Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Hertfordshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Hertfordshire, located in the East of England, offers a vibrant business environment, strategic location, and a supportive business community.

Demographics of Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire has a diverse population. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Hertfordshire is over 1.2 million residents. The county is known for its economic prosperity, excellent transport links to London and other major cities, and a mix of urban and rural areas, making it an attractive location for businesses.

Major Towns and Cities in Hertfordshire

Click on name of each location to find local help and resources.

Watford: Watford is a major town in Hertfordshire, with a population of over 90,000 residents. It is known for its vibrant town center, shopping destinations, and cultural attractions. Watford offers business opportunities in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and professional services.
St Albans: St Albans is a historic city in Hertfordshire, with a population of over 140,000 residents. It boasts a rich heritage, picturesque streets, and a bustling market. St Albans presents opportunities in sectors such as tourism, education, and technology.
Hemel Hempstead: Hemel Hempstead is a town in Hertfordshire, with a population of over 95,000 residents. It has a thriving business community, modern infrastructure, and excellent connectivity. Hemel Hempstead offers opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and technology.

Local Authorities in Hertfordshire

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

Hertfordshire County Council : The official website of Hertfordshire County Council provides comprehensive information on local government services, planning permissions, business rates, 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.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub : The Hertfordshire Growth Hub is a resource hub for businesses in the county. They offer guidance, workshops, networking events, and access to funding and support programs to help businesses thrive and succeed.
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce : The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting businesses in Hertfordshire. They provide networking opportunities, business advice, training programs, and access to resources to help businesses grow and flourish.

Business Support Organisations in Hertfordshire

Various organisations in Hertfordshire offer valuable support and resources for businesses. These organisations can assist you at different stages of your entrepreneurial journey. Here are some prominent business support organisations in Hertfordshire:

Stevenage & Hitchin Chamber of Commerce : The Stevenage & Hitchin Chamber of Commerce supports businesses in Stevenage, Hitchin, and surrounding areas. They provide networking events, business advice, training programs, and representation for businesses in the region.
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) : The Hertfordshire LEP drives economic growth and development in the county. They collaborate with businesses, local authorities, and educational institutions to foster innovation, support infrastructure projects, and promote business opportunities in Hertfordshire.
Women in Herts : Women in Herts is a network that empowers women in business across Hertfordshire. They offer networking events, mentoring programs, and resources to support women entrepreneurs and professionals.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Hertfordshire. 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 Hertfordshire!

Local Sponsor

Enterprise Hertfordshire

Need start up advice, help with your business plan, funding, sales or marketing. Overwhelmed with everyday administrative tasks. Reluctant to take on staff for budgetary reasons. Wish you had more time to focus on developing your business.

We provide administrative support and consultancy services for charities, SMEs, social enterprises, sole traders and start-ups on an ad hoc basis at affordable prices. Please contact us for a quote.

Our services include:

Book keeping
Data entry
Word processing
Invoicing and payment collection
Website build and updates
Startup advice
Business plans and projections
Help securing funding
Business development
Market research and surveys
On and offline marketing
Branding and PR
HR solutions
Operational reviews
Strategic consulting

+447531591739

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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

Start Your Own Business in Hertfordshire

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 Hertfordshire

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

Hertfordshire 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.

Property

STANTA Business Centre

Only need a small office? Want short-term space? STANTA Business Centre is the answer…. Office space to rent in the STANTA Business Centre is charged as an all-inclusive monthly fee (that also covers gas, electricity and business rates) with only one month’s fee charged as a deposit. And renting offices from STANTA has a number of additional benefits: - easy in, easy out office space with no long term lease commitment - easy access to the M1, M25 and A1 - free membership of St Albans Chamber of Commerce for the first year - a large Board Room with Wi-Fi to use (as well as a smaller meeting room) and free onsite business advice - toilets with showers on each level & disabled access (via lift) and unallocated free parking for bikes and cars - no maintenance charges & CCTV security and alarms - high-speed broadband access - suites available from 50 sq ft to 900sq ft (suitable for 1 to 14 people) But perhaps the most unique feature of taking office space at STANTA is the business community within STANTA Business Centre: a mixture of long-standing licencees and newcomers, every STANTA business looks out for the other tenants, taking in parcels, borrowing or lending the proverbial cup of sugar (or milk), passing on local news of interest and of course doing business with each other! If you would like to be part of this thriving community, please click here to see the current availability or call us on 01727 837760.

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Accountancy

Ricson Accountancy Services

We are a small family run business who are specialists in dealing with sole traders and small limited companies. We are a forward thinking company with cloud based solutions to give you up to date access to your company information. We want to work with you to free up your time to build your business and spend time with family & friends

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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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Advice

Advice for Business Start-Ups in Hertford

Being a Business Start-Up can be a nerve-wracking experience, with so much to do and so many questions you need answers to. The good news is, you dont need to do it completely alone. There are a surprising amount of local and national organisations willing to give valuable advice, help, support and mentoring for new business owners, and a lot of it is free.Our advice is to therefore take full advantage of the support these organisations are offering. Weve compiled a list of some of the best providers of advice for business start-ups in Hertford.

