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How to Start a Business in Oxfordshire

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Oxfordshire

Starting a business in Oxfordshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Oxfordshire 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 Oxfordshire

Free Startup Guide

Start Your Own Business in 2021

Download the 2025 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

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

Located in the South East region of England, Oxfordshire offers a thriving business environment with a mix of urban and rural areas, a diverse population, and a strong knowledge-based economy.

Oxfordshire Demographics

Oxfordshire has a population of approximately 687,000 and a good place to set up a new business due to its location and general nature. The region attracts a highly educated workforce and benefits from its close proximity to London, which enhances its economic opportunities.

Major Towns and Cities in Oxfordshire
  • Oxford : Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire and a renowned centre of academic excellence. With a population of over 150,000 , the city is home to the prestigious University of Oxford and offers a wide range of businesses, including education, research, technology, tourism, and creative industries.
  • Abingdon-on-Thames : Abingdon-on-Thames is a historic market town located just south of Oxford. With a population of around 36,000 , it has a rich cultural heritage and a thriving business community, including engineering, science, and technology sectors.
  • Banbury : Banbury is a vibrant town located in the north of Oxfordshire. With a population of approximately 47,000 , it has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, retail, logistics, and professional services.
  • Witney : Witney is a market town situated west of Oxford. With a population of around 29,000 , it offers a mix of traditional and modern businesses, including retail, hospitality, leisure, and advanced manufacturing.
Local Authorities in Oxfordshire

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.

  • Oxfordshire County Council : Oxfordshire County Council is the primary local authority responsible for a range of services across the county. Their website provides information on business rates, planning and development, transportation, education, and community initiatives.
  • Oxford City Council : Oxford City Council oversees local government services in the city of Oxford. Their website offers guidance on starting a business, licensing, planning applications, and access to business support programs.
  • Cherwell District Council : Cherwell District Council represents the interests of the local community and businesses in the northern part of Oxfordshire. Their website provides information on local services, economic development initiatives, and business support programs.
  • South Oxfordshire District Council : South Oxfordshire District Council is responsible for the southern part of the county. Their website offers resources for businesses, including planning and building control, licensing, and economic development support.
  • Vale of White Horse District Council : Vale of White Horse District Council represents the interests of businesses and in the Vale of White Horse area. Their website provides information on business rates, local planning, economic development, and funding opportunities.
Business Support Organisations in Oxfordshire

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

  • Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) : Oxfordshire LEP works to drive economic growth and support businesses in the region. Their website offers information on funding opportunities, business support programs, and initiatives to promote innovation and collaboration.
  • Oxfordshire Business Support : Oxfordshire Business Support provides a range of services to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. They offer advice, mentoring, networking events, and access to funding opportunities.
  • Oxfordshire Innovation Support : Oxfordshire Innovation Support is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of technology-focused businesses. Their website provides information on funding, research and development, and collaboration opportunities.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Oxfordshire. Exploring the websites of local authorities and business support organisations will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial journey in Oxfordshire!

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.

Frog Marketing
Jyst
Bambury & Co Chartered Accountants
Access business finance up to £150k

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!

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Oxfordshire 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

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
Starting a business in Oxfordshire

Key Contacts in Oxfordshire

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

Oxfordshire 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.

Jyst

Web design

Jyst
Jyst is a Digital Product Agency. We help our clients build engaging websites, successful custom software solutions and user friendly mobile applications. We want to be your next partner in; Digital strategy, design & development.
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Let's Do Marketing

Marketing

Let's Do Marketing
Let’s Do Marketing is a subsidiary of Let’s Do Business Group that is here to help small businesses grow through marketing. Focussed on providing affordable and accessible support to new and small businesses, they offer consultancy and marketing services that can help you to achieve your big marketing ideas. Whether you’re just starting out with a brand new business or looking to grow, we can give you the guidance to create a marketing strategy that matches your goals. Let’s Do Marketing can also provide training to help you take control of your own marketing strategy, from learning new software and tools to creating award winning campaigns! Find out more about our services https://www.letsdomarketing.co.uk/ Want to chat about how Let’s Do Marketing can help you to level up your business? Get in touch at https://www.letsdomarketing.co.uk/contact or email us at hello@letsdomarketing.co.uk!
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Access business finance up to £150k

Funding

Access business finance up to £150k
Let’s Do Business Finance offers funding to both start-up businesses and businesses wanting to grow and invest in their future. Start up finance We’re one of the official Business Support Partners of the British Business Bank and Start Up Loan Company. We can offer loans from £500 up to £25k with a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum, and that includes 12 months of free mentoring to help you get off to the best start. Could you be eligible? Find out more https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/lets-start-up Business loans Let’s Do Business Finance are able to offer business loans to help established businesses to grow. We’re accredited lenders of the Recovery Loan Scheme under the British Business Bank, and we’re able to lend from £25,001 to £150,000 on terms from 3 months to 6 years. This business finance can be used to help you secure anything from new premises, equipment, and capital, and our team can help you to assess your cash flow and finances, build your marketing strategy and more with our built-in business support which is tailored to your needs. Want to learn more about business loans, and see if you’re eligible? Visit our website https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/ or send us an enquiry https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/contact-us
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Let's Do Business Finance

