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How to Start a Business in Leeds

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Leeds

Starting a business in Leeds

If you are thinking about starting a business in Leeds or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Leeds contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Starting a business in Leeds

Free Startup Resources

Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.

To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or considering expanding your existing business to this vibrant city, you've come to the right place.

Leeds, known for its thriving business community, rich cultural heritage, and excellent connectivity, offers a fertile ground for startups and established enterprises alike.

Demographics

Leeds, located in West Yorkshire, is a diverse and populous city with a population of over 800,000 residents (as of 2021). The city attracts a mix of young professionals, students, and families, contributing to a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. With a strong focus on finance, technology, and creative industries, Leeds presents ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to flourish.

Major Suburbs

Leeds is comprised of several distinct suburbs, each with its own character and economic prospects. Some of the major suburbs include:

  1. Headingley: Situated to the northwest of the city centre, Headingley is a popular suburb known for its vibrant student community, independent businesses, and charming residential areas. It offers a diverse range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  2. Chapel Allerton: Located to the north of Leeds, Chapel Allerton is a trendy suburb with a thriving local economy. It boasts a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an attractive destination for businesses catering to the local community.
  3. Roundhay: Positioned to the northeast of the city centre, Roundhay is an affluent suburb known for its leafy parks, upscale residential areas, and reputable schools. It presents opportunities for businesses catering to the affluent local population.
Local Authority

Leeds City Council is the local authority responsible for governing and developing the city. Their website provides valuable resources and information for businesses, including licensing, permits, and economic development initiatives. You can access the business section of their website for specific guidance and support:

Leeds City Council - Business

Business Support Organisations

Leeds offers a range of support organisations and initiatives to assist entrepreneurs and businesses. Here are some notable organisations you can turn to for assistance:

  1. Leeds Chamber of Commerce : As a well-established business support organisation, Leeds Chamber of Commerce provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for local businesses.
  2. Leeds Beckett University Business Centres : Leeds Beckett University operates several business centres providing support, mentoring, and access to workspace for startups and growing businesses.
  3. Leeds Digital Festival : The Leeds Digital Festival is an annual event celebrating the city's vibrant digital and tech community. It offers networking opportunities, panel discussions, and workshops for businesses in the digital sector.

Whether you need guidance on business planning, access to funding, or simply want to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, these organisations can provide the support you need to succeed.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into various aspects of starting a business in Leeds. From understanding local regulations and licensing requirements to exploring the city's thriving business ecosystem, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in Leeds' entrepreneurial landscape.

So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and discover what it takes to build and grow a successful business in Leeds!

FREE startup workshops

If you are thinking about starting a business, our FREE three-hour ONLINE workshop is definitely for you!

Open to everyone, our sole aim is to increase your chances of success. We do that by explaining:

The reality of running a business; the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them; which legal status is likely to be most suitable; funding, grants and managing your money; business planning and cashflow forecasting; finding and keeping customers.

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in 2021

Download the 2024 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don’t become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Read more about what our Free guide contains and how you can download it.
Starting a business in Leeds

Key Contacts in Leeds

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Leeds is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Web design

ITQ Digital
ITQ Digital is a UK-based Ecommerce development company with offices in Manchester, London, Bristol and Leeds with over 20 years experience in the industry. We have worked with over a 100 companies helping them understand, implement and connect and market their services successfully on the web. We specialise in developing Ecommerce websites across a broad range of SMEs on the following platforms: * Magento * WooCommerce * Shopify We also specialise in integrating your online store to SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics, or other ERP, CRM and accounting platforms (Xero/Quickbooks) with extensive knowledge and expertise across these technologies. We work with all our clients to assess and select the right ECommerce platform to ensure that this will meet their short term needs as well as being agile enough to accommodate their future goals online. To view some of our work please click here. We also work with a range of expert partners across Digital Marketing, Online Payments, Logistics & Delivery, UX & Conversion as well as Accounting and ERP/CRM to help you grow your business. We are a no-nonsense agency that value long term client relationships, provide honest advice and help our clients develop profitable eCommerce businesses. If this sounds like the kind of approach that resonates with you and your business, we'd love to hear from you.
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Networking

Yorkshire Enterprise Network
The Yorkshire Enterprise Network is a network of private and public sector professionals across the Yorkshire region. As an organisation we exist to increase trade potential to the Yorkshire region by using a range of networking, seminars, events and trade delegations which bring people together in order to grow and further relationships and business.
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Advice

