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How to Start a Business in Lincolnshire

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Lincolnshire

Starting a business in Lincolnshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Lincolnshire 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 Lincolnshire, this section provides valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Lincolnshire, located in the East Midlands region of England, offers a diverse business landscape and opportunities for growth.

Demographics of Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire is a county with a population of over 1.1 million residents. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic attractions, and strong agricultural heritage. Lincolnshire's demographics create a varied customer base and business environment, with opportunities across different sectors.

Major Towns and Cities in Lincolnshire
  • Lincoln : Lincoln is the county town of Lincolnshire, with a population of over 100,000 residents. It is renowned for its historic cathedral, castle, and vibrant cultural scene. Lincoln offers business prospects in sectors such as tourism, education, creative industries, and professional services.
  • Grimsby : Grimsby is a major seaport town in Lincolnshire, with a population of over 90,000 residents. It has a strong fishing heritage and is a hub for food processing and logistics industries. Grimsby offers business opportunities in sectors such as seafood processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and distribution.
  • Scunthorpe : Scunthorpe is an industrial town in North Lincolnshire, with a population of over 80,000 residents. It is known for its steel industry and engineering sector. Scunthorpe offers business prospects in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, construction, and renewable energy.
Local Authorities in Lincolnshire

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

  • Lincolnshire County Council : Lincolnshire County Council is the principal local authority in the county. Their website 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 Lincolnshire.
  • City of Lincoln Council : The City of Lincoln Council oversees local services in the city of Lincoln. Their website offers information on business support, planning and development, and licensing.
  • North East Lincolnshire Council : North East Lincolnshire Council is responsible for local services in the Grimsby area. Their website provides resources and information on business support, planning and development, and environmental services.
  • North Lincolnshire Council : North Lincolnshire Council oversees local services in the Scunthorpe area. Their website offers business-related information, planning and development resources, and access to local services.
Business Support Organisations in Lincolnshire

There are several business support organisations in Lincolnshire that can assist you in starting and growing your business. Here are a few noteworthy ones:

  • Business Lincolnshire : Business Lincolnshire is a local growth hub providing free advice, support, and access to resources for businesses in Lincolnshire. They offer guidance on business planning, funding opportunities, skills development, and networking events.
  • Gainsborough College Business Development : Gainsborough College Business Development offers training, apprenticeships, and consultancy services for businesses in Lincolnshire. They provide tailored support to help businesses upskill their workforce and improve performance.
  • E-Factor Group : E-Factor Group is a social enterprise that supports businesses across Lincolnshire. They offer business advice, training programs, networking opportunities, and affordable office space for startups and small businesses.

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

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.

Peninsula Business Services
Lincolnshire IT
Lincolnshire IT Ltd
FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)

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 Lincolnshire

Key Contacts in Lincolnshire

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

Lincolnshire 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.

TaxAssist Accountants

Accountancy

TaxAssist Accountants
TaxAssist Accountants Bourne provides a wide range of accountancy services including tax returns, annual accounts, payroll and bookkeeping. TaxAssist Accountants in Bourne are a part of the largest network of accountants who offer a wealth of experience and expertise to over 65,000 small businesses right across the UK. We help a diverse range of small businesses including start-ups, sole traders, limited companies and landlords who operate in many industries. Chris & Angela Cottee have operated a local friendly accountancy and tax practice for over 18 years within the Deepings & Bourne area. Being a family run small business ourselves we are able to understand your business needs and problems and we are focused on helping you grow, not just completing your accounts and tax returns (although we’ll do that too!). We provide accountancy services and tax returns, business start up advice including help with business plans, company formations,VAT, payroll, CIS returns, bookkeeping using cloud based accounting software such as Quickbooks, Receipt Bank, Xero etc. as certified advisors we can help with training and support to get all our clients Making Tax Digital compliant and much, much more. We offer a genuinely proactive service getting you thinking about your business and where it is heading. Because we are a small business ourselves, we give easy to understand, no nonsense advice from your accountant - theres a first! All our fees are agreed in advance there are NO hidden extras, we also operate variable methods of payment.
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Lincolnshire IT Ltd

