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How to Start a Business in Staffordshire

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Staffordshire

Starting a business in Staffordshire

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

Start Your Own Business in Staffordshire 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 Staffordshire

Local help for startups

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

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

Staffordshire, located in the West Midlands region of England, is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and thriving business community.

Demographics of Staffordshire

Staffordshire has a population of approximately 1.2 million residents, offering a mix of urban and rural areas. The county is home to several major towns and cities, each with its unique characteristics and business opportunities.

Major Towns and Cities in Staffordshire
  • Stoke-on-Trent : Stoke-on-Trent is a city in Staffordshire with a population of over 250,000 residents. Known as the "Potteries," the city has a rich history in ceramics and is a hub for creative industries. Stoke-on-Trent offers opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and creative arts.
  • Stafford : Stafford is the county town of Staffordshire with a population of approximately 70,000 residents. The town has a strong business presence, particularly in sectors such as professional services, finance, and logistics. Stafford also benefits from its strategic location near major transport links.
  • Lichfield : Lichfield is a historic cathedral city in Staffordshire with a population of around 32,000 residents. The city has a vibrant tourism industry and offers opportunities for businesses in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and creative arts.
  • Tamworth : Tamworth has a population of approximately 78,000 residents. The town has a diverse economy, with key sectors including manufacturing, engineering, and logistics. Tamworth is also known for its retail and leisure facilities.
Local Authorities in Staffordshire

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.

  • Staffordshire County Council : Staffordshire County Council is the local authority responsible for a range of services across the county. Their website provides information on business rates, planning and development, licensing, and community initiatives.
  • Stoke-on-Trent City Council : Stoke-on-Trent City Council serves the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Visit their website for local business support, planning permission, and community services.
  • Lichfield District Council : Lichfield District Council covers the Lichfield area. Their website provides information on business rates, licensing, planning, and economic development.
  • Tamworth Borough Council : Tamworth Borough Council is the local authority for Tamworth. Visit their website for information on business rates, planning permission, and local services.
Business Support Organisations in Staffordshire

Staffordshire offers access to various business support organisations that can provide valuable guidance and resources. Consider exploring the following organisations:

  • Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce : Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce offers support, networking opportunities, and training programs for businesses of all sises. Their website provides information on membership benefits, events, and business resources.
  • Grow South Staffordshire : Grow South Staffordshire provides business support services to help local businesses grow and thrive. Their website offers information on funding opportunities, training, and advice for starting or expanding a business.
  • Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub : The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub offers free and impartial support for businesses in the region. Their website provides access to business advisors, funding opportunities, events, and resources.
  • Staffordshire Regeneration sone : The Staffordshire Regeneration sone aims to stimulate economic growth and investment in the county. Their website offers information on business support programs, funding, and regeneration projects.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Staffordshire. Exploring the websites of Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Lichfield District Council, Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Grow South Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, and Staffordshire Regeneration sone will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours in Staffordshire!

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 2021

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 Staffordshire

Key Contacts in Staffordshire

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

Staffordshire 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.

Online Marketing

The Local SEO Specialists
Helping businesses grow is at the heart of The Local SEO Specialists. Through our digital marketing expertise, we help brands and businesses get their name out, boost their website traffic and convert leads to sales. No matter what industry you are in or what phase your business is in, if you are looking for a digital marketing agency who can help you dominate Google, we are the guys to approach. We are committed to creating genuine partnerships. We take time to learn our clients’ goals for this year and the following years – and take on those goals as our own.
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Accountancy

Moore's Accountancy
Moore's Accountancy have been an ongoing concern in Stoke on Trent since 1997 and we pride ourselves in helping small businesses at every stage of their business especially at testing times. We operate nationally but have our core in Staffordshire, serving local SMEs with local knowledge, PLC experience and a value for money approach. We believe that we have to understand the needs of the client before we can supply the solutions. As well as providing traditional compliance services we offer business plan production, cash flow and performance management services. As a small chartered accountants with PLC experience we can respond to your needs. * We will summarize terms and conditions in a letter of engagement, put your expectations in writing and describe and deliver the level of service you require. * We encourage regular Communication so schedule weekly, monthly or quarterly meetings to review your firms performance, helping you to plan for the future. * Give advice and guidance on keeping user-friendly records. * Give a full breakdown of our charges and services. Work is based on a fixed fee quoted in advance.
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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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Networking

FSB Staffordshire & West Midlands
FSB Staffordshire & West Midlands 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: Karen Woolley Development Manager Karen.Woolley@fsb.org.uk
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Networking

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce & Industry
The Chamber has been in existence for over 200 years - the first association was established in 1813 and became incorporated in 1949. It was borne out of a desire from businesses to meet and trade together. For there to be an organisation to represent the interest of commerce and industry and to ensure that there was a voice for business. There has also been a need for an organisation to deliver services to help businesses to start, grow and succeed. Address: Festival Park, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5BE
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Advice

Oaktree Business Support Ltd
Supporting post-start businesses in their first 2 years of trading is an area that I specialise in and having started my own successful businesses I understand the highs and lows of running your own business. If you have already started your business and experienced the thrill and challenge of getting the whole thing off the ground you may now be at a situation where you think where do I go next ? How can I grow my business ? Why are my competitors doing better than me ? Where are the opportunities coming from next ? How can I access grants that I hear about ? Where can I find suitable staff ? Lots and lots of areas that plague any business owner. Im here to offer 3 hours fully funded business support. There is no cost to you or the business. I will sit down with you and look at your business, review the strengths, look at the weaknesses, see where the opportunities lie, look at the threats. Please view my website and read some of my clients testimonials and dont hesitate to contact me. Our small to medium enterprises are the back bone to industry in the UK and we have to keep supporting them,
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Advice

Stafford Enterprise
Stafford Enterprise was set up in 1987 and is part of a consortium of Enterprise Agencies providing FREE and CONFIDENTIAL advice for those wishing to go into business and we are also able to support small businesses for the first 12 months. This is not a one off as clients are able to see us several times both before setting up and after starting their business.
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Advice

Business Initiative
Business Initiative is part of a national consortium of Enterprise Agencies providing FREE advice for those wishing to go into business on their own or to assist existing businesses who may wish to expand or are experiencing problems.
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Advice

Business Enterprise Support Ltd,
Working for yourself can be very rewarding. To enable you to plan and develop your idea we have a free step by step programme of support to help you. Business Ideas Workshops, Self Employment Awareness Workshops, Dedicated Workshops, Mentoring. In addition to the above, Enterprise Coaches are available in some areas to give intensive support to guide you through the start up process.
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IT

Total IT Services
Total IT Services Lichfield provides IT help and support for all sizes of business, we are a local and reliable business with many years experience. We can help you to create your business IT infrastructure and ensure that as you grow it grows with you. We are Microsoft qualified engineers and also certified small business specialists.
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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