Banner image

How to Start a Business in Lancashire

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Lancashire

Starting a business in Lancashire

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

Start Your Own Business in Lancashire 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 Lancashire

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Lancashire 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
A web designer at desk

Web Design
A nice place to work

Workplaces

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

Located in northwest England, Lancashire offers a vibrant business landscape, diverse demographics, and a range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Lancashire Demographics

Lancashire has a diverse population with a wide range of business potential. As of the latest available data, the estimated population of Lancashire is over 1.5 million residents. The county offers a mix of urban and rural areas, providing opportunities in various industries.

Major Towns and Cities in Lancashire
  • Preston: Preston is a vibrant city in Lancashire, with a population of over 140,000 residents. It is known for its historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and strong business community. Preston offers business opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services.
  • Blackburn: Blackburn is a town in Lancashire, with a population of over 100,000 residents. It has a rich industrial heritage and a diverse community. Blackburn presents business prospects in sectors such as textiles, engineering, healthcare, and retail.
  • Blackpool: Blackpool is a popular seaside resort town in Lancashire, with a population of over 140,000 residents. It is known for its tourism industry, entertainment venues, and iconic landmarks. Blackpool offers business opportunities in hospitality, tourism-related services, and entertainment.
Local Authorities in Lancashire

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

  • Lancashire County Council : The official website of Lancashire County Council provides comprehensive information on local government services, including 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.
  • Preston City Council : Preston City Council oversees local services in the city of Preston. Their website offers information on business support, planning and development, and licensing.
  • Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council : Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council provides local services in the Blackburn area. Their website offers business support information, planning and building control services, and access to licensing and permits.
  • Blackpool Council : Blackpool Council is responsible for local services in the Blackpool area. Their website provides information on business rates, planning applications, and economic development initiatives.
  • Lancaster City Council : Lancaster City Council oversees local services in the Lancaster area. Their website offers information on business support, planning and building control, and licensing.
Business Support Organisations in Lancashire

To help you succeed in your business venture, Lancashire provides various business support organisations that offer guidance, advice, and resources. Here are a few notable ones:

  • Boost Business Lancashire : Boost Business Lancashire is the growth hub for Lancashire, offering support and resources to start-ups and established businesses. They provide access to business advisors, funding opportunities, mentoring programs, and workshops.
  • Lancashire Chamber of Commerce : Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation that supports businesses in Lancashire. They offer networking events, training programs, and business support services to help businesses grow and thrive.
  • Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) : Lancashire LEP is a strategic partnership between the public and private sectors, aiming to drive economic growth in the county. They provide support for businesses, including access to funding, sector-specific advice, and assistance in accessing local supply chains.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Lancashire. 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 the dynamic county of Lancashire!

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.

The IT Dept
AskAskew Early Years and Childcare Business Consultancy
Authorised Distributor Utility Warehouse – The Discount Club
Authorised Distributor Utility Warehouse – The Discount Club
Bespoke Admin Plus
BPS Designs
Carter Collins & Myer
JN Accountancy

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 Lancashire

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 Lancashire

Key Contacts in Lancashire

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

Lancashire 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.

Authorised Distributor Utility Warehouse – The Discount Club

Opportunities

Authorised Distributor Utility Warehouse – The Discount Club
Build Your Ideal Lifestyle. People like you have changed their lives by becoming a Utility Warehouse Partner. Join now and build your brighter future * Financial freedom * Help others * Top up pension * More free time * Personal development * Meet new people
 As well as building a residual income, there is an amazing array of rewards and incentives to enjoy. Want to know more? Contact Antony Haysom - antonyhaysom8@gmail.com
(+)
Selnet

Advice

Selnet
Are you interested in social enterprise? Selnet is the Social Enterprise Network for Lancashire. Since 2007 we have been supporting social enterprises across Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen to connect, develop and grow, through: Our vibrant, impactful membership network; Specialist business start-up and growth advice and support; Securing opportunities for our members; Developing and leading partnerships; Promotion and representation on a local, regional and national basis. Selnet Ltd, Brentwood House, Victoria Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8PS
(+)
Boost Business Lancashire

Advice

Boost Business Lancashire
Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We work with business owners and decision makers to help them improve, develop and grow their business. We provide a range of funded business support programmes in addition to a dedicated service that helps you navigate the local, regional and national business support landscape to find the right support for your business.
(+)
Orvia

Advice

Orvia
Orvia offers FREE support to businesses in Lancashire. Ultimately, we help businesses to grow. We have over 28 years of experience in business support so above all we know how to achieve great results. Suite 12, Croston House, Lancashire Business Park, Leyland PR26 6TU
(+)
Lancashire Enterprise Partnership

Advice

Lancashire Enterprise Partnership
The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is a creative collaboration of leaders from business, universities and local councils, who direct economic growth and drive job creation. The region’s business base is broad and buoyant, with thriving towns and cities as well as excellent schools, colleges and universities. The LEP was formed in 2011 to make Lancashire the location for business growth and inward investment. We aim to do this by ensuring all our companies have easy access to high-grade support services that promote sustainable expansion.
(+)
Startup Lancashire

Advice

Startup Lancashire
Free support to help Lancashire startups succeed Are you based in Lancashire and planning to start your own business this year? Whether this is your first startup or not, you’ll face a lot of challenges along the way from turning a great idea to a working business, accessing growth finance and learning the skills you need to run your own business.
(+)
The Business Clinic

