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How to Start a Business in Merseyside

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Merseyside

Starting a business in Merseyside

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

Start Your Own Business in Merseyside 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 Merseyside

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Merseyside 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 on Merseyside, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Merseyside, located in the North West region of England, is a vibrant area with a rich cultural heritage and diverse business opportunities.

Demographics of Merseyside

Merseyside is home to a population of over 1.4 million residents. The area is known for its thriving arts scene, iconic waterfront, and strong ties to music and sports. With its diverse population and dynamic economy, Merseyside offers a wide range of business prospects across various sectors.

Major Towns and Cities on Merseyside
  • Liverpool : Liverpool is the largest city on Merseyside, with a population of over 500,000 residents. It is a major cultural and commercial hub, known for its historic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and world-class universities. Liverpool offers business opportunities in sectors such as creative industries, tourism, digital and tech, and professional services.
  • Wirral : Wirral is a peninsula on the west bank of the River Mersey, with a population of over 300,000 residents. It boasts beautiful coastal landscapes, golf courses, and nature reserves. Wirral offers business prospects in sectors such as leisure and hospitality, marine and maritime industries, and renewable energy.
  • St Helens : St Helens is a town located between Liverpool and Manchester, with a population of over 100,000 residents. It has a rich industrial heritage and is known for its glassmaking and manufacturing industries. St Helens offers business opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
Local Authorities on Merseyside

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

  • Liverpool City Council : Liverpool City Council is the governing body for Liverpool. 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 Liverpool.
  • Wirral Council : Wirral Council oversees local services on the Wirral peninsula. Their website offers information on business support, planning and development, and community services.
  • St Helens Council : St Helens Council is the local authority for St Helens. Their website provides resources and information on business support, planning and development, and environmental services.
  • Sefton Council : Sefton Council serves the borough of Sefton on Merseyside. Their website offers guidance on starting a business, planning and building regulations, and access to local services.
  • Knowsley Council : Knowsley Council is the local authority for Knowsley, a borough on Merseyside. Their website provides information on business support, planning and development, and community services.
Business Support Organisations on Merseyside

Merseyside is home to several business support organisations that can assist you in starting and growing your business. Here are a few notable ones:

  • Invest Liverpool : Invest Liverpool is the investment agency for the Liverpool City Region. They provide tailored support and guidance for businesses looking to invest or expand in the region. Their website offers resources, sector-specific information, and access to networks and partnerships.
  • Wirral Chamber of Commerce : Wirral Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation supporting businesses on the Wirral. They provide networking opportunities, business training, and access to resources to help businesses thrive.
  • Liverpool Chamber of Commerce : Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organisation representing businesses in Liverpool and the surrounding region. They offer business support, networking events, and lobbying services to promote economic growth.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business on Merseyside. 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 vibrant region of Merseyside!

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.

Websright
Oakes Accounting
A2B Bookkeeping Services

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 on Merseyside

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 Merseyside

Key Contacts in Merseyside

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

Merseyside 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.

One Economy

Advice

One Economy
Starting your business? You may be simply thinking about starting a new business in the coming weeks or months, or you may have already fully committed to the journey. Whatever stage you are at, you need to ensure that you have the right planning, strategies and systems in place to ensure you are on the right track from the onset. Our professional advisers can help you with: Business structures, Incorporation of the business, Business growth and planning, Financial management, Marketing strategies Through the Business Start Up Programme you can access: * Bespoke, one-to-one support to start your business. * Access to specialist guidance, knowledge and expertise * Accredited advisers who understand all forms of business and enterprise * Assistance to access suitable forms of funding to support your ambitions Depending upon your location, grant funding may be available so your business start-up support is free of charge. Such support is dependent upon grant funding eligibility at the time of application.
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Oakes Accounting

