Location: Home » Business » Business Information » Starting your own Business

Starting your own Business in Worcestershire

Being your own boss and making your own decisions is an attractive idea, but where do you start?

The Economic Strategy and Regeneration Unit works in partnership with various organisations in Worcestershire to ensure that starting a business is a painless experience.

The following information lists those organisations that may be able to provide assistance with your plans to become self-employed or start a small business.

For further information contact:

Steve Ricketts T. 01905 766891 E. sricketts2@worcestershire.gov.uk

Business Link

Introduction Getting business support and start up advice in the West Midlands has never been easier. Whether you are thinking about starting your own business, have recently started your business, or have been established for some time Business Link West Midlands can help. Business Link West Midlands offers impartial and practical information, advice and support to suit your specific needs, no matter what stage your business is at. By simply contacting 0845 113 1234 you can benefit from our knowledge, expertise and contacts, making it easier to move your business forward.

We can offer you information and support tailored to your needs, with a focus on the following:

• Access to business information and research
• Expert advice on how to improve your business performance
• Training and better development for you and your employees
• Access to quality assured suppliers
• Specialist manufacturing advice
• Starting a business

Business Link is available locally and quality assured by the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, to clear national standards. It is primarily funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, supported by a number of other government departments, agencies and local authorities.

Easy ways to get in touch

By phone: Call 0845 113 1234 / Minicom 01384 360 391 and start accessing the support you need. We are open Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm and Sat 9.30am to 1pm.

On-line: Visit our website www.businesslinkwm.co.uk by clinking on the link and access a range of useful self help guides and business tools. Register for your free on-line newsletter.

By email: You can send us an email on info@businesslinkwm.co.uk with your query or request and we will get back to you during our opening hours.

Shell LiveWIRE

The Economic Strategy and Regeneration Unit is responsible for co-ordinating the Shell LiveWIRE business support programme for the 16 to 30 year old age group in both Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Shell LiveWIRE has helped thousands of people under 30 to start and develop their own business with a comprehensive range of free information, advice and support. Shell LiveWIRE also organise the 'Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year' competition - details of which can be found on their website.

For further information please contact your local Shell LiveWIRE co-ordinator, Steve Ricketts T.  01905 766891 or E. sricketts2@worcestershire.gov.uk

or visit www.shell-livewire.org.

District Council

The Economic Development Department at your District Council are happy to discuss your proposals and offer assistance with your plans to become self-employed.

Contact:

 Bromsgrove  -.Mr P Michael   T. 01527 881327

- E. p.michael@bromsgrove.gov.uk

 Wyre Forest   - Mr S Singleton T. 01562 732553

- E. steve.singleton@wyreforestdc.gov.uk

Malvern Hills - Mr S Smith  T. 01684 862316

- E.  simon.smith@malvernhills.gov.uk

 Wychavon - Mr P Merrick  T. 01386 565588

- E. phil.merrick@wychavon.gov.uk

Redditch   - Ms R Underwood T. 01527 534086

- E. rachel.underwood@redditchbc.gov.uk

Worcester City - Ms L Allen  T. 01905 722536

- E. lallen@cityofworcester.go.uk

The Prince's Trust

For those in the 18 - 30 age group who are eligible the Prince's Trust offer low cost business start-up loans. In certain circumstances business start-up grants may also be available.

Contact The Prince's Trust, Unit 18J Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, Worcester, WR4 9EZ

For further information contact Alex Lamb T. 01905 27727 or visit

www.princes-trust.org.uk

Looking for property?

Visit our Property Search and complete an on-line search for commercial property fitting you requirements. Alternatively contact Pat Prosser at the Economic Strategy and Regeneration Unit T. 01905 766375

Trading Standards

You can benefit from the knowledge of Specialist Business Advisors who want to work with your business to ensure that you fulfil all current legislation and understand your rights. They will help you to ‘get it right first time’.

Comply with the law and access useful information from Worcestershire Trading Standards visit www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/worcestershire/

WHO DO YOU HAVE TO TELL WHEN YOU START A BUSINESS?

Planning Permission

Depending on where you start your business and what type of business it is, you may need planning permission and or to comply with building regulations and you should contact the planning department of your district council to discuss this aspect of your business.

If starting the business from home you should contact your mortgage lender, landlord, and/or freeholder to see if there are any reasons why you cannot base your business at home.

For further information on planning visit the Planning Officer at your local council.

Health and Safety

You should register your business with the Health and Safety Executive or your local authorities Environmental Health Department to comply with legislation.  