Advice

The Business Clinic
One stark statistic is at the heart of The Business Clinic’s mission to help businesses across Lancashire succeed and enjoy healthier profits. In an economic climate where the failure rate for start-up businesses is more than 80% in their first five years something isn’t working when it comes to business support. It was with this stark reality firmly in mind that Helen Livesey and David Nelson founded The Business Clinic as an organisation to provide support, training and consultancy at ground level for businesses young and old.
(+)
Trading Standards (Lancashire County Council)

Advice

Trading Standards (Lancashire County Council)
Give your business a head start in Lancashire and ease the legislative burden with help and advice from the Trading Standards Service. We subscribe to the home authority principle, which requires us to place special emphasis on businesses based in Lancashire. We are able to provide expert advice and assistance on trading standards subjects at this crucial time for your business to ensure that you get it right first time.
(+)
HH Accountants

Accountancy

HH Accountants
We are new to the area and have recently joined up with an existing local practice. We have a wealth of experience in advising business start ups and can offer a full range of services. We advise on the best method of operating: sole trader, partnership or Limited Company. We advise on VAT registration. Our initial consultation is always free.
(+)
Kilners Accountancy

Accountancy

Kilners Accountancy
Friendly, affordable and reliable accountancy services. Let us take away the hassle of your bookkeeping requirements allowing you more time to focus on the running and progression of your business. We offer bookkeeping, payroll, credit control, cashflow, VAT processing and financial reporting and are always happy to assist with any officepaperwork related tasks to free you up.
(+)
Help for Lancashire Businesses

Advice

Help for Lancashire Businesses
The lancashire County Council website contains a section dedicated to helping businesses in the county. It contains useful information and links to key contacts both within the council and throughout Lancashire as a whole.
(+)
Business Enterprise Trust

Advice

Business Enterprise Trust
Business Advice And Assistance Available throughout The North West Business Enterprise Trust is a well established Enterprise Agency. As a Not For Profit Organisation that has been operating since 1982 and offer a range of services that include • Business Advice • Business Planning • Business Training • Access To Finance We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide a professional, confidential and reliable service at all times, whilst maintaining the standards. For further information on our full range of services please contact us by email at: hyndburnenterprisetrust79@gmail.com
(+)
enterprise4all

Advice

enterprise4all
Enterprise4All provide enterprise for all different businesses in Lancashire. We are a leading Business Development and enterprise for all support organisation in Lancashire. Our ethos is to strengthen communities through enterprise, education and employment. Our mission is to create enterprise for all in the Lancashire region. We have a clear set of values and objectives around the following: Developing an Entrepreneurial Culture; Supporting Businesses to Start & Grow; Helping support creating Employment opportunities for all; Supporting Diversity & Inclusion through Community Cohesion
(+)
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.
(+)

Networking

FSB Lancashire & Cumbria
FSB Lancashire & Cumbria 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: Paul Foster Development Manager paul.foster@fsb.org.uk
(+)

Networking

North and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (NWLCC) is open to any business. We have played a key role in the regions business community for over 100 years helping our members start, grow and succeed. Being part of the NWLCC is popular because its gives our members access to a range of practical services, networking and event opportunities, employee development programmes and national business support initiatives. Address: 9-10 Eastway Business Village, Olivers Place, Fulwood, Preston,PR2 9WT
(+)

Networking

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is a locally based private sector organisation, owned by the Members and accredited by the British Chambers. We are committed to helping Pennine Lancashire have a thriving economy. We are active at local, regional and national levels in the influential decision making bodies, whose programmes and investments, both public and private, determine the environment in which business operates. Address: Clayton Busines Park, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5JR
(+)

Accountancy

Ainsworth Accountants
We offer a friendly and approachable accountancy and tax service. Our accounting service will be personalised and tailor made for your budget. If you wish we will help you do what you can do for yourself to reduce our involvement and keep costs down. We hope to build a strong relationship with you so that you will feel able to call us when you need clear, concise and helpful advice as you develop your business. We will treat you with confidentiality, respect and sensitivity at all time
(+)

Advice

South Ribble Economic Partnership
Starting Your Own Business - Are you interested in starting your own business? Free advice and assistance is available on starting your own businesses including support from six months before you start trading and for up to three years after the business is up and running. Business Venture Group is working with the council to deliver start-up support. Are you a North West business thinking about the potential benefits of generating your own renewable energy? Talk to Envirolink to find out how they can help your business. Please see the Business Event - Help with Renewables flyer below for details.
(+)

Advice

Ribble Valley Enterprise Agency
A key partner of Business Link - Providing business advice, information, access to finance and training to new and developing small and medium sized enterprises.
(+)

Advice

Enterprise 4 All
Enterprise4All is Lancashires leading provider of business support services. We offer specialist assistance and advice to anyone who wants to start a new business and we provide expert help for established companies that are looking to expand. In recent years, we have provided FREE information, advice and guidance to thousands of local people and we???ve helped well over 1500 of them to start or develop their own company.
(+)

Advice

Orvia Group Limited
Orvia Group provides business support and advice on all aspects of starting, running and growing a business, which is delivered through our comprehensive range of training courses, one to one advice, coaching and mentoring. Along with the traditional advice, information and guidance provided by Orvia we can also assist with accessing finance and supporting businesses who wish to invest in their development through our recognised qualifications and mentoring programmes. In addition to this we provide property rental services to allow you to trade in flexible workspace at competitive rates. For more information please call Andrew Atkinson on 01772 42 22 42, email us at ask@orvia.co.uk, visit the website at www.orvia.co.uk or why not follow us on Twitter @orviagroup.
(+)

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