Accountancy

Oakes Accounting
Offering a personal and professional accounting and bookkeeping service for the small business and self-employed. We make accounting simple and provide an online UK wide accountancy service for one FIXED MONTHLY FEE, with no hidden extras. Free software and advice. No time consuming meetings necessary.
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Citizens Advice Knowsley - Business Start Up

Advice

Citizens Advice Knowsley - Business Start Up
Citizens Advice Knowsley have entered a new partnership with Enterprise Hub, the enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Merseyside. What is Enterprise Hub? Enterprise Hub offers expert advice and support to local residents who are thinking of starting a business or becoming self-employed, bringing together expert community organisations from across the Liverpool City region.
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Liverpool City Council Business Support and Advice

Advice

Liverpool City Council Business Support and Advice
Business support and advice. This page on the Liverpool City Council's website contains details of a number of organisations and services are on hand to help you start or grow your business.
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Invest Sefton

Advice

Invest Sefton
InvestSefton in Partnership with the Enterprise Hub offers Start Up support to Sefton residents. Enterprise Hub is the enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Liverpool City Region. Offering expert advice and support to anyone who is thinking about starting a business. Whether you are considering your self-employment options or have a clear business idea and are ready to receive guidance to start, get in touch with the Enterprise Hub team who can link you to local support to guide you through your journey.
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FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire & Wigan

Networking

FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire & Wigan
FSB Merseyside, West Cheshire & Wigan 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: Phil McCabe Development Manager Phil.McCabe@fsb.org.uk
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Liverpool Business and Intellectual Property Centre

Advice

Liverpool Business and Intellectual Property Centre
Based on the first floor of Central Library, the Business and Intellectual Property Centre can support you if you're looking to start or grow your business. From taking those first steps to successfully launching and developing a business, you will find people and business resources here to help you.
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A2B Bookkeeping Services

Bookkeeping

A2B Bookkeeping Services
Our aim in business is to take away the hassle of worrying about your business finances by providing you with a Bookkeeping Service which you can trust. If you are not happy with the service you are given we offer a 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Whether you are a new or established small business, it is highly important to keep expenses to a minimum. Profits will happen eventually but often not within the first few months of opening. Some business owners will try to cut costs by not hiring a bookkeeper. Instead they will get admin staff to manage their financial records. Although expenses are reduced in the short term this could be a mistake. Off-the-shelf accounting software may be easy to buy but it isn’t necessarily easy to use – properly. By hiring A2B Bookkeeping Services you will avoid some mistakes listed below. 1. Invoicing Incorrectly Incorrect invoicing may entail a lot of extra time reconciling your products sold or services rendered, thus resulting in inability to collect from your customers on time. Also, if not done on time, invoicing can strain your cash flow. A2B Bookkeeping Services will ensure that invoices are correct and prepared in a timely manner. They can also monitor “aging of accounts” to make sure that receivables are collected from customers on time. 2. Unknowingly Missing Deadlines There are specific dates for filing your taxes and other requirements to the government. Missing a date, no matter how unintentional, can cost you penalties and other charges. With A2B Bookkeeping Services, the only thing that you have to worry about is getting all the pertinent information to them on time. They’ll take care of the rest. 3. Incorrectly Classifying Items for Taxation Purposes Tax laws are revised and updated periodically. What is classified as an item under a particular tax bracket or rule may change. A2B Bookkeeping Services are always abreast with the latest tax rules. They also have a clear understanding of items that may be tax deductible for your business. Trust A2B Bookkeeping Services and take advantage of their knowledge. In the long run you will save money and headaches. 4. Lack of Know-How in Using Accounting Software Inaccuracies in handling the accounting side of the business can potentially lead to more losses than you think – Not to mention government penalties. It sounds obvious, but accounting software works best if the correct data is inputted. What you put into the system, is proportionate to the output. A2B Bookkeeping Services understands this perfectly. The advantage for you as a client is that you don’t have to worry at the end of your fiscal year. Ensuring proper handling of your company’s bookkeeping needs is paramount to your business success. Don't delay, call TODAY.
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Startups - Starting a business in Liverpool