Leeds City Council - Starting Your Own Business
Thinking of starting your own business or becoming self-employed? There’s a lot to think about – keeping accounts, business banking and submitting a tax return, VAT and national insurance. Fortunately there are lots of organisations out there that can provide you with advice and support you need to get your business idea off the ground.
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Advice

Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership
Starting your own business can be an incredibly exciting time. But building your own company takes more than just a good idea. As well as long hours and hard work, it takes planning, research and insight – not to mention good luck. Get in touch for advice or support Get in touch with our Business Support Service and we can help you find the right support for your business needs. You can call us on 0113 348 1818 or email us for more information.
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Office Services

Essential Hygiene
Experts in the design and build of state of the art decontamination services, our high performing patient support surfaces, and sanitisation products have been proven to outperform alternative products in the most demanding of clinical environments. Essential Healthcare Solutions Ltd has provided equipment and services to the NHS for over 10 years and has evolved to become one of the UKs premier innovators of decontamination services, the supply of specialist support surface products, sanitisation equipment and products, such as hand sanitising stations.We carefully select all our supply and manufacturing partners, making sure they share the same commitment, passion, forward-thinking and common-sense approach to achieving the high standards and demands we put upon ourselves.We are proud to consistently deliver best in class products and services to over 40 NHS Trusts that cover the length and breadth of the country. Essential Healthcare Solutions Ltd is fast becoming the number one authority in patient care, support surface fulfilment, sanitisation products and after care services.Essential Healthcare Solutions LtdEssential Enterprise Village,Fieldhead Lane, Birstall,West Yorkshire,WF17 9BNT: 01924 939441E: ask@essential-hygiene.uk
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Networking

Leeds Chamber of Commerce
Leeds Chamber is a business network which works hard to support and represent local businesses. We have a long and rich history established in 1851 and our network today includes businesses of all sizes and shapes and from a range of different sectors. We are a private, not for profit organisation governed by a board of directors and our aim is to provide relevant services to business enabling them to develop and prosper and to provide a collective voice taking your views and concerns to policy and decision makers. We are an accredited member of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), an independent business network with around 54 chambers representing 5,000,000 employees.
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Advice

Business & IP Centre Leeds
Business & IP Centre Leeds is a one-stop source for all your business and intellectual property needs. We draw on a wide range of resources and have extensive experience in dealing with business and intellectual property enquiries. We are members of the Europe-wide PATLIB network, the British Library's Business & IP Centre network, and work closely with the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and other partners. BIPC Leeds, Leeds Central Library, 2nd Floor, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB
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Advice

Ad:Venture
Is your business less than 3 years old? Are you trading with other businesses? Do you plan to grow? Are you based in the Leeds City Region? (Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York) Yes? Register today and save time, stress and money with fully funded (FREE TO YOU!) expert help and support to build and grow your new business WEBINARS / MENTORING / GRANTS / FINANCE / ADVICE
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Funding

Business Enterprise Fund
Business Enterprise Fund is a not for profit social enterprise, set up to provide loans to SME businesses that will help them thrive and grow when other lenders can’t fully assist. As a social enterprise, our profits are re-invested in the company to further our social aims. Founded in Bradford, BEF began lending to small businesses in the local area with an initiative to encourage growth in the economy and provide a positive impact on job creation and communities. Over the last 15 years, we have lent to a wide range of businesses, from sole traders and start-ups, through to established multi-site companies. BEF have a growing presence and has spread across the North East and North West of England, as well as North and West Yorkshire, Humberside and North Lincolnshire. We also have Grade A office space, City Hub, in the heart of Bradford for local SME businesses.
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Accountancy

Nigel Wright Accounting
We are leading independent Chartered Certified Accountants based in West Yorkshire offering more than the usual range of accountancy services. We have a dynamic and commercially focused team with extensive experience ranging from worldwide, market leading businesses to individuals with personal wealth. We believe that our integrity and experience enable us to have a close and trusted relationship with our clients.
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Advice

Harrogate Business Advisors
Harrogate Business Advisors aim is to help small to medium size companies to increase their sales and increase their profit. They are among the best at what they do - being a friend and trusted advisor, working side by side with business owners. They can provide all the hlpe you need to start your own business.
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Advice

Business Services Leeds Ltd
We are experts in helping people start businesses. Indeed, we have trained others to run projects in some of the most deprived communities where local people are helped to start businesses, and over 90% of the new business start-ups are still trading after 12 months! Suffice to say, we know what works.
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Funding

