chesterfield is a historic market town located in Derbyshire. With a population of over 100,000 residents, it is known for its thriving retail sector and strong sense of community. Chesterfield offers a mix of traditional and modern business opportunities.
Swadlincote: Swadlincote is a town in Derbyshire known for its industrial heritage. It has a population of over 30,000 residents and offers opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
Buxton: Buxton is a picturesque spa town in Derbyshire, attracting tourists and offering opportunities in the hospitality and leisure sectors. It has a population of over 20,000 residents and a thriving arts and cultural scene.

Local Authorities in Derbyshire

Local authorities in Derbyshire can be useful for navigating regulatory requirements and accessing relevant services. Here are some key local authorities in Derbyshire along with their website links:

Business Support Organisations in Derbyshire

Derbyshire offers a range of business support organisations dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. Whether you need assistance with funding, networking, training, or general guidance, these organisations can provide valuable resources. Here are a few noteworthy business support organisations in Derbyshire, along with their website links:

We hope this guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Derbyshire. Explore the websites of local authorities and business support organisations for further information and assistance. Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey in Derbyshire!

Can you help start-ups in Derbyshire?

If so, your logo, company details and link to your site could be here!

If you are based in in Derbyshire or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.

You are able to add a free listing or act as our recommended local partner for only £10 per year!

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.

Creating A Safety Policy To Fit Your Business

Anyone running a new business or planning to do so in the New Year will appreciate the importance of having a robust health and safety policy in place.

Selling your Brand to Retail Chains.

At Ideas Fest 2024, Mentors for Makers’, Rachel Birrell-Gray sat down with some of the UK’s champion challenger brands and talk, “how attract a retail buyer”.

How is AI and Automation Changing the Future of Entrepreneurship?

If you’ve been a resident of planet earth over the past couple of years, it’s been impossible to ignore the meteoric impact of AI on business-to-business (B2B) and consumer spaces.

Is it Really Artisan vs. Automation?

The Impact of Filling Machines on Artisanal Production

90 days to plan your business

If you're already dreading Christmas and New Year because your new business is going to take up all your free time - don't panic, you've got 90 days to plan for it.

Strategies to Help Startups Scale Effectively

Scaling a startup business can be an exciting journey full of promise, but it’d be naive to ignore the potential challenges along the way.

4 Ways to Get Known Fast

Want to know one of the biggest challenges women face when trying to grow their idea, knowledge, or service based businesses?

AI Made Simple: Practical Tips for Start-Ups

There is plenty of talk about how AI can benefit new and existing businesses, but what does that mean for YOU?

Starting a Home Baking Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Does everyone compliment your baking and suggest that you should start your own business?

Getting Yourself Into a Business Mindset

Being an entrepreneur is a challenging journey and here are many obstacles to overcome on your way to success - that can be overwhelming and daunting.

10 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress

Do you know what the source of your stress is?

5 Ways That New Businesses Are Losing Money (And What You Can Do About It)

Small businesses can only survive if they are consistently generating a profit.

11 Reasons to a Choose Cloud Accounting Solution

You finally get to be your own boss and focus on what you're good at and be free from office politics, the bureaucracy of filling in endless forms or being sent in all directions.

Ever thought of taking the plunge?

In today's world, more and more people are not just thinking about setting up their own business, but are taking action.

Free Cashflow Template and Instructions

Download our free cashflow forecast template together with the instructions required to help you create and update an accurate guide to your business finances.

Free Business Plan Template and Instructions

Designed to make the task of compiling a business plan as painless as possible.

Starting a Business: A Guide for UK Service Leavers

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging, but starting your own business offers an exciting and rewarding path forward.

How to Start a Not-for-Profit Business in the UK

If you are thinking about starting a social enterprise but not sure of the correct legal status to adopt, we hope that this article will help you understand the advantagaes and disadvantages of your available options.

Starting a Business as a Young Person: Your Comprehensive Guide

The great news is that there is no minimum age requirement to set up your own business.

Show Me The Money!

How can my contracts ensure prompt payment from my customers?

Starting a Business Over 50: Your Comprehensive Guide

Starting a business can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavour, regardless of age.

3 tips for taking holidays away as a small business owner

Will you ever have an undisturbed holiday again?! Yes, some advanced planning is all it takes.

Stress isn't always a bad thing - it can be positive too

Looking at the stressors in our work lives and finding the positives.

Top Tips to Get Your First Business Event Off the Ground

As a startup business owner or entrepreneur looking for their first venture, hosting your first business event can be equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting.

Unlocking the Potential of Unique Event Locations

If you’re looking to wow your guests and set your business apart when it comes to events, you need to look outside of the traditional realm of event spaces.

Things you ought to know but probably don't want to!

A brief description of the major new employment laws (UK, 2024).

Women and neurodiversity in business start ups

Recognising neurodiversity as a challenge, but celebrating it's positive force for women in new business.

Why Business Owners Should Consider AI in Their Marketing.

Let's look closer at Common Fears and Apprehensions.

Marketing through storytelling

Consider storytelling as part of your overall marketing strategy.

