Support and Ideas to Start a Business in Cambridgeshire

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Are you an entrepreneur or an innovator with an idea you think can be turned into a money-making product or service? Great! Find out what to do next.

Creating your own business is a really exciting process, but it can be hard to know how to get started. Here’s a primer on some steps you will need to take, and links to other helpful information and resources. 

  • Research your sector
    First, you’ll need to research what and who’s already out there doing similar things to what you’re planning. Although it’s great to be ‘first-in’ with a brand-new product or service, don’t discount taking something already existing and simplifying it or making it better. Do your competitor research
  • Find your partners and suppliers
    Who are your partners? Researching local, relevant partners and suppliers is a great move towards growth. Read about finding local supply chains here.
  • Formally create your business & register for tax
    Once you’re convinced that the idea is a goer, you’ll need to formally set up your business, register for tax and (if you’re eligible) get funding. Find out more about formally registering your business here.

    Let HMRC know which type of business structure you’re going to start with: sole trader, limited company or business partnership. Then follow the legal guidance below to establish your business. 
  • Other essential factors to consider include
  • Setting up a business bank account
  • What equipment you may need to purchase or lease
  • Finding a premises in the most appropriate location and contemplating whether buying, leasing or taking up a serviced office is right for you, or whether you could work from home and use virtual office services
  • Health and safety issues 

Contact us today to discuss your idea.

 

Meet the team

Chris George<br />
Growth Hub Manager

Chris George

Growth Hub Manager

Chris is an experienced professional with over 30 years knowledge and experience in sales and marketing in the public sector along with 15 years working for two mainstream automotive manufacturers in the sub 10,000 fleet. Delivered sustainable change in a vast range of industries, whilst constantly updating and developing core competencies and knowledge.

Working in the Local Authority sector for the last 15 years has resulted in Chris turning around failing territories to becoming some of the best performing areas in the country, with excellent stakeholder engagement and a passion for premium delivery. Outside of work, Chris is a keen gardener, and also likes property restoration and reading.

Ashleigh Jackson<br />
Growth Hub Business Advisor

Ashleigh Jackson

Growth Hub Business Advisor

A proven senior influencer and sales professional with more than 25 years’ experience in brand building and driving category growth within the private sector.

“I have a strong research background, alongside vast experience in sponsorship and corporate events management.

My work has initiated good working partnerships with many Local Authorities across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and London. I have also worked with many multi-national brands including KPMG, Barclays, EasyJet, Kingston Smith LLP, London Stansted Airport, Morgan Sindall and Heineken. I’m proud to be able to enhance on the work we do here at the CPCA Growth Hub and build on many success stories.

Away from the business, health and fitness is important to me, being in the great outdoors, and enjoying fun times and relaxation with family and friends”.

Stuart Thomas<br />
Growth Hub Business Advisor

Stuart Thomas

Growth Hub Business Advisor

Stuart is a former small business owner and former Business Link Advisor and has also worked as a project manager for an international IT company, overseeing a large number of IT projects for large corporate enterprises, as well as large public sector organisations.

Stuart has served as a director for an international timber trading company and has also been a director of a local independent radio station, where he mentored a number of new staff. Prior to this he spent time as a secondary school teacher, teaching IT and business studies at both GCSE and A level.

Liana Sannah Growth Hub Business Analyst

Liana Sannah

Growth Hub Business Analyst

Liana is an experienced professional with over 15 years’ experience as an Executive Assistant. Liana has previously been employed by Warner bros, Daily Mirror, Aviva and AXA. These roles have given her a wide range of skills and in a vast range of industries.

Liana has been working in the Local Authority sector for almost three years, as a Growth hub advisor and producing the Monthly BEIS report. In her leisure time, Liana enjoys cooking, interior design and watching movies.