Banner image

How to Start a Business on the Isle of Wight

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business on the Isle of Wight

Starting a business in Isle Of Wight

If you are thinking about starting a business on the Isle of Wight or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business on the Isle of Wight 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 Isle Of Wight

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups on the Isle of Wight but where can it be found?

Select classification:

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

The Isle of Wight, located off the southern coast of England, offers a unique business environment, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant community.

Demographics of the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has a diverse population. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of the island is over 140,000 residents. The Isle of Wight is known for its stunning coastline, tourism industry, and thriving arts and culture scene. The island's picturesque setting and close-knit community make it an attractive location for businesses.

Major Towns and Cities on the Isle of Wight

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

  • Newport: Newport is the county town of the Isle of Wight, with a population of over 25,000 residents. It serves as the main commercial and administrative centre of the island. Newport offers business opportunities in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and professional services.
  • Ryde: Ryde is a popular seaside town on the Isle of Wight, with a population of over 30,000 residents. It is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant pier, and lively atmosphere. Ryde presents opportunities in sectors such as tourism, leisure, and marine-related industries.
  • Cowes: Cowes is a historic town on the Isle of Wight, with a population of over 10,000 residents. It is renowned for its sailing heritage and hosts the world-famous Cowes Week sailing regatta. Cowes offers opportunities in sectors such as marine engineering, boatbuilding, and tourism.
Local Authorities on the Isle of Wight

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

  • Isle of Wight Council : The official website of the Isle of Wight 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 on the island.
Business Support Organisations on the Isle of Wight

Several organisations on the Isle of Wight offer valuable support and guidance for businesses. These organisations can assist you at various stages of your entrepreneurial journey. Here are some prominent business support organisations on the Isle of Wight:

  • Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce : The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organisation that represents and supports businesses on the island. They provide networking opportunities, business advice, training programmes, and promotional platforms to help businesses thrive.
  • Isle of Wight Council Business Support : The Isle of Wight Council offers a range of business support services, including access to funding, advice on business planning, and signposting to relevant resources. Their dedicated business support team can assist you in navigating the local business landscape.
  • WightFibre : WightFibre is a local telecommunications company that provides high-speed internet and connectivity solutions to businesses on the Isle of Wight. Having reliable and fast internet access is crucial for running a successful business in today's digital age.
  • Wight BID : Wight BID (Business Improvement District) is a business-led initiative that aims to enhance the commercial vitality of the Isle of Wight. They work with local businesses to drive economic growth, promote tourism, and provide support and resources to improve the business environment.
  • Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) : The Solent LEP covers the Isle of Wight and other areas in the Solent region. They focus on economic development, skills, and innovation. The Solent LEP collaborates with businesses, local authorities, and educational institutions to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities in the area.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business on the Isle of Wight. 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 on the beautiful Isle of Wight!

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!

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.

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.

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business on the Isle of Wight

Download the 2024 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
Starting a business in Isle Of Wight

Key Contacts on the Isle of Wight

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

Isle of Wight 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

Medina Business Exchange
Our business networking group meets for breakfast every two weeks in Newport. It is often said that personal recommendation is the best way of generating business. By meeting regularly and getting to know the activities of our fellow members, we are in the best position to recommend our members services to other individuals and businesses. Our meetings also provide an opportunity for Island business owners and managers to sit down and have a less formal chat about all aspects of their business, and see how others operate, what might be best business practice, and any upcoming changes which may affect business.We hope we are more friendly, and less formal, than some of the other networking groups you may have come across.
(+)

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!
(+)

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
(+)

Advice

Innovation Wight
The Innovation Wight project is a comprehensive programme aimed at improving the productivity of Island businesses. Innovation Wight offers an extensive selection of business support courses delivered at Building 41. They provide a valuable resources and guidance to help Island entrepreneurs and companies thrive in a competitive marketplace.
(+)

Advice

Alex Tana Coaching
Starting a new business? Wanting to grow your business efficiently and avoid the typical mistakes that many make? Is your business organization and your team working with you or against you? Are you reaching the right clients/customers? Are your prices right? Are you managing your costs and making enough profit? Find the best support you need to start up a new business fast and successfully or to grow and develop your current business the right way. Develop and train yourself to be the best you can be by using the knowledge, skills, experience and potential within you. Remember that nothing will change unless and until you decide to take action. Don’t delay any further what it can be! Get in touch with me today!
(+)

Web design

Vectis WebDesign
Vectis WebDesign have been designing web sites on the Isle of Wight for over 20 years. Working with startups, sole traders, and small to medium sized businesses to give them web sites that work. If you are thinking of starting a business then you may have put having a web site into the category of "I'll do that later when I'm up and running". But choosing a domain name early on gives you an email address related to that domain name, rather than a more generic one, and a simple web page now means that your business cards, stationery, and other branded material won't need changing at a later date. We can advise on, and then register a domain name for you, arrange web hosting, and design your web site. Whether you wish your web site to display a few short paragraphs and contact details, have a more detailed web presence, or want an online store, Vectis WebDesign can help.
(+)

Design

Island Startups
We are an Award Winning business based on the beautiful Isle of Wight and specialise in helping startup businesses with their: Logo & Branding | Graphic Design | Print | Websites We are a member of the Island’s Chamber of Commerce ‘New Business Startup Programme’ and have so far helped over 40 new businesses get off the ground. Startup packages are available, please contact us for details.
(+)

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
(+)

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.
(+)

Advice

Solent LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (Solent LEP) is led by the business community and supported by four university partners, the further education sector, three unitary authorities, eight district councils, one county council and the voluntary and community sector, all of whom are actively working together to secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for the Solent area.
(+)

Advice

Isle of Wight Enterprise Agency
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is a leading player in the British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Chamber Network, and provides an independent powerful voice for the views and concerns of its members at local, regional, national and international levels.
(+)

Networking

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is a leading player in the British Chambers of Commerce Accredited Chamber Network, and provides an independent powerful voice for the views and concerns of its members at local, regional, national and international levels. Address: Mill Court,Furrlongs,Newport,Isle of Wight,PO30 2AA
(+)

Web design

Locallife Isle of Wight
Online Directory & web design company. We offer a Free web Page with a link which help new starters to get a web presence.
(+)

Advice

Wight Safety Consultancy
Wight Safety are Chartered Health & Safety Consultants. We provide a professional service which is tailored to your business needs no matter how big or small your requirement. We can assist your company in complying with the law and keep your employees safe whilst ensuring business continuity. We can provide you with the following Health & Safety Services.Health & Safety and Environment Consultancy, Auditing for Health and Safety and Environment, Training, Risk Assessments.
(+)

Networking

Medina Business Exchange
Medina Business Exchange exists to promote the business of its members. By meeting regularly and getting to know the activities of our fellow members, we are in the best position to refer business to each other, giving you new leads and opportunities for growth. In addition we aim to provide a support network for businesses within the group, with the sharing of good business practice and general social fellowship.
(+)

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