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How to Start a Business in Buckinghamshire

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Buckinghamshire

Starting a business in Buckinghamshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Buckinghamshire 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 Buckinghamshire

Local help for startups

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

Select classification:

Whether you're already running a business in this vibrant county or contemplating launching your entrepreneurial venture here, you've come to the right place. Berkshire is a thriving region with a diverse economy, bustling towns and cities, and a range of support services available to help your business succeed.

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 Buckinghamshire

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 Buckinghamshire

Key Contacts in Buckinghamshire

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

Buckinghamshire 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.

Web design

Insite Web
We are a full-service web design and marketing agency in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes. We offer services and packages specifically aimed at start-ups and those seeking to drive more, or new business online. Our services always include business consultancy and research as standard, to help you exceed your goals. Our main services are web design, graphic design, local national SEO services, and copywriting and content creation. We also specialise in marketing campaigns that are tailored to drive online visibility for your business and to exceed your acquisition, traffic and sales goals. We know that deciding to start your own business is a big step. At Insite Web we make the process much less stressful. Our commercial and business knowledge means we offer full start up support, as well as a range of services that provide a one-stop shop to get your exciting new venture up and running; putting you ahead of your competition. We can support you with website development and setting up your social media accounts, designing business stationery and logos. We can even supply all your IT, telephony and software requirements, plus company incorporation and all the HMRC processes for you too! Insite Web Ltd is more than just a web agency. Our team will use their years of commercial experience to provide you with a tailored start-up package that gives you the edge over your competitors and ensures your business succeeds and grows online and offline. See: https:insiteweb.co.uk/business-startup-packages Get A Free Consultation & Quote Now
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Mentoring

Peter Watson Business mentor & coach
ABOUT ME MY EXPERIENCE: - I have been a business mentor & coach for hundreds of small businesses for over 30 years. - I have started and sold two successful businesses of my own. - I am a retired certified practising accountant. - Former business mentor for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy. - I know the challenges that small businesses can face. - I act for start-ups & small businesses and offer my client's one-to-one business mentoring & coaching. MY MEMBERSHIPS: - Member of the Association of Business Mentors. - Member of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs. - Fellow Member of the Institute of Directors. WHAT I OFFER SMALL BUSINESSES & START-UP BUSINESSES: - Help in setting up a business - Help with government grants for small businesses - One-to-one business mentoring & coaching - Support to help you plan, manage and deliver the growth for your business. - Someone to bounce ideas off - Business strategy - Marketing- including social media, Seo, Linkedin, Twitter & Instagram. - Provide unbiased guidance strategic support and thinking - Help you to prioritise build and grow your network - Business plan, cashflow, budgeting & profit & loss forecast - Researching small businesses funding - Improving your business profits - Ideas for new products or services, or ways of working - Tips for your business that are gained from practical experience - Develop key business skills Running your own business can be exciting, frustrating, and nerve-racking, but watching something you have built become successful is one of the most fulfilling and exciting things you can do in life. I am passionate about what I do and it shows in my work and proven track record.
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Directory

Businesses For Sale in Buckinghamshire
Browse the listings to help you buy Business for sale in Buckinghamshire. Alternatively, set up email alerts and/or start a new search. Daltonsbusiness.com is the UK’s largest online marketplace of businesses and franchises for sale.
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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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Advice

Enterprise Doctor
Mark Harris is the Enterprise Doctor. He has over 10 years experience in that role, building on a range of roles with businesses large and small; including starting, building and then selling his own office stationery company. If you want to work with someone who understands the challenges of being a solopreneur, perhaps running a small business, having to watch every penny of expenditure, needing to work smarter, not harder, then there’s nothing stopping you – Mark is available.
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Accountancy

MD Consulting
Starting up your own business is a big decision to make. It brings the potential for both rewards and risks, but with careful pre-planning, many of these risks can be minimised. At MD Consulting, we are experienced in business start-ups and many of our clients have been with us since we helped them establish their enterprises a number of years ago. Most people who start up a business do so because they have a great business idea, and the enterprise and drive to see it through, not because they are experts in the financial and legal aspects of running a business. The good news is that you do not need to be an expert in these fields to succeed in business. All you need is the support of professional advisers and that’s where we fit in.
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Web design

Creative Jam
Creative Jam are an energetic and talented creative design agency in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire specialising in branding, graphic design, video production, animation and web design. We are a small team which means we can offer you a more personal experience – you’re not a number to us you’re a person, an individual and a friend. Our team has been assembled with oodles of experience, tons of creativity, a smattering of geekiness and a whole lot of fun! Although we each possess a vast array of skills, we all have our own specific creative superpower to help lead the team into artistic battle. We also have a team of regular freelancers we outsource to for copy-writing, specialised photography projects, SEO and digital marketing that are part of our creative jamily. We encourage our clients to speak directly to the designer or creative. Not only does this mean that you get to build up a good working relationship with the person actually working on your campaign, it also means that nothing gets lost in translation between you, an account manager and the designer. This makes the entire process quicker and smoother. By not employing account managers it also means that we can afford to offer lower prices than other agencies too. So essentially, by working with Creative Jam you’re getting large agency expertise but for small agency prices.
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Property

