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How to Start a Business in Essex

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Essex

Starting a business in Essex

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

Start Your Own Business in Essex 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 Essex

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

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

Essex, located in the southeastern part of England, offers a vibrant business environment, diverse communities, and a range of opportunities across various industries.

Demographics of Essex

Essex is one of the most populous counties in England, with a thriving population. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Essex is over 1.8 million residents. The county offers a diverse demographic mix, with urban areas, picturesque countryside, and coastal regions, creating a varied customer base and business prospects.

Major Towns and Cities in Essex
  • Chelmsford: Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, with a population of over 175,000 residents. It is a thriving commercial and administrative center, offering a range of business opportunities across sectors such as technology, finance, professional services, and retail.
  • Colchester: Colchester is an ancient town and the largest settlement in Essex, with a population of over 195,000 residents. It is known for its historical significance and vibrant cultural scene. Colchester provides opportunities in sectors such as education, tourism, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Southend-on-Sea: Southend-on-Sea is a popular seaside resort town in Essex, with a population of over 182,000 residents. It attracts tourists with its beaches, amusement parks, and thriving hospitality industry. Southend-on-Sea offers opportunities in tourism, leisure, hospitality, and retail sectors.
Local Authorities in Essex

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

  • Essex County Council : The official website of Essex 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.
Business Support Organisations in Essex

Essex 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 Essex, along with their website links:

  • Essex Chambers of Commerce : The Essex Chambers of Commerce is a membership-based organisation offering a range of services to support businesses. They provide networking opportunities, business advice, access to training programs, and representation on key issues affecting the local business community.
  • Southend Business Partnership : The Southend Business Partnership is dedicated to supporting and promoting local businesses in Southend-on-Sea. They offer networking events, business mentoring, access to funding, and facilitate collaboration between businesses, local authorities, and educational institutions.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Essex. Exploring the websites of local authorities and business support organisations will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Wishing you every success on your entrepreneurial journey in Essex!

Business advice and support

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 Essex and Business Mentors in Essex .

Funding and grants

Business advice and support

"Money makes the world go round."

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: Business Grants and Business Funding .

Business networking

Business advice and support

"It's not what you know, it is who you know."

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 Essex for details of local groups and our free Networking Factsheet.

Business premises

Business advice and support

"Home or away?"

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: Co-Working and Business Premises

Start Your Own Business in 2021
Free start-up guide
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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 workshops Free workshops

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in 2021

Download the 2023 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 Essex

Key Contacts in Essex

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

Essex 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.

The Office HQ

Office Services

The Office HQ
The Office HQ helps small business owners and start ups by carrying out tasks such as administration, marketing and bookkeeping. We are a small team of highly skilled and experienced UK Virtual Assistants who can hit the ground running and will free up your time so that you can concentrate on taking your business to the next level. No task is too big or small, whether its occasional invoicing, daily email management or helping with social media posts.
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McMillan Rose & Co - Chartered Certified Accountants

Accountancy

McMillan Rose & Co - Chartered Certified Accountants
We are a qualified firm of accountants that are friendly, approachable, will deal with your queries quickly and at a reasonable price. Clients choose our firm over others as this is the level of service they receive. Check out our reviews. Changing Accountants always seems daunting so why not meet us first, without any pressure over a cup of tea or coffee, and then have time to yourself to decide if we are the right firm for you. You need to be able to rely on a firm you can trust and will get the job done within time constraints, thats where McMillan Rose are strongest as a firm of qualified Chartered Certified Accountants. If its advice on tax planning, including H M Revenue and Customs investigations, audit, limited company formation as well as bookkeeping, accounts, landlords rental statements, VAT and payroll services then McMillan Rose can provide those services and more. We have many clients in various different types of sectors, including: * contruction and building * solicitors and barristers * travel agents * technology * haulage * service industry * landlords * and, much more. Through giving the right advice when needed our clients have the confidence to expand their businesses when the time is right for them. Serious about your business? Then telephone us on 01245 326280 for a FREE meeting and parking to discuss how to increase your potential.
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Invest Essex

Advice

Invest Essex
Invest ESSEX is an investment promotion agency (IPA) and business support provider, now part of the ‘Let’s Do Business Group’ delivering services for Essex County Council across the Greater Essex area. Working with carefully selected business partners, Invest ESSEX offers a comprehensive support service for your business expansion in Essex. Our expert, in-house team benefits from experience supporting international and UK businesses of all sizes, operating across all industry sectors.
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bubyli Internet Marketing

Communications

bubyli Internet Marketing
Affordable Websites We understand and appreciate the costs involved in starting a new business. That's why we spread the cost of your new website over a 12 month period, allowing you time to start generating revenue. The pandemic of 2020 changed the way in which we interact with businesses making a business website one of your most important assets. We can help you get your new business online and in front of your customers.
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IGF Invoice Finance Ltd

