Starting a Business

Many people choose to start a business every year. This maybe because they have identified a market niche, have additional specialised knowledge or want to turn a past time into a career.

There are many aspects to a business that have to be considered when starting out, for example Finance, Marketing, Legal requirements, Human Resources to name but a few.  This can be very daunting, but there are a number of resources available to help you through the process of creating a successful business.

Business Link

Business Link is the Governments main provider of advice and support to businesses in England.  You can speak to a trained adviser via their telephone helpline who can provide you with a pack of information tailored to your new business.  Plus they can help you to identify and access the support available to you. If you are not ready to speak to an adviser, they provide a wealth of information and diagnostic tools via their website to help get you started.

Chambers of Commerce

• East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise offers free help and advice on a one to one basis with a business advisor.
• Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise offers free help and advice on a one to one basis with a Business Advisor. The Chamber also run workshops to develop all the skills you need to start up and run a successful business.
• South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce provides a free impartial start-up advisory service to entrepreneurs in South Cheshire. You can sit down with a trained business adviser and discuss your business ideas.  Help will be given on any aspect of planning and starting your business.

Local Sources of help

• Enterprise Coaching Crewe a free one to one advice service for potential entrepreneurs in the Crewe area.
• ENWORKS offers practical advice to businesses to help them become more resource efficient, by reducing their carbon impact.

Useful Links

In addition to the local resources, the following national organisations offer further advice and information:

• Prime Business Club offers support and advice for individuals over 50 thinking of starting a business.
• Princes Trust offers a wide range of support and advice to young people aged 18-30, whether you are unemployed or are looking to start your own business.
• Shell LiveWIRE supports entrepreneurs aged 16-30.

Premises

Cheshire East Council provides a personalised commercial property finding service and has an interactive sites and premises database. Visit our Sites and Premises database to search for property.