CARDSACCEPTED LTD
A free business bank account opened in minutes with free transfers for 1 year https://www.tide.co/partners/cards-accepted/ Or www.freeaccount.co.uk Register a LTD company for free and open a business bank account for free (as above) https://www.tide.co/partners/cards-accepted/?cofo SumUp card readers starting from £19+vat free p+p. No contracts or monthly fees First £500 transacted free of any fees www.sumup.co.uk/cardsaccepted Or www.cardsaccepted.co.uk
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Design

A1 Design
Get the look your business needs to succeed with A1 Design.Whether youre looking for promotional materials for an upcoming event, refreshed stationery or even brand design we can help with our business design services.
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Networking

Leeds Business Forum
Who do you ask for support when you’re just starting out? How do you keep things fresh when you’ve been in business for some time? Where do you go for ideas and inspiration? Leeds Business Forum is a group of like-minded business people which exists to help new / start-up and more established businesses to grow and prosper. If we say so ourselves – and we do! - the combined experience and talent of our members is pretty impressive. And it’s increasing all the time as we welcome new members with businesses at every stage of development. We meet every fortnight to network, pass leads, offer and ask for advice, have a chat and enjoy a great breakfast. Always a warm welcome for new members. Always happy for start-ups to pick our brains.
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Advice

Start in Leeds
Start in Leeds will help you to discover your future and navigate your journey through education and in to the world of work. Register to create an account so that you can start building your profile and receive personalised information and advice.
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Networking

The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive
Starting a business is exciting, and succeeding is rewarding, but what about the bit between? You know, that bit that’s full of self-doubt, endless repetition and feelings of being out of your comfort zone? We call it ‘The Lonely Middle’ and it’s one of the hardest parts of creating a successful business. We know, we’ve been there. So, we created The Lonely Middle Club to help you through it. Each month you get exclusive content to help give you the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. Plus, you get access to a private members-only Facebook group where you can get advice and network with small business owners who are going through similar challenges to you. If you want even more, you can download our 51 worksheets, guides, and journals all designed to do one thing, and one thing only… help you get through ‘The Lonely Middle’ and achieve your business goals. Visit our website today to join the club and benefit from our members price lock and full no questions asked money-back guarantee.
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Funding

Business Enterprise Fund
Business Enterprise Fund is a not for profit social enterprise, set up to provide loans to SME businesses that will help them thrive and grow when other lenders can’t fully assist. As a social enterprise, our profits are re-invested in the company to further our social aims. Founded in Bradford, BEF began lending to small businesses in the local area with an initiative to encourage growth in the economy and provide a positive impact on job creation and communities. Over the last 15 years, we have lent to a wide range of businesses, from sole traders and start-ups, through to established multi-site companies. BEF have a growing presence and has spread across the North East and North West of England, as well as North and West Yorkshire, Humberside and North Lincolnshire. We also have Grade A office space, City Hub, in the heart of Bradford for local SME businesses.
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Networking

Yorkshire Enterprise Network
The Yorkshire Enterprise Network is a network of private and public sector professionals across the Yorkshire region. As an organisation we exist to increase trade potential to the Yorkshire region by using a range of networking, seminars, events and trade delegations which bring people together in order to grow and further relationships and business.
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Law

Irwin Mitchell Leeds
For those people who have been the victims of personal injury, one of the important things they will need after medical care, is legal advice. In many of these situations, victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries and suffering. Victims often find that getting some sort of resolution to their situation helps them to recover more quickly. Finding a local lawyer with these cases is a good idea to make the process much simpler. Irwin Mitchell is a large law firm with offices all over the United Kingdom. This would also include an office that serves the city of Leeds and the surrounding area. When going through a difficult time like a personal injury, a solicitor can be a welcome supporter. They can provide suggestions to help victims work through the process of filing a personal injury claim. They can also make recommendations to you. Any claim made must be filed through a court of law. This can give one a chance of taking charge of their difficult situation. The legal team at the Leeds office of Irwin Mitchell can also help personal injury victims find appropriate medical attention. Certain types of injuries can require specific care. The lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have experts in various fields and can make recommendations. By going to an appropriate physician, the whole claims process can be strengthened. Irwin Mitchells lawyers in Leeds provide other services to their clients for personal injury cases. They will come up with a course of action to take to deal with the claim. The lawyers will also secure the needed documents for a variety of sources. These documents help provide evidence in order to prove ones personal injury claim. Some cases may require an investigator to obtain further evidence to support the case. The sooner a victim contacts a solicitor the better the case that can be built.
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Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business