Funding

IGF Invoice Finance Ltd
The major banks are failing to meet the needs of the SME market. They are inflexible, expect high levels of security for all their lending, and lack any sympathy with, or understanding of, their SME customers. Does your bank spend time listening to your business needs? If your business experienced any financial difficulties, can you rely on their support? Unlike the major banks and major commercial finance providers, IGF is available when you need us. We will ensure we really understand your business and its needs. We will listen and we will care about your goals. We see the relationship as a long term partnership and your success is our success. We value your business; so we do what we promise and wont let you down. We work in a friendly yet highly professional way; championing the needs of the SME. Its why we are so often recommended, not only by our existing clients, but also by accountants and financial consultants throughout the UK. Its why we are challenging the established finance providers and big name institutions; and, its why we are clearly a better finance partner for your business IGF are a leading independent Invoice Finance provider and have been established for over 15 years. The business is part of ABFA (Asset Based Finance Association) and is wholly owned by The Greater London Enterprise (GLE). This solid backing not only gives us a strong pedigree but it means we are ultimately owned by all of the London Boroughs. IGF offer a broad suite of Invoice Finance and related services including Factoring, and Confidential Invoice Discounting along with sundry services such as payroll, direct debit collection, and short term loan facilities.
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FZCO Accountants

Accountancy

FZCO Accountants
FZCO Accountants is a certified accountancy firm that enjoys a worldwide reputation for providing efficient and innovative VAT Registration and VAT Return services. We specialise in global ecommerce cross-border selling taxation, submitting VAT returns and VAT registration in the UK, EU, UAE, UAE and Saudi Arabia. We ensure that accounts, corporation tax, payroll and VAT/GST/ sales tax are prepared according to a timetable. Through our history of supporting ecommerce sellers, we have a strong understanding of the problems global ecommerce sellers face, which is why our professionals are able to guide you through any unforeseen circumstances step by step.
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Advice

South East LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
The South East LEP is a partnership of leaders - from the business community and from local authorities with their democratic mandates - and will perform a leadership role. This leadership role means acting as strong advocates for the area - working with Government to find solutions to enable delivery of strategic transport infrastructure that will drive national prosperity and economic growth. SELEP will be a strong voice on behalf of businesses and communities and work to ensure that Government and the European Union realise the national and international importance of the South East LEP area in the allocation of scare resources. Advocacy will be supported by project specific economic intelligence which will provide the evidence base for investment.
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Networking

FSB Essex
FSB Essex 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: Iain Wicks Development Manager Iain.Wicks@fsb.org.uk
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Networking

Essex Chamber of Commerce
Essex Chambers of Commerce is the voice of business across Essex as the largest independent, private sector provider of business support in the county. Representing businesses at local level to government, working with leading organisations, we deliver business information and advice, as well as business products and services from HR to healthcare and more. In addition to being the voice of business Essex Chambers can support your business with a range of business to business networking opportunities and training, as well as with exporting and trade. Address: 8 & 9 St Peters Court, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1WD
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Advice

Essex County Council
Essex County Council operate a number of business programmes and work with partners to deliver expertise and consultation on a number of themes to new and established businesses including: Exporting, Developing innovative business ideas, Finding new premises, Finance and funding, Academic partnerships, Business relocation consulting.Essex County Council is committed to helping Essex-based businesses increase their competitive advantage by providing and working with partners on a range of business development activities from premises for early stage businesses to testing the market.
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Advice

Essex libraries
Libraries fit for the future and a fit with people’s lives. A vision of a library service available on-line 24-7 to fit with people’s lives in Essex is to be considered by the County Council. A great place to start your new business market research
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Advice

Starting a Business in Essex
Essex County Council has been offering advice to new businesses for many years. We aim to make the information you require easy to find so you can get on with what really matters: getting started. We can also put you in touch with other people who want to help. The Business Information Service can also provide help in the form of useful, free factsheets. For further information call the Business Information Service on: 01245 492535 or email: business.information@essex.gov.uk
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Advice

BEST For Business Solutions
The BEST website hasa page dedicated to business start-up and those organisations who may be able to help.
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Advice

Colchester & Essex Business Agency
The Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) is a non-profit making organisation designed to help new businesses get off the ground and small entrepreneurs develop their ideas into successful ventures. Advice is completely free. The Agency is supported by the local councils in Colchester and Tendring, by funding from EEDA (the East of England Development Agency) and by the support of local businesses. Its sole aim is to see the economic prosperity of the region improve through new business development. Colbea offers free confidential business advice from accredited professionals, plus business training that will give you the skills you need to start your business on a firm footing.
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Advice

Essex Chambers of Commerce
Essex Chambers of Commerce is the home of business right across the county helping businesses from SME’s through to national and international companies to succeed. Business Support – whether it is by attending one of our networking events across the county, our business exhibitions, promoting your business through our electronic newsletters, HR support, online health and safety support, we can help support you and your business.
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Networking

Essex Business Forum
An independent networking group made up of 30 or so members. From tradesmen, to professional services and everything in between. We actively promote each other by passing regular, high quality referrals and collaborate to grow our businesses.
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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