Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Starting a business

Starting a Business

A key priority in the area is to encourage the creation of new businesses and support people wishing to become self-employed. Support is offered in partnership with other organisations like Business Link and provided through a number of local enterprise agencies.

For further information and advice on starting a business, please contact Business Link North East on 0845 600 9 006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast.

Young people (aged between 18 and 30 years old) considering setting up in business can also receive help  from The Princes Trust - Business. For more details telephone 0191 497 3210 or go to the website. 

SBC Start-up Grant

This grant is intended to promote and support new business entrepreneurship in the Borough. The grant is available to businesses that are in the process of starting up or in the first six weeks of trading.  The grant is subject to available funding and up to a maximum of £1,000.  Applicants will be expected to have sourced support through the Neighbourhood Enterprise Gateways or a recognised Enterprise Agency.

Find out more about business grants available from Stockton Council here.

Stockton Business Centre has a range of small offices and units ideal for start-up businesses.  Located close to Stockton's famous High Street, it comprises 100 units, varying in size from just 8 to over 80 sq metres. Access is available 24 hours per day and the buildings are covered by the Council's CCTV security systems. Clients occupy the premises on flexible terms with just 4 weeks notice required, and have access to the Centre's Meeting rooms, Multimedia facilities and Leased-line Broadband. Tel: 01642 527933 or  http://www.stocktonbusinesscentre.org/ .

Business Skills Workshops

Business Link are offering a range of half-day workshops focusing on the main disciplines of owning and running a business.  The workshops run right across the North East, at convenient times, and cover topics to support you in every area of planning and starting your business, including:

• Planning for business success
• Researching your market
• How to win and keep your customers
• Sources of Finance

For more information or to book yourself onto one of the workshops, visit Business Link Events Web site - http://www.eventsnortheast.co.uk/

These workshops are available in Stockton through The 5 Lamps - tel: 01642 608316 or
InBiz - Tel: 01642 - 610610

Also, HM Revenue & Customs have a programme of seminars  to help with Self-Assessment, Taxation and VAT.  To book a place telephone - 0845 - 6032691
For further information and regulations in relation to registering as Self-Employed and for National Insurance contributions check the web site: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/index.htm.