Business advisors
All of our business advisers have owned their own businesses and are accredited by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), so are combining their knowledge and expertise with their own experience.
They will guide you through the process of setting up in business, from writing a business plan to awarding a start up grant. Crucially, your dedicated adviser will continue to work with you for your first three years' trading.
Our services are free and we offer a flexible service to fit around your needs. We can meet you at most times and at a venue to suit you. Women have the option to meet with a female adviser if they wish.
We also have specialist advisers who offer targeted help, depending on the nature of your business. For example, we have specialists for creative businesses, social enterprises, higher growth companies, and people with disabilities who want to start a business.
All our advice is completely confidential and we will provide an objective view of your circumstances and your ambitions for the future.
We will always be honest with you and if our start up advisers cannot assist, they will signpost you to people within the Chamber or to other organisations that can.
If you start a business through the Chamber you can also benefit from free accountancy support for the first 12 months of trading.
If you wish to become VAT registered or to take on an employee, additional support is also available.