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.
UKCA – The New UK Regulatory Regime for Goods: BEIS UKCA/ UKNI Q&A
Event date - 16 August 2022
Event time - 11:00 am
Event type - Webinar
Location - Online / Virtual
Join BEIS for this webinar covering questions on the New UK Regime for Goods: UKCA marking. About this event Great Britain now has its own robust regulatory ... Read more
Networking in…with Mike Jennings
Event date - 7 September 2022
Event time - 07:30 am
Event type - Networking
Location - Online
Networking in…with Mike Jennings - “Creating a winning culture” Read more
Oxford Brookes University – Help To Grow
Event date - 8 September 2022
Event time - 09:30 am
Event type - Course
Location - Online / Virtual
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 ... 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.
Do you face numeracy blocks from your employees? The government are soon launching a programme to help those who don't have a GCSE in Maths, obtain a qualification. But first, we need your input! Please take 5 minutes to give us your thoughts on numeracy: https://t.co/MaH6LzoDvQ Read More
@LangleyAcademy is running an apprenticeship fair on 23 September 2022, 8am - 4pm If you would like to have a stall at this event to promote your apprenticeship opportunities, please enquire via the below: Keroneque.Henry@langleyacademy.org Read More
New funding opportunity available: Providing eligible companies with funding for activities that will deliver high-growth and employment opportunities across Berkshire. Find out more: Read More
A new law will enable businesses to hire agency workers to fill roles with temporary staff in the event of industrial action. Find out more here: Read More
A £30m fund that is expected to attract some 2000-3000 jobs in heat pump manufacturing and the supply chain is soon available to apply for. Register for the event being hosted to answer any queries about this fund here: #funding Read More
Business Owners - we need your input! New programme 'Multiply' will help adults gain a maths qualification who dont currently have a GCSE or equivalent Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey, this will help us to shape this programme for businesses Read More
Have you got 5 minutes? We would appreciate you giving us your thoughts on numeracy in the workplace. Your feedback will help make a difference & shape this government funded programme 'Multiply' #funding #businesssuport Read More
New guidance published by the government aims to provide businesses and workers with greater clarity over employment status and the rights and employment protections people are entitled to at work, including pay, leave and working conditions. Read more: Read More