Funding

Let's Do Business Finance
Access business finance up to 150k Let's Do Business Finance offers funding to both start-up businesses and businesses wanting to grow and invest in their future. Start up finance We're one of the official Business Support Partners of the British Business Bank and Start Up Loan Company. We can offer loans from 500 up to 25k with a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum, and that includes 12 months of free mentoring to help you get off to the best start. Could you be eligible? Find out more https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/lets-start-up Business loans Let's Do Business Finance are able to offer business loans to help established businesses to grow. We're accredited lenders of the Recovery Loan Scheme under the British Business Bank, and we're able to lend from £25,001 to £150,000 on terms from 3 months to 6 years. This business finance can be used to help you secure anything from new premises, equipment, and capital, and our team can help you to assess your cash flow and finances, build your marketing strategy and more with our built-in business support which is tailored to your needs. Want to learn more about business loans, and see if you're eligible? Visit our website https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/ or send us an enquiry https://www.letsdobusinessfinance.co.uk/contact-us
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Frog Marketing

Marketing

Frog Marketing
Frog Marketing is based in Wallingford and offers a professional, flexible and reliable service to local business. Frog offer a comprehensive range of marketing services including; copy writing, graphic design, Website design, search engine optimisation, email marketing and direct marketing. Operating across Oxfordshire and Berkshire Frog Marketing can offer marketing and communications support through out the Thames Valley reign. The company offers a range of marketing services to business in the local area. The philosophy at Frog Marketing is to offer creative design solutions at affordable prices. Frog Marketing seeks to build partnerships with all its clients, offering a personalised ongoing service. Advice is offered freely and client satisfaction is of paramount importance. Frog Marketing has a variety of clients, situated around Wallingford and throughout Oxford and Berkshire. Clients include electric companies, tack shops, competition livery yards, Oak framed builders, gardening companies and more.
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Oxford IT Solutions

IT

Oxford IT Solutions
We are a well-established IT company based in Weston on the Green, Oxfordshire offering a wide range of services. Primarily focussing on Home IT Support, Business IT Support and Schoool IT Support covering key support areas such as computer and laptop repairs, broadband setup, wireless and wired networking, servers and backup. As well as our IT Support services we provide Hardware and Printer Consumables. We also offer web design, web hosting, web development and website management.
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Let's Do Business Group

Advice

Let's Do Business Group
With the ability to help businesses across all sectors, our team can offer business consultancy services to help you achieve your goals. The Let’s Do Business Group can provide virtual business consultancy services through our team of business professionals and quality assured consultants. Whether its developing a business plan or strategy, coaching or mentoring of senior staff and business owners, or just being a sounding board our team are here to help. We offer a free initial consultation so that we understand your needs, and you get to know us. We will then agree how we will work together and our fees – this could be from a one off session, a short support programme or a longer term project. We also have access to a range of other business specialists to help you with anything from Marketing to HR – so whatever your need, we can find a solution. Contact the team today at https://www.letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/contact-us or email info@ldbgroup.co.uk
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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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Advice

Oxfordshire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is a voluntary body made up of representatives from business, academia and the wider public sector. The Partnerships overarching aim is to be the catalyst for realising Oxfordshires economic and commercial potential. It will act as an informed, independent advocate for the drivers of innovation and growth. In addition this role, the Partnership will prioritise on key programmes to address the high priority deficiencies identified within the county, rather than trying to do everything itself. In setting out a single, clear vision for the longer-term future of Oxfordshires economy the Partnership will provide collective leadership by the most senior and high-profile private, academic and public-sector leaders. It will build upon existing working arrangements at the local level to align its work on economic and commercial growth; planning, housing, transport and infrastructure priorities; skills requirements and business support. The Partnership is a light-touch, multi-tiered body that will continue to evolve over time in response to the changing needs of the economic and commercial community.
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Advice

Oxfordshire Business Enterprises
The INDEPENDENT, COUNTYWIDE free advice service for people seeking help starting a business or in the early stages of running one, throughout the entire Oxfordshire area. Oxfordshire Business Enterprises is the enterprise service for Oxfordshire and the surrounding area. Its role is to provide the right advice to help people start and run a business, so if you want to learn more about how to start yours, youve come to the right place. Oxfordshire Business Enterprises was formed in 2003 by combining two previous enterprise agencies, NORBIS and TBAC, to produce one agency to provide business startup services to the whole of Oxfordshire and the surrounding area. We are a non-profit making organisation supported by all Oxfordshires local authorities and co-ordinated from Cherwell District Councils offices in Banbury.
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Advice

Oxfordshire Business Enterprise Ltd
The INDEPENDENT, COUNTYWIDE free advice service for people seeking help starting a business or in the early stages of running one, throughout the entire Oxfordshire area.
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HR

MB HR Support
MB HR Support is an independent human resources specialist providing outsourced HR support to small and medium-sized companies in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. Our aim is to work along side our clients to provide a flexible, straightforward and practical HR service that is right for them. Whether you want to ensure that you are legally compliant, we can advise you. If you need to address or resolve an HR issue, or you simply require ongoing support on a range of projects, we can support you. If a virtual HR manager is what youre after, then were there.
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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