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.
National Business Support Helpline
Contact the National Business Support Helpline to help with your enquiries when starting a business in Berkshire. Read more
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
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
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
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
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
Grant funding for exporting
The Department for International Trade has launched its Internationalisation Fund for eligible businesses in England. 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
Business success stories
Hear from the businesses we’ve supported across Berkshire.
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
How an essential small business survived difficult times
Classed as an essential business, Westies suddenly faced a problem when its steam-generating boiler needed replacing. This piece of machinery is at the core of the business’s services of in-house washing and ironing Read more
Things are heating up in the cold store industry
A £2,000+ grant helped Thermatek upgrade lighting fixtures to LEDs and install infrared heating at their premises. Read more
Business events
Events are a great opportunity to learn something new or network with like minded businesses.
The Thames Valley Expo (Ascot)
Event date - 24 May 2022
Event time - 10:00 am
Event type - Networking
Location - The Pavilion, Ascot Racecourse High Street Ascot SL5 7JX
DON'T MISS this expo as it REALLY could define your business’ future in 2022! The Thames Valley Business Expo is one of the largest SME Business Events and longest running (now over 10yrs) within the region. More than 80 exhibitors and over 1000 delegates are expected to gather at The Royal Pavilion, Ascot Racecourse in Ascot on Tuesday 24th May 2022 to make contacts and do business as the Thames Valley Business Expo returns following the pandemic lockdowns. Read more
Start Your Own Business – Planning & presentation for success
Event date - 25 May 2022
Event time - 07:30 am
Event type - Webinar
Location - Online
If you want to start your own business - start right here! These are practical accessible workshops for people starting up businesses (including being sole traders) to do ... Read more
Amazon Bootcamp: Becoming a resilient business
Event date - 26 May 2022
Event time - 09:30 am
Event type - Webinar
Location - Online
Join a three-hour bootcamp to learn how to combine online and offline sales to become a true omni-channel and resilient retailer 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.
Our new website is here 🚀 Make sure you add your business to our Marketplace for other businesses to find 💼 It's Berkshire's very own directory of business-to-business suppliers. Create your profile here to get started 👉 https://t.co/1QokNusLuV Read More
We'll be at the @GBExpos in Ascot on 24 May to chat about how our brilliant Business Advisers can support your business 👏 Whether you're starting, running or growing your business, come and chat to us 🚀👇 #TVEXPO Book free tickets now 👉 https://t.co/adFxMNg0T2 Read More
🏳️🌈@fsb_policy have launched a new LGBT+ business hub to support LGBT+ entrepreneurs. It includes free resources, interviews, advice, & networking events for LGBT+ small business owners and employers looking to make their workplace more inclusive. 👇 Read More
The @TVAIHub are hosting their first in-person event since 2019 📣 📅 16th June ⏰ 10am-4pm Sign up for an interactive workshop on computer vision & deep learning & work together to create solutions to real world challenges🤖 Apply for a spot here 👇 https://t.co/64dph2nto7 Read More
HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson said, “HS2 has never just been about boosting transport - it’s also about driving business, creating long-lasting jobs". Your business could benefit from £500m worth of contracts on offer at HS2’s Euston station site🚄 🚀 Read More
Join the Marketplace🛍️ It's Berkshire's very own directory of business-to-business suppliers. 👉Create your profile 👉Complete your listing 👉Benefit from the business community To get started, create your profile here 👉 https://t.co/A9BlX0jdAb Read More
We're looking forward to being back at @GBExpos in Ascot on 24 May 👏 Our Business Advisers will be there to chat about business support 🌟 👉Meet 80 Exhibitors 👉Network with 1000+ Visitors 👉Generate Leads & Sales Book your free tickets here 🔗 https://t.co/07eF99Hg8P Read More
Support local SMEs & see what they have to offer as they look to flourish in Berkshire 🚀 Sign up for a one-off marketplace event in the historic surrounds of Wokingham’s Town Hall to help aspiring local new businesses 🌟 📆 Monday, 30th May Read More