Web design

Lincolnshire IT Ltd
Web Design- Bespoke Websites For Your Business web designHaving a professionally built website is not only beneficial, but a necessary requirement if you want to stand out from your competition. Since 1995 we have focused on designing user-friendly websites to get your specific business or organisation found on the Internet and more importantly within your budget. In today’s technological age, people are not searching for you in phone books anymore. Potential clients are Googling you, searching your website for contact information, and comparing your website to your competitors in order to determine who suits their needs the best. Therefore it is vital that your website portrays the best image for your business. With the increase in mobile devices, we provide you with a responsive website which will adapt to the device you are using it on without any pinching, zooming or scrolling. Many of our competitors insist on you requiring a separate duplicate mobile-friendly website. Having duplicate content on the internet may negatively affect your site being found in the Search Engines. Prior to having your custom website designed you need to purchase a domain name, which we can supply you with for as little as £10 per year. Once you have a website, then it needs hosting on a secure server. We offer affordable high speed SSL secure hosting based in the UK from the smallest business page site to the largest, high traffic e-commerce website. We are also specialists in Content Management Systems which allow you to amend your own website, whenever and wherever you like without having to pay us for each update – if you can take photos and use a basic word processor you can make changes to your website. Want to sell products and services on your website, we can integrate e-commerce for relatively little cost to allow customers to purchase direct from your website. For more information on any of these services, please contact us today for impartial advice. We will sit down with you and guide you every step of the way to get your business on the Internet. As we’re based in Lincolnshire and like coffee, you can discuss with us in person so we understand your business and its needs. We’ll continue to work with you to help get the best out of promoting your business online.
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Lincolnshire IT

IT

Lincolnshire IT
Computer Repairs, Managed IT & Internet Services Providing a range of IT services to businesses and homes throughout Lincolnshire for over 20 years we have a wealth of experience in computer repairs and technical support of both Windows and Apple Mac devices and software. Our internet services include security, website design and secure web and email hosting services. Technical Support Services Although technology is more stable and reliable than ever, there are times when something simply doesn’t work. We’re here to help with anything from printing problems to toast in the CD drive… And anything in between. Internet Services Including websites , local targeted Search Engine Optimisation (GeoTargeted SEO), email, spam filtering, Content Management Systems (CMS), social media (that’s Facebook, Twitter etc) and more – we’ve got you covered and we’re local Software Software and Cloud-Based Software installations, configuration and updates. Microsoft Office 365 Partners. Websites & Apps Having a website is a basic requirement for all businesses these days but technology is moving so fast and constantly enabling us to push boundaries and enable you to provide more information and more features to your customers. E-Commerce If you have products you can sell, you can sell them on your website within a relatively low budget. Additional features can be integrated that enables your business to be more effective at providing prompt customer services. Internet Security It’s a fact of life that emails can leave an unpleasant trail on your computer but, that’s just the start. If you worry about the virus attacks that land on your network from websites or the adware etc., call us and we’ll keep your internet use safe and secure. Security Virus attacks are commonplace and can be very costly. Your company’s computers can be protected by top-grade antivirus and spam filtering systems that ensure minimal downtime by preventing and being able to promptly fix any issues. Groupware & Microsoft Exchange Company wide calendar sharing, project lists, contact databases and notes make the flow of information simple, straightforward and automatic – it all happens securely in the background so the information you need is there when you need it using Microsoft Exchange hosted mail. Cloud Computing Make the most of the new generation of data storage and sharing. Not only can we guide you about the systems available, we can set-up and configure the services for you that enable sharing data between devices and colleagues.
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The Amazing Website Company Limited

Web design

The Amazing Website Company Limited
Our all inclusive website packages include the complete website creation, hosting, emails, updating of your wording and images, consulting and further technical support. Every website is optimised for display on smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops and can be updated at anytime. We know that budgets can be tight for small businesses, startups, charities and clubs, but the pressure is both real and personal. Our expert team acts as your in-house web department without you taking on the cost. We design, build, host and update websites for a small upfront fee and affordable monthly payments. It’s as simple as that. No surprises, no hidden costs, just peace of mind and results. We want to prove to you that you will receive a return on your online marketing investment. Everyone is familiar with the cliche; you only get one chance to make a good first impression. And nowhere is this more true than on the internet. Make sure that your first online impression on a prospective customer isn't the last one.
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FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)

Advice

FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)
Federation of Small Businesses are experts in business. Formed in 1974, we are a non-profit making and non-political organisation whose member base covers the length and breadth of the UK. Our aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. We realise this aim by offering our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and powerful voice in government, influencing the decisions that affect their businesses.
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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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Networking

FSB Greater Lincolnshire & Peterborough
FSB Greater Lincolnshire & Peterborough 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: David Thorpe Development Manager David.Thorpe@fsb.org.uk
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Networking

Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce
Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, accredited to the British Chamber of Commerce, has been supporting and assisting the growth of Lincolnshire businesses for over 100 years. We provide a first-class business support service to companies of all shapes and sizes, through a range of membership benefits, training events, networking opportunities. Address: Commerce House, Outer Circle Road, Lincoln, LN2 4HY
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Marketing

Viking Signs Ltd
Whether your start up already has a brand identity and logo or you need help to create one from scratch, we can turn this into a sales lead generation machine - otherwise known as a sign. On your building; your van, and your office, promote you business everywhere with high quality signage and it will pay you back for years to come.
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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