Even during the best of times, it can be overwhelming to start a new business. However, it can feel insurmountable in the face of adversity. However, despite all of the turmoil that occurred in previous years – including all of the uncertainties in 2019 surrounding Brexit, and then the financial hits caused by the coronavirus lockdowns in 2020 – Hampshire has experienced a few bumper years when it comes to forming new businesses.

It might be difficult to believe but the numbers don’t lie. In 2019, more than 15,000 new companies registered in the country. This represented an increase of 6.5% over the previous year. Another record was set in 2020, with a total of 15,534 new registered companies, an increase of 2.4% over 2019. When the figures for 2020 are broken down, the largest number of new businesses were formed in Southampton at 1,845; with East Hampshire following at 1,814. That highlights the resilience and strength of the county’s economy. With a £50 billion economic output, Hampshire businesses are making major contributions to the economy and are the South East’s biggest sub-regional economy.

If you are considering getting a new business set up in Hampshire, some outstanding resources are available to you. In addition to business networking groups, there are also services for web design in Hampshire as well as numerous mentoring and support services available in the regions. Here are our top picks:

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

This non-profit organisation is made up of 2,000 local businesses. It is led and owned by members who are in the private sector. It is an outstanding resource for both established companies and new start-ups. The benefits for members are excellent. For start-ups, they include tax, legal, and HR advice. Members can also benefit from discounts and offers on services, in addition to having access to various training events. Most important of you, you will have access to incredible business networking opportunities, which can help guide your company based on its strengths.

Enterprise Business South

This organisation is dedicated to strengthening and growing the region’s economy. It helps to bring together like-minded people, including public bodies, educators, and business leaders, to lobby, mentor, and connect for positive change. This independent group provides businesses at every stage with outstanding support but is especially helpful for new businesses. They offer a free start-up course called ‘Create’, mentoring, business coaching, and assistance with securing funding. They offer a wealth of knowledge for entrepreneurs who are planning to get a new company set up. Free resources can also be accessed via their website, including templates for such documents as cash flow spreadsheets, press releases, business plans, along with their ‘Business Survival Guide.’

Government Start-Up Loan

Getting a new business set up requires investment and financial planning. The Government start-up loan provides funds of £500 up to £25,000 for entrepreneurs growing or starting a business. These are unsecured personal loans, so the following criteria will need to be met in order to be eligible. You must:

• Live in the UK;
• Be eighteen years old at least;
• Planning to start a business based in the UK or own a UK-based business that; has been operating for fewer than 24 months.

In addition to receiving funding, eligible applicants will also receive twelve months of mentoring and assistance with writing their business plans.

It is always a daunting task to expand an existing enterprise or getting a new business set up. We here at Planet World City are committed to simplifying the digital aspect of the process. Get in touch with our full-service agency to receive more information on what we can do to help showcase your product offerings and company online. We can manage your whole online presence for you, so if you are wanting to make improvements to your digital footprint, contact us today by calling presence or emailing [email protected].