Start Your Own Business in Manchester

If you are thinking about starting a business in Manchester or would like to grow your existing business, you have come to the right place!

Start Your Own Business in Manchester contains masses of free resources and the useful information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights local organisations who offer friendly business advice and services that you need.

We have been helping start-ups and existing business owners in Manchester since 2005 and a list of key local contacts can be found below.

FREE Local Guide

Start & Grow Your Business in Manchester

Packed with information and contact details designed to help you start or grow your business successfully.

We have been running SYOB for over 15 years now and have accumulated an enormous amount of information which could make the difference between success or failure.

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FREE Start-Up Guide

Packed with the information that you need to start or grow a business in Manchester.

Checklist - easy to follow step by step guide
Local Support - where to find help and support
Before you start - the reality of running a business
Business planning - are you ready?
Market research - is there a gap in the market?
Business set-up - choosing the right structure
Premises - work from home or premises?
Finance & funding - your funding options
Accountancy & tax - tax and VAT explained
Business networking - tips and local groups
Getting online - online marketing, social media
Employing staff - how to find and recruit
Law & insurance - the key considerations
Business directory - useful contacts

Get your FREE copy

One-time registration required but this unlocks all of the free resources on the site.

FREE Start-Up Pack

Our FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

It is a common trait amongst entrepreneurs to just want to 'get on with it'. However, if you want to maximise your chances of success, it is worth putting in time and effort before you start to ensure that you have set-up correctly.

Start-up checklist
Step-by-step guide
Business plan template
Personal budget planner
Cashflow forecast template
Marketing plan template
Guide to business networking
Start-up map
Web & SEO Checklist
Start-up map

Download Pack

One-time registration required but this unlocks all of the free resources on the site.

FREE Start-Up Pack

Our FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

Start-up checklist
Step-by-step guide
Business plan template
Personal budget planner
Cashflow forecast template
Marketing plan template
Guide to business networking
Start-up map
Web & SEO Checklist
Start-up map

Download Pack

For Start-Ups in Manchester

A Great Place For Startups.

Did you know that over 3,500 new businesses are formed in Manchester every year? This number swells to over 13,000 if you look at Greater Manchester Metropolitan District as a whole. Although positions change from survey to survey, it also ranks in the top 10 ‘best places in the UK to start a business’. But why is this?

Historically, the region always prospered thanks to the industries like cotton and the bustling docks. These days, the landscape looks completely different and Manchester itself has become a hotbed for modern technologies and a thriving commercial centre.

Manchester Business Networking

Undoubtedly, extensive redevelopment since the Second World War, the introduction of the Metro and a large cash injection that came with the 2002 Commonwealth Games have all helped. However, it is the local population that have been responsible for the greatest change – there is a noticeable ‘entrepreneurial’ spirit and this is probably why YOU are reading this!

To cater for this growing entrepreneurial community, you will also be pleased to learn that there is a wide range of support available and much of this is completely free.

Business Advice

Although it is so tempting just to dive in and to try and turn your theory into reality, please do make the most of the resources that exist on your doorstep. For example, Manchester City Council offer the chance to have a live chat with qualified business advisers and the Growth Hub provide a free business start-up advice service . You can find a fuller list on our Manchester Business Advice page.

Business Networking

Even if you are setting up by yourself - you are not alone! There are plenty of opportunities to get out and meet like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners. A good starting point could be the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce who can supply a whole host of useful services including events and networking. There are also lots of national and local networking groups who welcome new members and or visitors. See more on our Manchester Business Networking page.

Key Contacts in Manchester

Here is a list of the key businesses and organisations who are keen to help you.

Paul Murray HR

Thinking of taking on your first employee? Down to earth practical advice on employment law from a real world HR specialist.

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Fertile Frog

At Fertile Frog our team has an individual commitment to teamwork and group effort. We love to work together towards a common goal. Fertile Frog are here to support your business growth through means of Internet presence, marketing and corporate branding. Wether you are a start up entrepreneur business idea, a long established corporate company, a group of companies or even a sole trader. We have multiple solutions to help you.

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Doing Biz For Yourself

Doing Biz For Yourself Exclusive Membership provides support to both start-ups and existing businesses. We can help you to connect with other local businesses and build meaningful relationships through our online private Facebook community and offline lunchtime networking meet-ups. It’s a proven strategy that integrating both your online and offline networking will help you to generate leads quickly. If you are new to networking and feel anxious that you might have to stand up and make a presentation, (as with some other networking groups), you can rest assured that unless you want to make a presentation you don’t have to. We pride ourselves in our good track record of helping new members overcome the fear of networking and we have seen their transformation into confident networkers. Also, don’t miss out as we have an amazing introductory offer for first time visitors. So, don’t delay and get in touch today . We would love to add you to our guest list and meet you in person!

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Davies McLennon

We are chartered accountants based in Stockport We are Chartered Accountants based in Stockport, close to Manchester, offering accountancy, tax planning advice, payroll services and business consultancy to small and mid sized businesses. We have a special package for business startups. If you are looking for an accountant see the Eight Great Reasons why you should talk to us. We are interested in helping our clients grow, and become more successful and profitable. Click here for a free report with ten very practical ideas on how you can grow your business. Our web payroll service is unbeatable value for money at just £1 per employee per month. Its also an easy and convenient way to work.

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AXT Accountants

Based in Cheadle, Cheshire, our dedicated team provides expert solutions to a range of businesses, from individuals to small limited companies, both locally and nationally. We specialise in providing solutions to contractors and those in the property and construction industry. At AXT, we pride ourselves on our modern and forward-looking approach. We understand that your time is precious, which is why we offer a fully digital and online service. So say goodbye to the days of client visits and traditionally long accountancy meetings – we offer convenient and effective online solutions, as and when you need them, saving you time and helping you to succeed.

