If you are thinking about starting a business in Somerset or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.
Start Your Own Business in Somerset 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
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!
If you're considering starting a business or already running one in Somerset, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Somerset, located in the South West region of England, is known for its stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant market towns.
Somerset has a diverse population of approximately 560,000 residents, offering a mix of rural and urban communities. The county attracts tourists with its picturesque countryside, seaside resorts, and charming villages, creating opportunities for various business ventures.
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.
In addition to the local authorities, Somerset offers access to various business support organisations that can provide valuable guidance and resources. Consider exploring the following organisations:
We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Somerset. Exploring the websites of Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, South Somerset District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, North Somerset Council, West Somerset Council, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Heart of the South West Growth Hub, Somerset Business Agency, and Somerset Enterprise Centres will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours in Somerset!
Hi, I'm Clare, a not so boring accountant and bookkeeper.
I work with all types of trade; current clients include hairdressers, plumbers, builders, beauty therapists, electricians and many more. Most are local to Hemyock but some are not. With technology this need not be a problem.
Do you need more time to work on your business rather than drowning in a sea of paperwork? I can take that paperwork and present you with digital reports about the financial welfare of your business. Your tax and VAT returns will all be submitted correctly and quickly, without any stress on your part (except of course for the paying part!).
I promise to always use plain English and produce your numbers quickly and efficiently.
Call or email to have a chat about your business.
01823 680967
"Two heads are better than one."
Whether you have been trading for some time, are new to the market or are just thinking about starting a business of your own, it has been proven that your chances of success are considerably improved if you seek support from an experienced business advisor or mentor. You can find out more about both options at Business Advice in Somerset and Business Mentors in Somerset .
"Money makes the world go round."
Running out of money is one the most common reasons why businesses fail. This risk of this happening to can be avoided (or minimised) by careful planning and cashflow forecasting. If you need additional funds to start or keep your business going, you can learn more about your options and download our free funding factsheet at: Business Grants and Business Funding .
"It's not what you know, it is who you know."
Does the idea of business networking fill you with delight or dread? Either way, it can be beneficial for both your business and you as an entrepreneur. See Business Networking in Somerset for details of local groups and our free Networking Factsheet.
"Home or away?"
Working from home is appealing to many new business owners but not practical for many others. Even if you are running a business by yourself, you might like to consider the option of 'hot desking' or co-working in one of the many flexi-workspaces that have emerged in recent years. Find out more at: Co-Working and Business Premises
Where to find help and support in the area.
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.
Download the 2023 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.
'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.
Somerset 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.
Advice
Networking
Advice
Advice
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
Being self-employed or running a business does not suit everyone.
Will my business idea work? That is the million dollar question!
Finding where to start is sometimes the hardest part.
So you’ve got an idea, it seems foolproof.
Options if you need to raise money to start your business.
How to find, win, and keep paying customers - the key to business success!
How to make the most of the web. Websites, SEO, and Social Media.
Learn from and avoid the pitfalls that other start-ups have encountered.
All of our useful FREE resources for new business start-ups in one place.
This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.
Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.
