Starting your business
You’ve got a great idea or you’ve just started and need some support. Our information will help your business get off to the right start.
Tailored support for your business
The Berkshire Growth Hub delivers the government funded business advice service and supports small and medium sized enterprises in Berkshire to achieve sustainable business growth. We offer a range of services from our valuable support guides to our business support tool which can give you access to tailored business resources.
Create a free account to access all of our valuable support guides and resources.
Support guides
We’ve got lots of useful guides to help you get your new business off on the right foot.
Explore our support guides for helpful information or create a profile to access our full support guide library and detailed resources that our tailored to your business needs.
Start your own business – podcast
Prefer to listen? Here's a start your own business podcast Read more
Legal structures for your business
There are different legal structures available for your business. Review our guidance on the different types of business structure Read more
Which accounting software should I use?
There is a wide range of accounting software available. Consider these key questions before making a decision. Read more
GrantFinder
GrantFinder is the leading funding database in the UK covering local, national and international sources of funding Read more
What else do I need to consider when starting my business?
When you are starting your business, consider these extra guides to help you succeed. Read more
5 key steps to an effective sales strategy
Explore the key 5 key steps to developing an effective sales strategy. Read more
Business Builder – Digital tool
Business Builder is a digital tool designed to give you the right support at the right time for you and your business. Read more
Does your Networking Work? Our Top Tips
Whether you’re an old hand at networking, or just dipping your toe in the water, you’ll want a good return on investment from your endeavours. Read more
Making Business Finance Work For You
British Business Bank's "Making business finance work for you" guide is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for your business. Read more
Top 10 AI Tools for SMEs in 2024
As we step into 2024, the landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is increasingly influenced by the innovative capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Read more
Business tax
Running a business requires you to know about tax - find out the different types and what you might have to pay. Read more
Budgeting and Accounting
Consider the key aspects of budgeting and accounting for your business. Read more
Join Help To Grow: Management
Designed to fit alongside work commitments, this programme combines a practical curriculum, with one-to-one support from a leading business mentor and alumni networking sessions. Read more
Business membership organisations
Each business membership organisation provides something different so it's important to review what you want and which will be best for you. Read more
Online start-up courses
The Start Up Loan Company provides a range of free online courses for anyone who wants to be their own boss or is considering starting a business. Read more
10 ways to generate more sales leads
To increase sales in your business, generating more leads is key. This guide shows you how to drum up more sales leads for your business. Read more
Create a marketing plan
Not sure how to write your marketing plan, or even where to start? This marketing plan template guides you through the key aspects you need to cover Read more
Business insurance
Find out what business insurance you might need to protect your company against financial loss. Read more
Employing staff
People are a great resource for your business. It is important to recruit the right staff and to understand your responsibilities as an employer. Read more
Enterprise Nation – support for small businesses
See the support available from Enterprise Nation for small businesses. Read more
How to start exporting?
Great.gov.uk provides support and resources to help businesses start exporting. Read more
Start-up loans
The Government’s Start Up Loans programme provides finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance. Read more
National Business Support Helpline
Contact the National Business Support Helpline to help with your enquiries when starting a business in Berkshire. Read more
Hiring an apprentice
Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. Find out what the benefits are and how to hire an apprentice. Read more
How to build your online business?
The Amazon Small Business Accelerator provides support for building an online business. Read more
Improve your marketing return on investment
See how you can get the best return on your investment for your marketing spend. Read more
Local authority support
Find out the support provided by each of the six local authorities in Berkshire for businesses. Read more
Marketing your business on social media
Review useful tips on how to market your business using social media. Read more
Professional membership organisations
A professional body is an organisation that comprises members who are professionals in a specific sector. Read more
Recruiting the right people
There are many ways to find the right staff for your business. Consider what your business requires and which approach is best for you. Read more
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce – International Trade Services
Advice, resources, documentation, workshops and events for businesses looking to export goods and services Read more
Top 10 tips for credit control
Getting invoices paid on time is crucial for your business. Consider these tips to help you manage your cashflow. Read more
Trade finance for UK exporters
Find our how UK Export Finance can help you win contracts, fulfil orders and get paid. Read more
Training and employment schemes for your business
Consider the range of government programmes which are available when you are hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff. Read more
What is PR?
Find out how you can use PR and encourage customers and journalists to think and speak positively about your business. Read more
Green Skills Training in Berkshire
Free green skills construction courses from Langley College to employers in Berkshire to improve the skills of their workforce. Read more
The Education Landscape – Supporting pupils in local Schools & Colleges
Education Landscape's Guide for Employers will outline all the options you have for working with schools, colleges, universities and young people while providing the benefits of doing so. Read more
You might also be interested in
Start-up Programme
Our information packed workshops and coaching sessions are designed for early stage businesses. The online workshops have been designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to launch your business successfully.
We’re here for you.
Are you a business in Berkshire looking for support? Get in touch with our Business Advisers:
Business success stories
Hear from the businesses we’ve supported across Berkshire.
Education Boutique – A Journey of Growth and Impact
Lucy Alexandra Spencer, a former teacher, ventured into the realm of private tutoring with a clear mission in mind— to create a lasting impact on education and empower students through 1-2-1 learning. In 2015, Lucy began her journey as a private tutor, seeking to make a difference outside the traditional classroom setting. Read more
Green Bike Food Company ride to success
Expert support from Berkshire Growth Hub results in green success story for Berkshire food business Green Bike Food Co. Read more
LEDs light up the path to sustainability
Berkshire label company took another step in its environmental vision by implementing a very popular energy-efficient product - LED lighting. Read more
Renewable energy powers HiFi Cinema showroom
A grant of £4,800 ensured that HiFi Cinema can generate renewable energy with a solar PV system, meaning, among other things, they can charge up two electric company vehicles. Read more
Business events
Events are a great opportunity to learn something new or network with like minded businesses.
Reccobiz Online Networking Group
Event date - 23 April 2024
Event time - 09:30 am
Event type - Networking
Location - Online
Join us for friendly, informal networking with a variety of great business owners. Make new connections and build relationships Read more
Reading Business Expo
Event date - 25 April 2024
Event time - 10:00 am
Event type - Event
Location - Green Park Conference Centre
Come and join Berkshire Growth Hub at the region’s biggest business to business exhibition taking place at Green Park Conference Centre on Thursday 25 April 2024, between 10am - 2pm. Read more
StartUP Part 2: Customers, Marketing and Making Money
Event date - 25 April 2024
Event time - 09:30 am
Event type - Webinar
Location - Online
FREE & ONLINE: Develop your understanding of your customers, how you are likely to be able to reach them, and how you can increase your chance of a sale. Second workshop of two. Read more
Access your support
Business is easier when you have help. Our support guides and resources cover key aspects of starting, running and growing a business. We’re funded by Government and work in Berkshire, so have knowledge of local and national offers that can support you.
Create your profile
Creating a profile gives you direct access to our support guides, tailored resources, Marketplace listing and more.
Browse our support guides
Offering you concise, up to date information, supporting you at any business stage.
Access tailored resources
Providing you full access to our detailed resources that are tailored to your business needs.