Starting a business

Support and advice

If you are starting a new business in Swindon, you have access to a wide range of new business support services:

  • The Growth hub directs you to a wide range of impartial business support and advice. It also provides valuable insights, access to events, seminars and training, specialist programmes and funding to help you get your business started and continue to grow. You can access start up advice by calling 01225 402096. 
  • GOV.UK - provide online guides and tutorials covering key business topics such as Contracts Finder and Finance and Business Support Finder. They also have practical steps to setting up a business - registering, licensing, banking, VAT, NI and employing people. 
  • Business West support people to start a business. Whether you’ve got a business idea that you would like to explore further, or you’ve been trading for up to a year, they can help you gain the advice, knowledge and funding needed to improve your chances of success. From one-to-one support, to workshops, to helping you apply for a start-up loan, they can help.
  • Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with micro to multinational organisations, driving better economic conditions and new opportunities for members and the wider community. It aspires to be a leading voice of business in the Thames Valley, including Swindon.
  • The Federation of Small Businesses runs a number of events in Swindon and members can get information such as factsheets on starting and running a business
  • ThePrince's Trust helps people aged 18 to 30 (unemployed or working less than 16 hours), with workshops, test trading, financial support and a mentor. You can call them on 0800 842842.

Licences and permits

Planning permission

  • You might need planning permission or building regulations approval for your business. Visit our planning page for more information.

Business Rates

  • Business rates are charged on commercial properties. Rate relief can be provided to a variety of businesses including eligible small businesses. Find out more on our business rates webpage.

Business waste and recycling

  • Businesses should either arrange a collection of their rubbish from their premises using a commercial contractor or through the council’s business waste service. For more information about the council’s service, visit the Business and commercial waste webpage

Employing staff

Selling to the council

Tax and National Insurance

Business support service

  • If you need start-up advice and are unsure where to go, contact the business support team at: economy@swindon.gov.uk. A member of our team will be happy to help you.
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