How To Establish And Nurture A Healthy Workplace Culture

For startups of any size and in any industry, creating a strong and positive workplace culture is a good foundation for growing a healthy business and team of staff.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

Free Startup Guide

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.

Key Contacts in Derbyshire

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

Derbyshire 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

FSB East Midlands Region

Our East Midlands Region is broken down into three areas. If you want to get in touch with the East Midlands team about a local business issue, event or local support in your area please use the details below. Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Email: nicola.moss@fsb.org.uk Tel:07917 628922 Lincolnshire Email: jacqueline.richardson@fsb.org.uk Tel: 07816 453462 Leicestershire, Northants & Rutland Email: nicola.moss@fsb.org.uk Tel:07917 628922

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Advice

First Enterprise

In our history we have worked with thousands of start-ups and growing businesses to help them follow their dreams and achieve their goals. We work across the East Midlands and South East Midlands as a not for profit, public sector funded organisation to provide vital business support, advice, business loans and new start finance.

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Web design

Digital Ethos

Our digital marketing agency is an extension of your internal marketing team, bringing you and your business digital strategy, expertise and results to the areas you need most. If your brand needs to drive business growth, increase conversion rates, generate leads or boost sales, visibility and engagement, Digital Ethos have the perfect solution for you. Every company needs that little boost ahead of the competition, and a carefully devised Search Engine Optimisation or SEO strategy could be the answer. SEO is a way of improving your website so it appears higher in Google’s search results. It works for other search engines too, like Bing. Our SEO team will carefully devise a strategy that increases your search visibility where it matters and keep you up to date with the latest Google changes. SEO packages vary, but we focus on four aspects to ensure we’re steering your site in the right direction The team at Digital Ethos is a big believer in that people don’t just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. That is why we take a custom approach to each and every client and really get to know your business and your core values and vision in order to craft tailored strategies and campaigns that meet your unique business goals and objectives. Digital Ethos helps businesses in Derby get more organic traffic from search engines

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Advice

Derbyshire County Council

Derbyshire Cunty Council business support and advice. Provide support and help for businesses in a variety of ways.

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Advice

Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Start up advice, inspiration and support. Information to help you settle, promote and grow your business within Derbyshire. Much of this assistance is free. To help businesses find the support they need,The D2N2 Growth Hub links businesses with an ambition to grow in the D2N2 area, the UK's most inspirational postcode, with support and information, the Growth Hub is the gateway for businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

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Accountancy

Coleman Bradshaw

Coleman Bradshaw are a progressive team of accountants and professional advisers providing accounting & business support services to ambitious small businesses and start-ups. We are here to minimise tax, maximise cash and profits, and provide peace of mind. So what makes us different? We communicate actively with our clients and business community. We love to help business to grow and become more successful, and we are committed to providing a highly responsive and energetic customer service experience - precisely what you need to support you in the fast-paced world of growing a small business or launching a start-up.

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Advice

D2 Business Starter Programme

The D2 Business Starter Programme has just one purpose; to seek out and assist owners of brilliant ideas across the County. The D2 Business Starter Programme is an exciting new initiative giving all Derbyshire residents the opportunity to explore your business potential and learn how to set up a new business with series of flexible, fully funded workshops and one-to-one support. This support will be delivered by experienced professionals working with small groups at local venues across the County.

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Advice

D2N2 Growth Hub

Interested in starting your own business? There are a number of organisations both locally and nationally that can help you, listed below by local council area. There are a number of things to think about. These are listed in the section on business planning (opens in new window) along with a checklist of what you need to do.

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Advice

Being Your own Boss

Have you ever thought about working for yourself? Take the first step to starting your own business. This course will show you how to set up a simple money management system for your new business.

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Networking

Business Peak District

Business Peak District is an organisation with over 700 members that seeks to act as a single voice for businesses in and around the Peak District and as a representative of their interests to our partner organisations. Our vision is for a Peak District with a distinctive, high quality rural environment and an enterprising, growing and sustainable rural economy. Membership is free to businesses in and around the Peak District and it’s environs, across all sectors.

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Advice

BES

Business Enterprise Support – or BES – is a not-for-profit social enterprise primarily dedicated to helping people to start and successfully run their own businesses or social enterprises. BES have helped thousands of people from all different backgrounds prepare, fund and successfully launch businesses of their own across the West Midlands.

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Advice

Launchpad

The Launchpad programme provides free support to pre-start and new businesses in the Sheffield City Region. It is a new, fully inclusive programme designed to help ambitious entrepreneurs set up and run successful businesses and support SMEs under 2 years old to take the next step and grow their business.

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Dove Computer Solutions Ltd

At Dove Computer Solutions, we provide professional I.T. solutions, help desk support and cloud services to a range of customers including large organisations through to home users. We combine technological expertise with friendly local service to deliver affordable solutions to our customers. Our team of highly qualified engineers provide helpful advice and solutions without the jargon. No matter how small or large your IT requirements, Dove Computers have solutions to suit you and make your day-to-day life easier. STARTUP OFFER If you are a startup business or have been operating a business for less than 12 months you qualify for 3 months unlimited, offsite support to cover all of your IT equipment. Contact us for more information.