Bucks Bizz
For more than 30 years the property and business development team now known as Bucks Biz has been pioneering the concept of providing all inclusive quality work spaces at affordable prices in strategically important locations. From London to the Home Counties we have created our own special brand of business centres that have enabled hundreds, or even thousands, of small business people to realise their ambitions by starting their own business and then successfully moving on to bigger things.
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Advice

Buckinghamshire Business First
Buckinghamshire Business First are a business-led, business-focused community for new, established and growing businesses across Buckinghamshire. They provide members with knowledge, support and opportunities for growth. By getting involved, you join thousands of other members benefiting from their knowledge, connections, facilities, products and services. From inception in 2011, when 10 local entrepreneurs and business leaders got together to discuss how to encourage business growth in Buckinghamshire, their ‘doing-it-for-ourselves’ mentality has generated a thriving business community of over 10,000 members – and growing.
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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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Advice

Start in Bucks
About to start up a business? Learn how Buckinghamshire Business First makes it our business to support you on your journey. More businesses start in Buckinghamshire than almost anywhere else in the country and they all need a support network to ensure they have the best chance of success. That’s why Buckinghamshire Business First offers start-up membership to anyone in the ideas stage of a business.
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Accountancy

B2B Business Advisors
We have a host of practical business skills, and our friendly team of professionals will not only help you meet your legal accounting and tax obligations, but also assist in the growth and development of your firm. We work much more closely with our clients than traditional accountants. We want to get to know our clients’ businesses inside and out, enabling us to easily identify problems and spot opportunities. We want to help improve profits and encourage growth and focus on the areas that matter most to you! We aim to help improve profits and encourage growth whilst focusing on the areas that matter most to you! This knowledge is gained from a sustained relationship and a high level of personal contact. As a result, we are responsive to our clients’ needs and are available to support your own objectives, tailoring our advice to your business requirements and helping you to achieve greater profitability, efficiency and success. We look to build a long term and mutually beneficial relationship with all our clients, helping you every step of the way!
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Networking

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group is the voice of business in the Thames Valley, on behalf of micro to multinational organisations, driving better economic conditions and new opportunities for members and the wider community. Through our recognised centre of excellence for global trade and inward investment, we provide services that promote and create opportunities for the Thames Valley business community while protecting trade and the local/national economic environment. We offer local engagement, regional representation and global opportunity.
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Web design

NetEvolution Ltd
We are a London based digital web agency, specialising in affordable responsive websites and custom Microsoft.NET development for start-ups and small businesses. We create websites that are both professional and easy to use. We also offer ASP.NET development for businesses and great fixed price websites in two flavours, either a brochure site or an eCommerce site. Web sites for startup businesses from NetEvolution Ltd. Known as a reliable web development service provider for all your internet business service needs. Were dedicated to giving you the very best of service, with a focus on value, speed, and forward thinking. In addition to our web development products, we also offer support for your current site, along with mobile app development for android and iOS mobile applications too!. If you need a regular supply of industry specific unique content to keep your search engine positions on the rise - we have packages to supply that to you too from the great writers on our team who edit our blog, the twitter favourites we get every day suggest they do a great job!.
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Opportunities

Franchises For Sale in Buckinghamshire
Discover our range of the best franchises for sale in Buckinghamshire and take the first step towards running your own franchise in Buckinghamshire today.
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Advice

Bucks Business School
In a business environment of volatility, uncertainty, rapid change and ambiguity, we train our business students to become creative thinkers and problem solvers, and to equip them for careers that may not even exist yet.
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Advice

Information for businesses
You can access a range of business information and resources from Buckinghamshire Libraries. Our service is available to companies and individuals and while there are some small charges, the majority of our services are free. Starting a business? Researching company data? Find the information you need: Start a business, Trade legally, Research companies, Find an office/premises, Discover your market.
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Advice

Be Your Own Boss
Thinking about starting a business? Help is at hand! Register with Be Your Own Boss and give your new business the best chance of success. The Be Your Own Boss programme is part of the Community Board, business start-up initiative, delivered in partnership with Buckinghamshire Business First that helps people develop the skills and meet the contacts they need to give their business idea the best chance of success.
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Networking

Bucks Bizz Networking
We are a business networking group with a community focus, based in Beaconsfield, Bucks. Started by seasoned networking professionals, the organisation was created with the intention of creating a warm and welcoming environment in which to do good business thus helping local businesses grow. We aspire to support and develop our members whilst, at the same time, giving back to the community. All profits from our annual memberships get donated to our nominated charity. We also carry out fund raising events throughout the year. We encourage local professionals, start-ups to established businesses, to join us for a meeting – we’d love to meet you!
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Accountancy