If working from home you should carry out a risk assessment on your premises for more information read '5 Steps to Risk Assessment' contact 08701 545500 or visit www.hse.gov.uk or www.hsebooks.co.uk

For further information contact the Health and Safety Executive contact 08701 545500 or visit www.hse.gov.uk

Business Rates

When you start your business you will probably have to pay business rates for your premises - sometimes even if you work from home. If you are unsure contact the local branch of the Valuation Office Agency for advice. T. 020 7506 1700 for details of your local office or visit www.voa.gov.uk

You must notify the local council covering the intended workplace where you are going to start a business and register for business rates if appropriate.

For more information visit www.local.odpm.gov.uk

VAT

Businesses must register for VAT if they exceed the registration threshold.

Contact Customs and Excise on 0845 010 9000 or visit www.hmce.gov.uk for current registration threshold and further information.

Inland Revenue

Register with the Inland Revenue as self-employed even if you already send in a tax return. There are some exceptions and you should visit your local Inland Revenue office or contact the Self Assessment Order line on 0845 9000 404 to obtain leaflet IR56 which will help you to decide.

You should register within the first 3 full months of self-employment by calling the help line for the newly self-employed on 0845 15 45 15. Alternatively you can complete and return form CWF1 which, you can obtain by visiting your local Inland Revenue Office or by visiting the Inland Revenue website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/startingup. The Inland Revenue also offer a guide for people starting a business, form P/SE/1 which is also available from their website.

Changes in regulations and information

Regulations and other information are subject to change and you are advised to check information by phoning. 0845 600 9 006

Other Useful Contacts

Business Link

T. 0845 600 9 006

GOVERNMENT ADVICE AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme

T. 0114 2597308 or visit www.sbs.gov.uk

Export - Trade Partners UK

T. 020 7215 5444/5 or visit www.tradepartners.gov.uk

Limited Companies

T. 0870 3333636 or visit www.companieshouse.gov.uk

Paying tax as a self-employed person

T. 08459 15 45 15 or visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/leaflets

Paying employees tax and National Insurance

T. 0845 60 70 143 or visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/employers

VAT - H M Customs and Excise

T. 0845 010 9000 or visit www.hmce.gov.uk/forms

BUSINESS PREMISES

Planning

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

T. 08701 226236 or visit www.planning.odpm.gov.uk/guide

Advice on land, property, construction and associated environmental issues - Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

T. 0870 333 1600 E. contactrics@rics.org.uk or visit www.rics.org.uk

Information on non domestic rates payable on business premises

Valuation Office Agency

T. 020 7506 1700 or visit www.voa.gov.uk

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Health and Safety Executive - information

T. 08701 545500 or visit www.hse.gov.uk

Health and Safety Executive - publications

T. 01787 881165 or visit www.hsebooks.co.uk

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Environment Agency

T. 0845 933111 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

T. 08459 33 55 77 (enquiries) 08459 556000 (publications) or visit www.defra.gov.uk/environment

Department for Transport Road Safety Unit - transport of dangerous goods

E. road.safety@dft.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.roads.dft.gov.uk/index.htm

PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, COPYRIGHT AND DESIGN RIGHT

Patent Office

T. 0845 9 500 505 or visit www.patent.gov.uk

Intellectual Property

www.intellectual-property.gov.uk

European Patent Office

www.european-patent-office.org

TRADING STANDARDS AND PAYMENT

Trading Standards Institute

T. 0870 872 9008 or visit www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Office of Fair Trading - to apply for a Consumer Credit Licence

T. 08457 22 44 99 E. enquiries@oft.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.oft.gov.uk

A Traders Guide

Law relating to the supply of goods and services. www.dti.gov.uk

OTHERS

Data protection

T. 01625 545 745 or visit www.dataprotection.gov.uk

Employment Rules

T. 0870 150 2500 E. publications@dti.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.dti.gov.uk/publications

Law Society - Legal help

T. 020 7405 9075 or visit www.lfyb.lawsociety.org.uk

Insurance

British Insurance Brokers

T. 020 7623 9043 or visit www.biba.org.uk

Accountants

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales T. 020 7920 8100 or visit www.icaew.co.uk

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants T. 020 7396 7000 or visit www.accaglobal.com

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants T.020 7663 5441 or visit www.cimaglobal.com

Department of Trade and Industry

Visit www.dti.gov.uk

Federation of Small Businesses

T. 01253 336000 or visit www.fsb.org.uk