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Enterprising You

Supporting your self-employment journey Are you self-employed or running your own business and keen to grow? Not sure how to improve client retention? Know the basics but want to take your venture to the next level? Whatever you’re facing, whether financial issues, instability with work, health barriers or not knowing what step to take next; there is support available. EnterprisingYou is a government-funded programme specially designed to support self-employed individuals, including those who work in the gig economy and small business owners in Greater Manchester. You will discover your growth potential and ways to achieve your career goals through this programme. Apart from start-up owners and gig workers, we also support people who receive work from a company or an agency but are registered as self-employed or pay their own taxes. We can help you with free advice in different areas, from personal skills and career development to business finance and mentoring – we’ve got you covered. You’ve done the hard work setting up a business or taking that step into self-employment, now it’s time to go further, but it doesn’t have to be alone. Register below to find out how our programme could help you.

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Black Diamond Accountancy Services Ltd

Established in 2002, Black Diamond is an accredited service provider to the flexible labour market. Offering Umbrella and Accountancy Services, Black Diamond is perfectly placed to handle any contractor accountancy or employment requirement. Black Diamond are currently expanding. We are now able to offer our experience and expertise gained over the last decade not only to the flexible labour market but to business and individuals outside of this sector. Black Diamond are delighted to introduce: Diamond Bureau (managed and bespoke payroll bureau services), Diamond Compliance (ID verification, Anti-Money Laundering and Eligibility to work in the UK checks) and Diamond Employment (Employment law and contract advice via our business partners Peninsula). Our focus is always to work in partnership with our clients and shared business growth and success. Black Diamond continues to value the partnerships it has cultivated with its recruitment clients and are excited to expand its offerings and mirror good service to other businesses across the UK.

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Greater Manchester LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)

The GM LEP sits at the heart of Greater Manchesters governance arrangements, ensuring that business leaders are empowered to set the strategic course, determine local priorities and drive growth and job creation within the city region. It is central to the wider partnerships established between local government, businesses and educational institutes, and the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

We provide first-class business support to companies of all shapes and sizes, through a range of sector-based membership services and networking opportunities. Address: Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WD

FSB Manchester & North Cheshire

FSB Manchester & North Cheshire 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: Robert Downes Development Manager Robert.Downes@fsb.org.uk

The Elite Network Manchester

Meet like minded, positive, driven people locally and benefit from positivity, inspiration and motivation from some of the UKs best speakers. The Elite Network is an expanding community of personal development networking events for those that wish to develop a growth mindset and to become the very best they can be. The events provide you with the perfect balance between education, positivity, inspiration and motivation therefore enabling you to live a happier, more positive and fulfilling life.

Economic Solutions

Manchester Solutions is a trading name of Economic Solutions, and the group predominantly trades under this name within Greater Manchester. The range of services, events and training presented are all accessible through Manchester Solutions.

Pre-start and start-up business support

This service is provided on behalf of Manchester City Council by Blue Orchid and is delivered in community centres, libraries and other local venues across North and South Manchester and Wythenshawe. It offers: Information about running your own business and the support that is available; Advice and guidance to prepare you for setting up your own business, on issues such as finance, marketing, health and safety, etc.; Support in the development of a business plan; Help during your first 12 months of trading.

University of Manchester Business School

Manchester Enterprise Centre (MEC). MECs business creation activities have successfully launched over 30 new companies in the last five years. MEC encourages the transfer of knowledge and technology to influence and advance economic development.

Trafford Council

We have a wide range of services at our disposal to help local businesses with all their support and development needs. Services are provided by various organisations, including Manchester Enterprises, Chamber Link and the Chamber of Commerce. Our Primary Partner is Business Support Solutions, part of Manchester Solutions.

Manchester Science Park

The home of innovation and business support. For 25 years, Manchester Science Parks (msp) has been supporting the growth of innovative companies, across industries such as Digital Media, Biotechnology and ICT. msp Online brings msps unique support online, and accessible to all.

Irwin Mitchell Manchester

The Manchester office of the law firm of Irwin Mitchell specializes in personal injury law. They have both the experience and the expertise to help with a compensation claim for injury, accident or illness, whatever the circumstances. When the lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Manchester obtain your claim they start an investigation immediately. They will gather statements from various witnesses as well as obtain incident reports that pertain to your injury or illness. After all the information is gathered, then the lawyers at Manchesters Irwin Mitchell branch can advise you as to the merits of your claim as well as the likelihood of winning. If the claim appears to be valid, then the lawyers would present the claim to the responsible party and their insurer. In many situations, the claim is settled without going to court. However, sometimes the other party will not want to negotiate or perhaps they cannot make satisfactory reparations. In these situations, appearing in court may be necessary. The lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Manchester have experience trying these cases in court. In some situations, victims are reluctant to come forward as they are concerned about the legal costs associated with making such a claim. An initial consultation with a lawyer at the Manchester Irwin Mitchell office will not cost anything. If a claim is warranted, the lawyer will review costs as well as funding options. One of these does include a no win, no fee

MMUs Business Incubator

Innospace is Manchester Metropolitan University???s business incubator for start-ups and new enterprises. We offer business support and mentoring, as well as a network of 120 businesses.

Start-Up Steps

The sad truth is that far too many new businesses start-ups fail in the early stages and our aim is to try and make sure that you are not one of them.

To help with this, we have broken down the start-up process into simple steps which highlight the things that have worked for other start-ups and the pitfalls that you need to avoid.

You can see the full list of 'steps' at: How to Start a Business Step-by-Step

Is It For You?