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Starting your business

Starting a business can be tough but rewarding. It is always good to do plenty of research before you start. 

Resources for businesses

Here are some resources and places you can visit for advice and information on starting your business. 

The British Library Business and IP centre 

Visit the British Library Business and IP centre for a range of: 

  • face-to-face advice sessions 

  • workshops  

  • events 

To help you with things like writing an effective business plan or funding your business.  

Centa business services 

Centa business services is a leading business support organisation based in Camden. They can help you access: 

  • advice 

  • grants 

  • start-up loans 

London and partners 

London and Partners provide an online step-by-step guide to starting a business 

COBRA (Complete Business Reference Adviser)  

Explore COBRA for: 

  • business planning 

  • market research 

  • startup guidance 

You can access it remotely with a Camden library membership. 

Considerate Companies Guide 

A considerate company looks to limit the impacts of the business on the wider area. This includes noise and disturbance. It makes an effort to: 

  • work with the local community to make changes to manage impacts 

  • follow all the necessary legislations  

  • make sure all relevant consent is sought from the Council 

Camden wants to help businesses succeed whilst protecting the local area. This guide seeks to help all new businesses opening in Camden. It includes questions each business should ask before opening. It also includes tips to be considerate of neighbours.

King's Trust Enterprise programme 

The King's Trust Enterprise programme supports young people aged 18 to 30 to start and grow a business. They provide: 

  • business training 
  • mentoring 
  • business planning support 
  • funding guidance

Business Gov  

Business.gov.uk provides step-by-step guidance to help you start and grow a business. The guidance covers: 

  • planning and testing a business idea 
  • choosing a business model 
  • creating a business name and brand 
  • setting up and registering a business 
  • funding and finance options 
  • business banking, accounting and taxes 
  • licences, regulations and insurance 
  • data protection requirements 

Find Business.GOV's advice on how to start a business in the UK and explore resources for each stage of the business journey. 

HM Revenue and Customs support   

Visit HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) support for self-employed people for guidance on managing your business finances and tax responsibilities. 

HMRC offers: 

  • e-learning courses 
  • live webinars 
  • guidance on tax and National Insurance 
  • information about claiming business expenses 
  • email updates for self-employed people 
  • online help and support resources 

These resources can help you understand your responsibilities when starting and running a business. 

Sign up to HMRC email updates, and find videos and webinars if you're self-employed. 

Rebel Business School

Camden Council and Good Work Camden has partnered with the Rebel Business School to offer free training courses to:

  • new business owners
  • existing start-ups

These free training courses offer support to get your business off the ground and support business growth.

Find out more about our Rebel Business School partnership.