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eRecruitSmart

We are disrupting the recruitment space and partnering with UK companies who value their employees and understand the importance of hiring the right people to grow their businesses. eRecruitSmart provides job advertising and recruitment software and are one of the UKs leading online recruiters with access to over 12 million candidates. For maximum exposure, vacancies are published on a huge network of high traffic job boards. We work with all sectors of business and industry and are proud to be the only holder of the ISO 9001:2015 standard in the flat fee recruitment industry. As an ISO 9001:2015 accredited company, our communications with both candidates and clients are documented and audited, so you can be assured of receiving the highest standards in customer care with a commitment to transparency. To have a well-run, profitable business you must get the right people in place. This is done by having the biggest and best reach of applicants to fill your roles. And here at eRecruitSmart we work with you to achieve that objective. We will add value to your business by helping you to recruit the smart way.

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Office Services

Enterprise Hertfordshire

Need start up advice, help with your business plan, funding, sales or marketing. Overwhelmed with everyday administrative tasks. Reluctant to take on staff for budgetary reasons. Wish you had more time to focus on developing your business. We provide administrative support and consultancy services for charities, SMEs, social enterprises, sole traders and start-ups on an ad hoc basis at affordable prices. Please contact us for a quote. Our services include: Book keeping Data entry Word processing Invoicing and payment collection Website build and updates Startup advice Business plans and projections Help securing funding Business development Market research and surveys On and offline marketing Branding and PR HR solutions Operational reviews Strategic consulting

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Advice

Stanta - Herts Start Up Programme (HSUP)

Herts Start Up Programme (HSUP) offers 12 hours of advice and training and the good news is that this is at no cost to you! If you havent yet registered your business, you can attend an initial meeting to receive advice on the next best routes forward, including registering your business. Once this is done, you can choose how you use up the 12 hours by attending any of our training courses and a follow up one to one business advice meeting. St Albans Enterprise Agency Ltd, Suite 19STANTA Business Centre, 3 Soothouse Spring, St. Albans, Herts AL3 6PF

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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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Online Marketing

Choice Digital

RESULTS-DRIVEN SEO AND WEBSITE CONVERSION SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH END SERVICE PROVIDERS The team at Choice Digital combine over 10 years of expertise in delivering SEO and website marketing solutions with one goal: to help you win more clients online. FREE AUDIT If you think choice digital might be a good fit in helping you win more clients online – and if you qualify – we would first recommend you apply for a custom Website Audit for your business, free of charge. That way, we can then have a valuable conversation about how well your website is currently optimised for the search engines, and you will also receive advice on immediate and actionable steps to effectively gain and convert more high-value enquiries. If we mutually agree that your business can benefit from our SEO and website conversion solutions, we will then put together a personalized proposal complete with price and expectations.

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Advice

Hertsmere Council - Starting a Business

Are you thinking of starting a business? The Hertfordshire Start-up Programme, is for pre-start, start-up and businesses under 3 years. This FREE programme gives residents and businesses in Hertfordshire access to 12 hours of free business start-up support worth 1400.

Advice

The Hertfordshire Start-up Programme

The Hertfordshire Start-up Programme gives you access to 12 hours of free business support worth 1400 to help you start your business, survive and thrive. This can be in the form of workshops and networking, one-to-one business advice in person and online, incubation workspace usage and access to grants. The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and supported by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. This package of support available to you is being delivered by Wenta in partnership with STANTA.

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Advice

Hertfordshire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)

It is our guiding principle to grow Hertfordshire smartly as a perfect place to live, work and do business and we bring together key partners from local business, academia, the third and public sectors to achieve this.Our ambition is to secure Hertfordshires place as a world-leading economy - one of the top three in the country outside London - by securing future revenue streams and the successful delivery of projects identified in our Strategic Economic Plan, a long-term blueprint for smart economic growth in the county.

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Networking

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce provides first-class business support to companies of all shapes and sizes, through a range of membership benefits and networking opportunities. Address: Zenith Court,4 Bishops Square Business Park,Hatfield,Hertfordshire,AL10 9NE

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Advice

Andrew Ludlam

Offering business advice and support across Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Business Advice is dedicated to helping local enterprises grow, develop and succeed.

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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 Hertfordshire

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Hertfordshire

Local help for startups

Demographics of Hertfordshire

Major Towns and Cities in Hertfordshire

Local Authorities in Hertfordshire

Business Support Organisations in Hertfordshire

Local Sponsor

Enterprise Hertfordshire

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 Hertfordshire

STANTA Business Centre

Ricson Accountancy Services

Rebel Business School

Advice for Business Start-Ups in Hertford

eRecruitSmart

Enterprise Hertfordshire

Stanta - Herts Start Up Programme (HSUP)

Let's Do Marketing

Choice Digital

Hertsmere Council - Starting a Business

Access business finance up to £150k

Watford Borough Council - Starting and Growing a Business

East Herts Council - Business Support

Dacorum Council - Business

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

Launchpad Bishop's Stortford and Ware

Enterprise Hertfordshire

Space For Growth Networking

Herts Business Exchange

Simmonds Austin Ryder Solicitors

North Hertfordshire District Council

Viva Networking

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

bubbleHub

University of Hertfordshire - Start a Business

Advert2Do

Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter

The Harpenden Collective