Benham & Williams
You want to start a business because you are an entrepreneur with a great idea and the vision to realise it. And we're here to help you do just that. We want you to focus on what you do best - building your business - while we provide all the necessary background support. Benham & Williams are an established firm of accountants and business advisors with over twenty five years experience of providing accountancy and taxation advice to individuals, business, and other organisations. Our business clients range from business start-ups, small and growing enterprises, to established businesses. We also deal with company directors and private individuals. Each client has different aims and objectives. We take the time to get to know each client and by listening to what they want we are able to identify and deliver a cost effective and appropriate solution, assisting them to achieve their goals.
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IT

Dragon Information Systems Limited
Dragon Information Systems Limited is a UK based, high quality IT provider with the mission to take small to medium sized Businesses to the next level. Our engineers have over 20 years combined industry experience and go through vigorous annual certified training to ensure that as a company we move forward as quick as the latest technology. This combined with unique design and innovation allows us to provide businesses with bespoke, tailor made IT solutions for now and the future. Being a vendor independent company, it means we are able to source the latest high quality technology at competitive prices from worldwide accredited companies allowing us to then offer businesses the best and most suitable for them, technology at a reasonable cost. We specialise in design, implementation, support and maintenance on every aspect of IT systems from data centre design through to anti-virus, firewall, VPN security and end user support. Contact us today for a free no obligation IT Assessment on 01908 613080 or info@dragon-is.com Registered office 6 Bassett Court, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, MK16 0JN
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Accountancy

Wilkins Kennedy LLP
Wilkins Kennedy LLP Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers provide a full range of accounting and business advisory services to a diverse range of businesses and individuals across the UK and abroad. Established in 1882 as a single regional office, the firm has expanded to 12 regional offices based across the South of England with a turnover of
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Advice

Buckinghamshire County Council (Business)
Local markets Find a local market and how to become a market trader Safety information for businesses Keeping your business safe and advice on fire safety Selling to the council Current contracts, tenders and our standard terms and conditions Conference centres and work spaces Hire a conference space or a working space in one of our buildings Business waste Advice on storing and disposing of your commercial waste, including fees, licences and legal responsibilities Business advice for landlords Problems with tenants, your responsibilities and on letting your home or property Business Continuity Management Business Continuity Management aims to ensure your essential business functions can continue during a disruption and helps you return to a normal level of operation as quickly as possible. Trading standards Our Trading Standards team has extensive experience of advising a variety of businesses Property maintenance - standard terms and conditions Standard terms and conditions of contract for use with purchase orders for the supply of materials and or the execution of work. Pay an invoice Make a secure payment for items like community care invoices and farm rents Apprenticeships information Information on apprenticeships offered by Buckinghamshire Council during the reporting
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Networking

The Network
We are a friendly, relaxed, informal networking group based in High Wycombe. Our purpose is to make meeting other local businesses an enjoyable experience with no forced selling, you get your chance to present your business in a 60 second slot during the meeting, attendance is not compulsory but we would encourage your attendance to maximise your potential selling power. The Network are just a great group of people making connections and helping each other. The Network operates in the High Wycombe and Uxbridge area and is essentially a group of active business people who come together weekly to pass business referrals between themselves, and provide support and knowledge to each other.
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Marketing

SME MK and Buckinghamshire Business Awards
These awards celebrate the achievements of local businesses in the Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire area. Entering awards offers invaluable marketing and PR opportunities, which can be used to propel your business - you could even win!
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Networking

Chiltern Chamber
Chiltern Chamber serves the interests of businesses across Chiltern region. Through our four strategic priorities, we seek to facilitate success for our members and our region: support SMEs, particularly through information and networking; support skills and training initiatives; and work to ensure a positive economic and business environment.
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Marketing

Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser
Keep up to date with local business news with the Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser.
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Networking

Bucks Bizz Networking
We are a business networking group with a community focus, based in Beaconsfield, Bucks. Started by seasoned networking professionals, the organisation was created with the intention of creating a warm and welcoming environment in which to do great business and help local businesses to grow & flourish. We aspire to support and develop our members whilst, at the same time, giving back to the community.
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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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Networking

Chiltern Business Connections
Want to build relationships with local business professionals? Want to do business with people you trust and respect? Want to develop your business skills? Chiltern Business Connections offers a new and dynamic networking opportunity.
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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

Buckinghamshire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership)
The Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP) is a business-led partnership of equals between local government and the private sector, building the conditions for sustainable economic growth in the County.
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Advice

Buckinghamshire County Council
The Buckinghamshire County Council website has a dedicated business section. It includes: Advice for businesses, Local markets, Safety information for businesses, Selling to the council, Conference centres and work spaces, Business waste, Business advice for landlords, Business Continuity Management, Trading standards, Property maintenance - standard terms and conditions, Pay an invoice, Apprenticeships information. Buckinghamshire County Council, County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1UA
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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