Starting a business

If you are looking to start up a business then our expert team is on hand to guide you through the process and connect you with local organisations and the wider business community. 

GOV.UK business webpages offer start up information and advice for any individual interested in starting up their own business. 

There are also a few things you will need to consider. 

Finding the right business premises 

Running a business from home
If you are looking to run your business from home then get in touch with the local authority to check what permission you might need. 

Finding a commercial Space
Looking for dedicated business premises? Local property agents can help you find the right space to suit your needs. If you're just starting out, there are also serviced offices and desk rental options available.

Planning and building regulations
If you’re moving into a new premises, you may need planning permission or building regulations approval, especially if:

• The property was previously used for a different purpose (change of use may be required).
• You plan to alter a shop front or extend the building.

Make sure to check Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s planning information for guidance on the permissions required.

Licences 

Certain businesses require a licence to operate, including those involving alcohol sales, animal services, or skin treatments.

To find out what licences you need and how to apply, visit the Licensing Information page on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's website for full details and guidance.

Business rates

Business rates help fund essential local services and apply to those occupying commercial properties.

Payments are typically made in 10 monthly instalments, but some businesses may be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or other discounts.

Find out if your business qualifies and learn more about your payment options on the council's Business Rates Information page.

Health and safety 

As a business owner, you have a legal responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your employees, customers, and visitors.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council offers guidance and support to help you meet health and safety requirements. You can also find comprehensive information on workplace safety from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Starting a food business 

Getting things right from the start is key to running a successful food business.

By law, you must register your food business with the local authority at least 28 days before opening.

For registration and essential guidance, visit the council's Food Business Registration page.

Business waste and recycling 

All businesses generate waste, from a few sheets of paper to large volumes each week. As a business owner, you have a legal duty of care to store, manage, and dispose of waste responsibly. This applies to all businesses, regardless of size.

The council no longer provides a commercial waste service, but businesses can arrange waste collection through any licensed waste service provider.

For more information on your responsibilities, visit the UK Government’s Waste Duty of Care page.

From 31 March 2025, UK businesses will be required to adhere to new waste management regulations aimed at enhancing recycling efforts and reducing landfill usage. Businesses must segregate waste into three distinct categories:

1.    Dry recyclable materials: This includes plastics, metals, glass, paper, and cardboard. Notably, paper and cardboard should be separated from other recyclables unless collected together by the waste collector.
2.    Food waste: All food waste must be collected separately to ensure proper recycling or processing.
3.    Residual (black bin) waste: Non-recyclable waste should be disposed of separately from the above categories.

Employing staff 

Hiring your first employee? The GOV.UK website provides essential guidance on everything you need to know, from contracts to payroll and legal requirements.

We can also support your recruitment efforts by connecting you with local job clubs and skills partners. 

Tax and national insurance 

As a business, you may need to pay taxes and national insurance. To help you navigate this, HMRC offers a range of live, interactive webinars covering key tax topics. These sessions last around an hour and allow you to ask questions in real time.

For a full list of topics and upcoming webinar dates, visit the HMRC website. 

Additional help and advice

Additional help and advice is available from these organisations: 

• GOV.UK business webpages offer start up information and advice for any individual interested in starting up their own business. 
• The Prince's Trust (now call The King's Trust) is for 18 to 30 year-olds and offers small grants/load funding and also has a wide variety of business start-up advice and support within their Enterprise programme.
• Start Your Own Business have a wealth of information to help people start up a business, including a start-up guide in addition to specific advice and support, on accountancy, funding, grants, mentoring, online marketing and so on. They also run free start-up workshops.
• The Federation of Small Businesses support the UK’s smaller businesses community. They have lots of resources for members and run a number of events. 
• The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce offers support to businesses in Hampshire together with events and training courses. 
• Business South can provide businesses with a free business mentor for up to 12 months allowing you to discuss your ideas, voice any areas of concern and benefit from their wealth of experience. 
• The Sustainable Business Network can provide help and advice on making your business more sustainable. 
• The Borough Basket, an online listings directory, gives small and independent businesses in Basingstoke and Deane an additional marketing opportunity by linking to their existing sales website. Find out more about joining The Borough Basket. 

Training

• You'll find a range courses on our training platform SEEDL that may help with your business.
• ACAS provides employment law training for employers. 
• Google has created a free ‘digital garage’ with useful marketing lessons designed to increase your marketing skill level in this increasingly busy digital world. Modules include analytics, use of search engine and social media. 

Updated February 2025