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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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Networking

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

The Chamber is the leading business organisation in the East Midlands. With a growing membership of more than 3,800 businesses and 3,000 affiliates, it is the second largest chamber of commerce in the country. The Chamber offers Members extensive networking opportunities and a wide range of discounted services. Address: Commerce Centre, Canal Wharf, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7NA

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Advice

Business Derbyshire

Business Derbyshire. The overall vision for our business support theme is to ensure that we improve the rates of business formation, survival and growth within Derbyshire to ensure greater economic prosperity.

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Advice

Creative Derbyshire

The overwhelming majority of artists and creative businesses are micro businesses or self employed individuals. Whether you are starting your creative business from scratch or buying a business or franchise, it can be a daunting process. There is however, a range of support available to creative businesses, both in terms of general and specialist support and guides.

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Advice

The Big House

Business support, events, grants and professional advice for creative and digital businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The Big House programme has already helped many creative and digital entrepreneurs and small businesses to move to the next level. Take a moment to learn about the free support available to enable your idea or business to develop and grow.

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Advice

Doing Good Business

Programme for unemployed people in Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire Dales and NE Derbyshire Districts. If you are aged 25+, not currently working and living in one of the above districts, the Doing Good Business programme can help you. Funded by Big Lottery and the European Social Fund it provides free one-to-one advice, practical support to manage your personal circumstances, help to develop your skills and personal strengths and expert advice & guidance on key topics. We can also help by covering the costs of travel, childcare and other items while you are taking part in the programme.

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Funding

D2N2 - Digital Growth Programme

Want to move your business to the Digital Age? Discover how the Digital Growth Programme can help you. The Digital Growth Programme is a £7.25 million project, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which provides dedicated support to enterprises located in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The Programme aims to support growing businesses to explore and introduce new and emerging ICT products and services into their business to improve competitiveness and productivity consequently driving economic growth across the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area.

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Networking

Find Networking Events in Derbyshire

Find Networking Events is the UK's leading directory of networking meetings. Events are sub divided by region and this page covers Derbyshire.

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Networking

Love Business East Midlands

Love Business is free and its aim is to help you achieve your business goal - whether that's increased profits, work life balance or something else. It started with a business event in the East Midlands and has grown to a movement which engages people who Love Business and pulls together all the organisations who can help businesses of any size.

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Networking

East Midlands Chamber of Commerce

Putting your business needs at the heart of our strategy. Helping you measurably engage, enrich and enhance your business. The Chamber represents a complex business ecosystem in the heartland of the UK. Whatever the sector, shape or size of your organisation, our primary focus is to help you thrive.

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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.

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

How to Start a Business in Derbyshire

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Derbyshire

Local help for startups

Demographics of Derbyshire

Major Towns and Cities

Local Authorities in Derbyshire

Business Support Organisations in Derbyshire

Can you help start-ups in Derbyshire?

Local partners

Free Startup Resources

Startup checklist

Startup map

Startup pack

Startup guide

Startup articles

Latest articles

Creating A Safety Policy To Fit Your Business

Selling your Brand to Retail Chains.

How is AI and Automation Changing the Future of Entrepreneurship?

Is it Really Artisan vs. Automation?

90 days to plan your business

Strategies to Help Startups Scale Effectively

4 Ways to Get Known Fast

AI Made Simple: Practical Tips for Start-Ups

Starting a Home Baking Business in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Yourself Into a Business Mindset

10 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress

5 Ways That New Businesses Are Losing Money (And What You Can Do About It)

11 Reasons to a Choose Cloud Accounting Solution

Ever thought of taking the plunge?

Free Cashflow Template and Instructions

Free Business Plan Template and Instructions

Starting a Business: A Guide for UK Service Leavers

How to Start a Not-for-Profit Business in the UK

Starting a Business as a Young Person: Your Comprehensive Guide

Show Me The Money!

Starting a Business Over 50: Your Comprehensive Guide

3 tips for taking holidays away as a small business owner

Stress isn't always a bad thing - it can be positive too

Top Tips to Get Your First Business Event Off the Ground

Unlocking the Potential of Unique Event Locations

Things you ought to know but probably don't want to!

Women and neurodiversity in business start ups

Why Business Owners Should Consider AI in Their Marketing.

Marketing through storytelling

How To Establish And Nurture A Healthy Workplace Culture

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

Free Startup Guide

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.

Key Contacts in Derbyshire

FSB East Midlands Region

First Enterprise

Digital Ethos

Derbyshire County Council

Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Coleman Bradshaw

D2 Business Starter Programme

D2N2 Growth Hub

Being Your own Boss

Business Peak District

BES

Launchpad

Dove Computer Solutions Ltd

The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Business Derbyshire

Creative Derbyshire

The Big House

Doing Good Business

D2N2 - Digital Growth Programme

Find Networking Events in Derbyshire

Love Business East Midlands

East Midlands Chamber of Commerce

Start-up articles

Is it for you?

Will your idea work?

Getting started

Plan for success

Funding & grants