Starting a Business

If you are trying to set up a new business in Westminster, the following organisations will be able to offer you a wide range of support to make your business a success.

Business Link in London is the government's online resource for businesses.  It contains essential information, support and services for businesses.  Business Link is the first place to go to find guidance on regulations and to access government services. It also has a number of useful online tools, calculators, best practice case studies; and provides access to funding options, as well as wider support.

Business Information Points in Westminster Libraries provide business information, events and coaching.  They offer a wide range of resources to help write business plans, find funding or research the market for business ideas; a free online information service; a programme of free talks  and network opportunities.

Paddington Development Trust supports local business and enterprise in Westminster.  It operates through Portobello Business Centre, Westminster Enterprise Centre and Westminster Libraries’ Business Information Points.  The Trust provides small grant and loan support, access to business advisors and training in the skills needed to run a successful business, as well as offering free one to one coaching for unemployed Westminster residents who want to set up a business. To find out more about these free coaching sessions, register to attend an introductory event.

Portobello Business Centre is an award winning business development agency, which provides a full support service for start-ups and already established business planning to expand.  Their website lists the wide range of services available they offer, such as courses, business advice and consultancy.

Hub Westminster is a super-studio for start-ups and is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs set up and become sustainable businesses.  It offers access to investment, affordable state-of-the-art work space, meeting rooms, innovation workshop space, a global peer network to foster collaboration and learning opportunities with talks from leading business and innovation experts.  It operates a pay by time membership for unlimited use of the facilities.

Westminster Business Council is a business member organisation that aims to help businesses in Westminster grow.  They hold workshops covering key business areas, such as procurement, marketing and IT support, as well as matching small business members with successful and corporate businesses though their business mentoring scheme.

Capital Enterprise is the membership body for deliverers of enterprise support services in London.  It facilitates entrepreneurship via over 50 member organisations and through the development of new and innovative pan-London programmes.  The members provide support services to both pre-start and small businesses in London.

CENTA Business Services provides a range of funded and commercial services aimed at new entrepreneurs and established firms.  This includes impartial advice and hands on support for start-up and trading businesses; including securing finance, mentoring, expanding business ideas, training and practical help in setting up and running a business.

The London Chamber of Commerce is a local, independent, non-profit making and non party-political organisation offering professional, independent and affordable services which support businesses in London.

London Development Agency helps London's businesses thrive by promoting innovation, supporting business competitiveness and providing business advice and support services.

The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme supports unemployed young people aged 18-30 to work through their business ideas and explore whether self-employment is right for them.

Westminster Enterprise Centre provides free, confidential one to one business advice.

Other Useful Links:

• Westminster Business Directory - Find a business in Westminster
• Starting up a food business
• Doing business with Westminster City Council
• Licensing in Westminster
• Health and Safety new link
• Westminster's Business Rates