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How to Start a Business in Shropshire

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Shropshire

Starting a business in Shropshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Shropshire 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 Shropshire

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Shropshire but where can it be found?

Select classification:

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

Shropshire, located in the West Midlands region of England, is known for its picturesque countryside, rich history, and vibrant market towns.

Demographics of Shropshire

Shropshire has a diverse population of approximately 500,000 residents, offering a mix of rural and urban communities. The county boasts a strong sense of community and a supportive environment for businesses.

Major Towns and Cities in Shropshire
  • Shrewsbury : Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire and has a population of over 70,000 residents. The town features a blend of historic architecture, independent shops, and a bustling market, making it an attractive location for businesses.
  • Telford : Telford is a vibrant town in Shropshire, with a population of approximately 170,000 residents. It offers modern infrastructure, business parks, and a range of retail and leisure facilities, making it an ideal place for business growth.
  • Oswestry : Oswestry is a historic market town situated in the north of Shropshire. With a population of around 18,000 residents, it boasts a rich heritage, charming streets, and a thriving local business community.
Local Authorities in Shropshire

Local authorities can help you understand the business landscape and provide access to useful resources. They are responsible for numerous business related subjects such as health & safety, planning, business rates, and often have a department dedicated to economic development.

  • Shropshire Council : Shropshire Council is the local authority responsible for a range of services in the county. Their website provides information on business rates, planning and development, licensing, and community initiatives.
Business Support Organisations in Shropshire

In addition to the local authority, Shropshire offers access to various business support organisations that can provide valuable guidance and resources. Consider exploring the following organisation:

  • Shropshire Business : Shropshire Business is an initiative that aims to support businesses in the county. Their website offers information on funding opportunities, business advice, training programs, and networking events.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Shropshire. Exploring the website of Shropshire Council and Shropshire Business will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours in Shropshire!

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 in Shropshire

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 Shropshire

Key Contacts in Shropshire

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

Shropshire 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.

Mentoring

ICON
ICON works with entrepreneurs to startup their businesses and with established businesses who want to achieve growth. Helping CEOs, Independent Business Owners and Senior Executives, to shape and set their business strategy, ICON also provide business planning and leadership coaching services. Where required, ICON will facilitate finance for growth from grant funders, crowd funding and challenger lenders. Our services cover: - Company Formation - Business Planning and Strategy Planning - Leadership Coaching - Access To Finance - Access To Grant Funding - Access To Merchant Services - Business Analysis and Business Process Improvement - IT Strategy - Employee Engagement ICON - Your Business Growth Professionals.
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Networking

Severn Business Network
Business networking in Shropshire. We're a group of individuals representing local businesses throughout Shrewsbury, Telford and Shropshire. While we're all seriously-minded about our businesses, and members of this group primarily to generate opportunities, we're also a perfectly normal bunch who enjoy each others company in a social environment too - often taking part in some great fund raising events or just heading out for a jolly!
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Networking

Shropshire Chamber
Dedicated to sharing opportunities, knowledge and expertise, Shropshire Chamber is a dynamic member-led organisation that is firmly committed to positively impacting the local economy, and supports a network of more than 750 county-based businesses, strengthening their position in the region, ensuring their voices are heard, and providing useful connections and valuable access to new ideas and innovations. Telford: Trevithick House, Stafford Park 4, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BA.Shrewsbury: Chamber House, 5 Henry Close, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 3TJ
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Advice

Enterprise Telford
Telford offers businesses fast, responsive and bespoke solutions to help you achieve your business goals. With high quality, ready-to-go land thats cost effective in a central location; multi-million pound investment in infrastructure, workforce and tailored business support its an unrivaled place for doing business.
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Web design

Stretton Internet
Stretton Internet is an established web design company that offers a range of affordable web design services to any individual, organisation or business. Our reputation has been built by consistently producing sites that are attractive, excellent from a technical perspective and affordable for individuals, organisations and businesses. We will produce an effective website design package that is ideal for you. Whether you are an individual needing a basic website of a few pages, or a business requiring an effective marketing tool, Stretton Internet has the experience to deliver, on time and on budget.
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Funding

Invest Shropshire
How can you access funding? In Shropshire we have a proactive approach to helping companies secure the right finance for their business. We would be delighted to hear from you so why not get in touch?Our team can offer a whole range of advice ranging from finance, to premises and from networking to education. Whatever the query, our dedicated team will try and help. You can get in touch either by calling us on +44 (0)1743 257777 or email us at invest@shropshire.gov.uk.
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Advice

Shropshire Council - Business support
Shropshire Council's website contains a section dedicated to helping local business whether you are trading already or starting up. It includes links to the services that they provide but also other useful business support organisations in the county.
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Advice

FSB
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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Marketing

Shropshire Business
Shropshire Business might be a great place to raise awareness of your new business. It is an editorially-led magazine and they are keen to hear from you, though 'the inclusion or articles or comment columns cannot be guaranteed and is always at the Editors discretion'!
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Advice

Good2Great
Free Start Up Support in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Free Start Up Masterclass - Your best first step...Small groups of likeminded people working togetherExperienced personal coaches to help you get startedNew intake every week start whenever youre readyFlexibility (Choose from Monday Evening, Wednesday or Saturday mornings)Open to any residents of Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin who want to start a businessFunded by Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
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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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Advice

Marches Growth Hub
Offering face-to-face advice on business grants, loans and support available for Shropshire businesses regardless of size or sector, from pre-start to established businesses. The Marches Growth Hub, Shropshire is located at Battlefield Enterprise Park providing easy access to the M54/A49 with free car parking on-site. We are offering FREE virtual one-to-one business support meetings by appointment.You can contact the team by phone or email Monday to Friday between 10.00 16.00. Businesses based in the Shropshire Council area can access free online one-to-one sessions with our team of business specialists.
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Networking

FSB Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire
FSB Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire 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: Angela Fitch Development Manager Angela.Fitch@fsb.org.uk
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Networking

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce
As dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate business professionals we are proud to be recognised as exemplars of excellence. We work in collaboration to support and empower each other and our business community, and are firmly committed to positively impacting our local economy. Patrons are - and will remain - a true Showcase for Shropshire. Address: Trevithick House, Stafford Park 4, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BA
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Advice

Shropshire Business Board
The Shropshire Business Board is a business-led, joint private and public sector Board. Its main purpose is to be responsible with Shropshire Council and partners for the joint delivery of the new Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy and to act as ambassadors for the County. The Board also provides challenge to the Council and will bring the voice of all businesses across Shropshire to the table to assist the Council to be as business friendly as possible.
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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