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How to Start a Business in East Sussex

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in East Sussex

Starting a business in East Sussex

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

Start Your Own Business in East Sussex 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 East Sussex

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in East Sussex 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
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Web Design
A nice place to work

Workplaces

Starting a Business in East Sussex

What you need to know!
Seaside view in East Sussex

If you're considering starting a business or already running one in East Sussex, this web page is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Located in the southeastern part of England, East Sussex offers a diverse economy, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving business community.

Demographics of East Sussex

East Sussex is home to a vibrant population and presents numerous business opportunities. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of East Sussex is over 830,000 residents. The county encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas, providing a dynamic market for businesses to flourish.

Major Towns and Cities in East Sussex
  • Brighton and Hove : Brighton and Hove is a popular city located on the south coast of East Sussex. It has a combined population of over 290,000 residents. Known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse communities, and thriving tourism industry, Brighton and Hove offers a wide range of business opportunities, particularly in the creative, digital, and tourism sectors.
  • Eastbourne : Eastbourne is a seaside town with a population of over 100,000 residents. It is renowned for its stunning coastline, Victorian architecture, and vibrant cultural events. Eastbourne presents opportunities in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and education.
  • Hastings : Hastings is a historic town situated on the south coast of East Sussex. It has a population of over 90,000 residents. Known for its rich heritage, picturesque Old Town, and fishing industry, Hastings offers business prospects in sectors such as tourism, retail, and creative industries.
  • Lewes : Lewes is the county town of East Sussex, with a population of over 17,000 residents. It is famous for its historic buildings, charming streets, and annual Lewes Bonfire celebrations. Lewes provides a supportive environment for businesses, particularly in sectors such as professional services, creative industries, and tourism.
Local Authorities in East Sussex

Understanding the local authorities in East Sussex is crucial for navigating regulatory requirements and accessing relevant services. Here are some key local authorities in East Sussex along with their website links:

  • East Sussex County Council : The official website of the East Sussex County Council provides comprehensive information on local government services, business rates, planning permissions, and economic development initiatives. They offer guidance on starting a business, provide access to grants and funding opportunities, and support business growth in the county.
  • Brighton and Hove City Council : The website of the Brighton and Hove City Council offers resources for businesses in the area, including information on licensing, permits, business support programs, and networking opportunities. They provide guidance on starting and growing a business, along with support for sustainability and innovation.
Business Support Organisations in East Sussex

East Sussex is home to several business support organisations dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. Whether you need assistance with funding, mentoring, networking, or general guidance, these organisations can provide valuable resources. Here are a few notable business support organisations in East Sussex, along with their website links:

  • Business in Brighton : Business in Brighton offers a range of support services for businesses in the Brighton and Hove area. They provide mentoring programs, networking events, access to funding opportunities, and business support resources tailored to the local entrepreneurial community.
  • Locate East Sussex : Locate East Sussex is a business support service that helps businesses relocate, expand, or set up in East Sussex. They offer assistance with site selection, access to business networks, introductions to key contacts, and advice on available grants and funding options.
  • Sussex Chamber of Commerce : The Sussex Chamber of Commerce provides a platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and access resources. They offer networking events, training programs, business support services, and advocacy for the local business community. Membership with the chamber provides opportunities for business promotion and growth.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as an invaluable resource for starting or running a business in East Sussex. Exploring the websites of local authorities and business support organisations will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey in East Sussex!

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.

Chris Dowling Business Consultant & Mentor
SJE Marketing
Quotes - Web Design and Web Hosting
Eyetooth Design
PcHelpMan
Creative Bloom
Access business finance up to £150k
Let's Do Business Group

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.

See: Full List of Latest Start-Up Articles

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.
More Information and instant download
More Information and instant download
Starting a business in East Sussex

Key Contacts in East Sussex

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

East Sussex 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.

Chris Dowling Business Consultant & Mentor

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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Let's Do Marketing

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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University of Brighton

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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Sussex Innovation Centre

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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South East Business Hub

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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Let's Do Business - Sussex Events

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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Business East Sussex

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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STORROR

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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Access business finance up to £150k

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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East Sussex County council

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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W.E.Clark & Son Watch Repairs

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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Let's Do Business Group

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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Locate East Sussex

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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Applications engineering

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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Quadratech

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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Stehlik IT Services

IT

Stehlik IT Services
We simply make IT better. Computer maintenance, networking, servers, software installations, data storage, security.
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Eventbrite - East Sussex Events

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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Cooden Tax Consulting

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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Sussex Chamber of Commerce

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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Let's Do Business Group

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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HomeCall Carpets

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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Business and IP Centre

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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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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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.

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