Start-up Business Support
Starting a new business is a big step, so you need all the help
and support you can get. This page will help to to find those
agencies that can offer you the support you need to get your new
business up and running.
On this page:
Of course there are some services that are relevant to all
business, no matter how new or old. Information that you may
find useful on other pages include:
Please take a look through the other Business & Licensing
pages as there is a huge amount of information which may be
relevant to you.
Southern Entrepreneurs
The Southern
Entrepreneurs project offers
FREE Help For Small
Businesses
The Southern Entrepreneurs project is
initiated by Eastleigh Borough Council for the benefit of local
business. Membership is FREE and is open to small businesses in
Hampshire along with sole traders / franchisees or people with a
business idea that they wish to explore.
There is a determination to ensure world-class
business support and increase business-to-business networking and
e-commerce. The aim is to enable companies to plan effectively,
ensuring they are able to meet future skills needs through advice,
ensuring small businesses grow and prosper. We offer:
- Training For You and Your Staff
- Networking Events
- Access to Professional Advisors
- One
Stop Shop For Help and Advice
- Partner Network Across Hampshire
- Research on Topics Such as Funding
- Practical Help with Your Business needs
- Individual Service to suit you
Contact: Anne Dawson
Southern Entrepreneurs
Wessex House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8065 2778
Email: Anne.Dawson@eastleigh.gov.uk
Enterprise First
Established in 1981
Enterprise First has
assisted thousands of clients seeking to start-up a new
business or develop an existing small business in Hampshire, Surrey
and Berkshire.
As a not for profit company with sponsorship from
the public and private sectors they can offer either free support
or help at a nominal cost. They are also a member of the
National Federation of Enterprise Agencies and support their Small
Business Advice Service via their email support system.
Free, confidential, and independent advice is provided from
their team of experienced accredited business advisers who can meet
with you at any of their locations, including at Eastleigh
Business Centre (Wessex House).
Their training workshop programme includes
a Free introductory workshop (currently funded by
Barclays Bank) which covers issues you should be aware of in
starting a business. They also offer various workshops
to support specific business needs, such as book-keeping
and marketing all held by leaders who are
accredited to national standards.
Once you have started a business, why not join their Business
Network to help you network with potential customers?
Contact Enterprise First if you would like to meet with a
business adviser, attend one of their workshops or join their
Business Network.
Contact details:
|
Phone
0845 4587535
General Enquiries
Online
Click here to fill in
their online enquiry form
|
Post (Head Office)
Enterprise
First,
11 Wellington Street,
Aldershot,
Hampshire,
GU11 1DX.
|
Eastleigh Business Advice Centre
At Wessex House business information, services and guidance
are to hand. We can arrange free access to professional business
advisors, such as solicitors, accountants, lawyers, human resources
and health & safety consultants, insurance brokers, IT
specialists. Presentations, meetings, seminars and
events keep you updated on new developments and issues affecting
the local business community and offer excellent networking
opportunities. The service is available to all Eastleigh
businesses, not just those located in Wessex House.
For more information, contact the
Eastleigh Business Centre Manager:
The Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust is a charitable organisation that helps
young people overcome barriers and get their lives working. Through
practical support including training, mentoring and financial
assistance, they help 14-30 year olds realise their potential and
transform their lives.
The Prince's Trust offers grants and low-interest loans along
with advice and support
to unemployed young people starting their own businesses.
Business Link
Business Link provides the
support, advice and information you need to start, maintain and
grow a business. Rather than provide all the support
themselves, they fast-track customers to the expert help they
need. Business Link is available locally and is quality
assured to clear national standards. It is primarily funded
by the Department of Trade and Industry, supported by a number of
other government departments, agencies and local authorities.
Business Link in Hampshire
& IOW are based in Fareham. They can be contacted on
0845 600 9 006 or emailed at info@businesslinkhampshireiow.co.uk.
Alternatively you can visit the
contact page on their website and request a call from them.
Southampton Enterprise Hub
Located just outside the Borough in Chilworth, the Southampton
Enterprise Hub is one of 21 Hubs across the South East of
England. These Hubs provide start-up support to science and
technology businesses, offering access to accommodation, finance,
business mentors, research facilities and networking, with
links to local universities. For more information about the
Southampton Enterprise Hub visit the website
Accommodation
Visit our Property and
Premises page for information about available premises.
Eastleigh Business Centre @ Wessex House
Eastleigh Business Centre, at Wessex House in Eastleigh's Town
Centre, is a unique business operation run by the Council offering
premises and business support services for new and emerging
enterprises.
The Centre, which is conveniently located, provides managed
low cost fully serviced office accommodation on flexible terms
together with an extensive range of business services, including
free business development advice, subsidised business skills
training, virtual office and conference facilities.
Designed to help local enterprises Eastleigh Business Centre
is home to some 80 companies, which range from IT and financial
services to engineering and construction, and employ more than 300
people.
Working at home
Many new businesses are based at home, but there can be
implications for planning and business rates. The following
information should make you aware of the issues, and point you in
the right direction for professional advice.
Do you need planning permission?
You do not necessarily need planning permission to work at
home. You can discuss this informally with the
Development Control unit at Eastleigh Borough Council. The
key test is whether the overall character of the dwelling will
change as a result. If the answer to any of the following
questions is 'yes' then you will probably need planning
permission:
- Will your home no longer be used mainly as a private
residence?
- Will your business result in a marked rise in traffic or people
calling?
- Will your business involve any activities unusual in a
residential area?
- Will your business disturb your neighbours at unreasonable
hours or create other forms of nuisance such as noise or
smells?
If you are in any doubt you should contact Eastleigh's Development Control
unit.
Should you be paying Business Rates?
The rateable value of business premises is determined by the
Valuation Office. If part of your home (e.g. a spare bedroom
or garage) is used as business premises then business rates
may be payable on that room or rooms. If that is the case,
those rooms are no longer considered to be part of your home, which
could mean that your council tax banding is reduced. You may
also be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief. If you have
any questions regarding the valuation of business premises at home,
contact the local
Valuation Office (external link, opens new
window).
View the
Valuation Office Agency factsheet on
working at home.
The official government website www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk
provides information on all aspects of business rates,
including working at home and small business rate relief.
Renting Business Premises
If you are looking for your first business premises, this
short guide to renting business premises offers advice about the
different types of leases and the things to look out for.
Published in 2004 by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now
Department for Communities and Local Government) the booklet
summarises the first steps in finding your premises and tells you
where you can get expert advice.
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Page Last Updated: 1/22/2008
Eastleigh Borough Council
legal disclaimer
Website Comments: webmaster@eastleigh.gov.uk
Eastleigh Borough Council, Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9YN
Telephone: 023 8068 8068, Fax: 023 8064 3952, Text: 07797 877001
Email:
direct@eastleigh.gov.uk