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Business
General Start-Up Assistance
There are a lot of things you need to think about when you’re starting a business. The information below is divided into topics to help guide you through the process.
Taking the First Step
- The Business Link website provides a comprehensive guide to the things you need to think about including an on-line start-up organiser.
- FREE advice from Business Initiative and Business Enterprise Support for those wishing to go into business on their own
- The Prince's Trust Business Programme provides money and support to help 18-30 year olds start up in business.
- The Stoke & Staffordshire Business Helpline can provide advice to local businesses. Call 0300 111 8002 or e-mail businessenquiries@stokestaffslep.org.uk
Business Planning Advice
Business Link Website
NB: Spend some time looking through all the other links on these pages – there are many other interesting pieces of advice about business planning.
Company Structure
- Advice from the Business Link website on business names and structures
- Information about limited companies from Companies House.
- Thought of a name for your business – check if it is already registered
Marketing and Sales
- Advice from the Business Link website on Marketing
- Business Link web-based interactive tool to identify potential sales channels
Do I Need a Licence for my Business?
- Check out the requirements for private hire drivers, public entertainment, door supervisors, venues wanting to sell alcohol, house-to-house collections and permits for fund raising on the Borough Council’s Licensing Pages.
- For food and animal related businesses, hairdressing and those that involve skin piercing check the requirements from the Environmental Health Team.
- Use the Business Link website licence and permit checklist to determine what you might require.