Advice

Startups - Starting a business in Liverpool
Startups is a leading website dedicated to supplying useful information to anyone thinking about starting a business. Startups was founded over 20 years ago by a serial entrepreneur and the site contains a page dedicated to the Liverpool area.
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Blue Orchid

Advice

Blue Orchid
Blue Orchid has extensive experience of delivering business start-up programmes across the UK. Our programmes include not only the general start-up advice essential for all entrepreneurs, but also in-depth training on key business issues for high growth start-ups and young businesses. Our experience in delivering start-up support as lead accountable body, delivery partner and sub-contractor has also allowed us to develop a tried and tested implementation process. This ensures that we can not only provide a rapid roll-out of support services but can do so using processes and procedures that are compliant with the most stringent monitoring and audit requirements including ERDF/ESF compliance.
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Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership

Advice

Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership
The Liverpool City Region LEP is Liverpool City Region’s primary economic development company, and the most innovative of its kind in the country.
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DSG Chartered Accountants

Accountancy

DSG Chartered Accountants
DSG Chartered Accountants are on hand to help you through the start up process, offering advice on the right business structure for you, producing a business plan, applying for finance and well make sure you remain complaint with HM Revenue and Customs.
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Cosey Homes

Directory

Cosey Homes
Cosey Homes are an established firm of Chartered Surveyors for residential and commercial property across the UK. Our building expertise, independent judgement and quality of reporting will help you get the most out of your domestic or commercial property investment. Contact us today.
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St Helens Chamber

Networking

St Helens Chamber
St Helens Chamber is a large and dynamic social enterprise, with a long history of helping the business community create prosperity and opportunity in and around St Helens. We are a unique organisation which has have moved beyond the typical Chamber of Commerce model into a private-sector led not-for-profit, that works with local businesses, partners and the community to contribute to growth and regeneration. St Helens Chamber, Salisbury Street, Off Chalon Way, St Helens. WA10 1FY
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The Womens Organisation

Advice

The Womens Organisation
If you have a great idea for a new business, The Women’s Organisation is here to help. Everyone’s journey is different, from the exciting light bulb moment of initial inspiration, to the many milestones along the way towards actually starting your own business. We can help you with a bespoke plan to suit your personal circumstances and experience, which will give your new business the very best chance of success. So talk to us today about your big idea, and let’s get your business ball rolling.
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Business 4 Beginners

Advice

Business 4 Beginners
Business 4 Beginners offers free advice for startups in the UK. Their website contains a page dedicated to Liverpool and the surrounding area.
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MSIF

Funding

MSIF
Investment & Support for the Liverpool City Region and the North West. MSIF provides a wide range of funding to businesses across the North West, predominantly in the Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas. Funding is available from as little as 3k right up to 2 million+ for a variety of business needs including start-ups, expansions, acquisitions and management buy outs/buy ins.
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Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce

Networking

Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce
Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce exists to create business. We commit that we will develop and grow more than 60 businesses every year through Spark Up, our private-sector funded accelerator programme for entrepreneurs Address: Liverpool & Sefton Chamber of Commerce ,Number One Old Hall Street,Liverpool,L3 9HG
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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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Alt Valley Business Start Up Support

Advice

Alt Valley Business Start Up Support
Starting a new business can be daunting. Whether going self-employed, opening a new company or starting a new social enterprise, the skills and planning necessary to ensure a new venture is strong and successful can often seem overwhelming. Alt Valley Community Trust has been supporting new businesses for over seven years. Through two major European Union part-funded projects, Making Business Work and Enterprise Hub, we have worked with over 4,000 businesses, assisting from starting up to helping them grow. We now provide tailored support for those living in Croxteth, Old Swan, Dovecot, Knotty Ash, and Yew Tree areas of the city. Alt Valley Community Trust, Altcross Road, Croxteth, Liverpool L11 0BS
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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