Support and advice
If you're looking to start or grow a new business in Bristol, you have access to a wide range of locally based business support services:
- Bristol Inclusive and Sustainable Business and Enterprise Support (BrisBES) is a free programme to help you set up and grow your business. They offer workshops, online resources and one-to-one advisor support.
- The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Bristol can support you to start and develop your business.
- The West of England Growth Hub provides tailored local support, expert guidance and access to funding for small businesses.
- GOV.UK provides information, advice and support to start, maintain and grow a business.
- Business West represents and works with over 18,000 businesses across the region, delivering a range of support and events.
- The Federation of Small Businesses runs a number of events in Bristol and offers access to resources for both new and existing businesses, whether you're a member or not.
- The Invest in Bristol and Bath team provides a 'red carpet' reception service for companies wishing to develop or locate in Bristol.
Bristol Business Start-up and Development Toolkit
We have worked with local businesses and other stakeholders to produce a Business Start-up and Development Toolkit (pdf, 581 KB).
Licences and permits
You may need a licence or permit to run your business. Read our A to Z of the types of licence available to find out who to contact for further information.
Planning permission
You might need planning permission or building regulations approval for your business. Check our planning and building regulations for more information.
Health and safety
Your business will have a legal duty to provide a safe and healthy place of work for your staff, customers, visitors and contractors. More advice about this is on our health and safety page.
Food businesses
When running a food business it's essential to keep up to date with information on food safety regulations. We can help you with information on registering your food business, approved food business, food safety inspections and food safety training.
Selling to the council
Bristol City Council is one of the largest organisations in the area, so you might want to think about offering services to us. Find out more on our tenders and contracts page.
Business rates
Business rates are charged on commercial properties. Small businesses can get a discount called 'rate relief'. Find out more on our business rates page or small business rate relief page.
Business waste and recycling
Businesses should either arrange a collection of their rubbish from their premises using a commercial contractor or they can take their business waste to council Transfer Stations. Business waste page.
Employing people
The GOV.UK website offers advice on employing staff for the first time.
Bristol's One Front Door service works with employers like you to help you fill vacancies and find the right applicants for your jobs.
Tax and National Insurance
HMRC can help with questions about tax, National Insurance, business records and expenses, and they also run HMRC online learning course for people with their own business.