Start-up Support

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80% of businesses fail in their first year...

Studies have shown that 80% of businesses fail in their first year without business support.

Why?
‍Because in your first year of business, you don't know what you don't know, so you need trusted, impartial, up to date support and expert advice.
We are proud that 90% of businesses that we work with continue to trade into their second, third and fourth years.

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Becoming Self-Employed

If you are thinking about becoming self employed, contact us.  Subject to location, we can arrange two hours 1-2-1 advice, a one day workshop or a full start-up programme including workshops, webinars, 1-2-1 business coaching and a 'Dragons' Den' to win a £2,500 cash grant to get your business started.

To develop a successful business or to find funding, email us and take the first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur​.

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Marketing workshop
Funded Start-up Workshops

According to Natwest, 80% of businesses fail in their first year of trading if they don't receive business support.  It is crucial when starting up your business you get impartial advice from experts.

Our one-day workshop is designed to give you all the basics you need to run a successful business including the key guidelines to writing a good business plan, managing cash flow, marketing skills and how to meet your legal obligations.

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1-2-1 Mentoring

With over 350 years of experience our business mentors have seen it all and have a range of specialisms.

So, regardless of whether you need to discuss your next business idea or you want guidance on any area of your business, we will be able to help.

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Social Media

Social media is becoming increasingly important to businesses of all sizes as customers increasingly look at a business online before deciding whether to buy. Our 1-2-1 training includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin. We will analyse what you are doing well, areas that need improvement and show you how to do it! And if you don’t have a social media presence, we will help get you online!

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Business Networking

Often it’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and 'people buy people'. Networking allows you to stand out, make an impact and build relationships. We host regular networking events to help you meet new contacts, clients and generate new business leads.​

Access to Support

Are you looking for finance through loans and grants?
Maybe you are looking to expand or move into the area?
​We work with other support agencies to get you the best advice and support available.

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Start Your Own Business

If you are thinking about starting your own business, contact us.  Subject to location, we can arrange 2 hours 1-2-1 advice, a one day workshop or a full start-up programme including workshops, webinars, 1-2-1 business coaching and a dragons den to win a £2,500 cash grant to get your business started.
To develop a successful business plan and find funding, email us and take the first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Contact Us
Customer Testimonials
Don't just take out word for it. See how we've helped others.
Social Media 1-2-1

The trainer made everything very easy to understand, I am a novice at all things social Media and I didn’t feel that any of my questions were responded to in a way that went over my head.

Start-up Workshops

It really helped to identify gaps we have in our business.

Start-up Workshops

I particularly enjoyed the sharing and shared learning, the scope of information covered and the relaxed delivery of the trainer.

Start-up Workshops

Everything was so clear and well delivered, thought provoking and inspiring.

1-2-1 Advice

The business advisor listened to me and understood where I lacked knowledge and competence. Ie. The legal areas. She helped me understand these points and was incredibly patient.

Start-up Workshops

Verbalising our business ideas and hearing the ideas of others was excellent.

Christina Ewbank
Christina Ewbank, the Chief Exec of Edeal Enterprise Agency said:
Whenever you start a new business, always choose to do something you love. The Patchwork Cat café and shop does just that and so Sara won £2,500 to help her share her passion for creativity with all her customers.”

Statistics show approx. 660,000 new start-ups register in the UK every year; sadly 80% of businesses fail in year one. The reason is simple: starting up a new business can often lead to unexpected surprises. You might be the best designer, florist, chef, or film maker, but you will need legal advice, marketing guidance and financial support? Who can you turn to for impartial, honest advice? More importantly, at the very start of your journey, it is crucial to create a business plan that outlines who you are, what you do, who your customers are and how your business works.