Our business services team offers free, impartial advice to anyone thinking of starting their own business in Newport.
For free, impartial advice, email [email protected] or call (01633) 656656.
Before starting your own business, consider the following:
Finance
Many new businesses need external finance to help them start up. The business services team can advise on what financial assistance is available including the council’s grants, e.g. start up grants operated in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise.
Regulations
Businesses can be subject to a number of regulations such as town planning, trading standards, food safety or licensing.
If you are not sure which may apply to you, we can help.
Tax
HMRC run free workshops on your responsibilities regarding tax.
Business plan
It is a good idea to write a business plan which should lay out what your business will do including key staff, strengths and weaknesses, your market, competition, market research, marketing strategy, investment required and financial forecasts.
Businesses that do this tend to have a much higher survival rate than those that don’t - a business plan can be helpful in persuading potential investors to finance your business.
Book-keeping
You must maintain a record and keep control of the financial side of your business.
The books will be needed for tax returns and to prepare any accounts. Specialist software is available to help book-keeping or you could use an accountant.
Property
We hold details of available commercial premises, tell us what size and type of property you are looking for and we will send you details of premises matching your requirements.
Business structure
Your new business can be set up as a sole trader, partnership, limited company, plc or social enterprise.
For information on specific help available to social enterprises email us at [email protected] or telephone (01633) 656656.
Related information
Business Wales has developed a new on-line learning resource for start-ups called the Business Online Support Service (BOSS)
Contact
Email [email protected] or call (01633) 656656