Find Business Grants
Banner image

How to Start a Business in Newcastle upon Tyne

Free start-up resources and useful local contacts.

Improve your chances of success!

How to Start a Business in Newcastle upon Tyne

Starting a business in Newcastle Upon Tyne

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

Start Your Own Business in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle Upon Tyne

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!

If you're considering starting a business or growing a business in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, you've come to the right place.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, located in the North East of England, is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history, diverse population, and a thriving business community.

Demographics

Newcastle-upon-Tyne boasts a diverse population, attracting people from various backgrounds and cultures. This diversity creates a unique market with a wide range of consumer preferences, offering excellent opportunities for businesses to thrive.

Major Suburbs

Newcastle-upon-Tyne encompasses several major suburbs, each with its distinctive characteristics and business potential. Here are some notable suburbs in Newcastle-upon-Tyne:

  • Gosforth: Situated to the north of the city centre, Gosforth is an affluent suburb known for its leafy residential areas and thriving local businesses.
  • Jesmond: Located close to the city centre, Jesmond is a vibrant and cosmopolitan suburb with a bustling high street and a mix of trendy bars, restaurants, and independent shops.
  • Heaton: Situated to the east of the city centre, Heaton is a popular residential area with a thriving local community and a range of small businesses.
Local Authority

Newcastle City Council is the local authority responsible for governing and supporting businesses in the city. Their website provides essential resources and information for businesses, including licensing, planning, and economic development initiatives. You can access the business section of their website for specific guidance and support:

Newcastle City Council - Business

Business Support Organisations

Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers a range of organisations that provide support and resources for entrepreneurs and businesses. Here are some notable organisations you can turn to for assistance:

  • NewcastleGateshead Initiative: NewcastleGateshead Initiative is a destination marketing and place-making organisation that supports businesses in the area. NewcastleGateshead Initiative
  • Newcastle Business Improvement District (BID): The Newcastle BID works to enhance the city centre's vitality and provides support to local businesses. Newcastle Business Improvement District
  • Newcastle Startups: Newcastle Startups offers resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities for startups and early-stage businesses in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Newcastle Startups

By utilising the resources and support available in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, you can lay a strong foundation for your business and tap into the city's vibrant economy. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne's business landscape.

Start Your Own Business in Newcastle upon Tyne
Free start-up guide
Download Now

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 workshops Free workshops

Free startup guide

Start Your Own Business in Newcastle upon Tyne

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.
More Information and instant download
More Information and instant download
Starting a business in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Key Contacts in Newcastle upon Tyne

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

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Team Marvel

Web design

Team Marvel
Team Marvel is a trail-blazing, international digital agency based in Newcastle in the North East of England. Our team comprises of over 65 years experience in the industry specialising in brand design, web design, web development, SEO and social media. We have a background in REAL business and that combined with our creativity is a winning formula for driving projects to be a success. Our MAIN goal is to get you the results that you want to achieve whilst maintaining a completely transparent and business-focussed approach. We focus on building relationships meaning that you will be involved in the whole process of your project and we can discuss the best way to deliver it so that your potential customers love what you are showcasing and have to offer. Our office is always open to you and you’re welcome to call in for a chat and a coffee anytime you want BUT we can also talk to you over the phone or video call if that is a better alternative. Reach out to us and lets get the ball rolling.
(+)
North East Social Media Ltd

Online Marketing

North East Social Media Ltd
We work with start ups and established SMEs to help them with their online marketing. Showing them how to raise their profile and drive traffic to their websites and of course improve SEO predominantly through the use of Social Media. Amanda Dixon, our Social Media Guru, is also the Social Media Specialist for North Tyneside, working with new business start ups at The Business Factory North Shields.
(+)
Graham R Turner

Accountancy

Graham R Turner
We prepare Accounts/Self Assessment Return & specialise in Sole Traders, Partnerships, Income from Property, Tax Enquiries – We are here to help! Established in 1997 and with over 36 years combined experience, Graham R Turner accountancy and taxation services specialise in Sole Traders and Partnerships. We bring a depth of experience and knowledge when it comes to managing your self assessment, tax returns and accounts preparation as well as getting prepared for implementation of ‘Maxing tax digital’ (MTD) which starts in April 2021, we are ready, are you? If you are considering being self-employed or are currently self employed as a sole trader or partnership looking for a bespoke service in and around the Carlisle area or in the Tyne Valley, Northumberland or North Tyneside. We can arrange to come to you at work, home or a convenient location to discuss your individual requirements in more detail.
(+)
Toffee Factory Newcastle

Advice

Toffee Factory Newcastle
Toffee Factory is a beautifully refurbished building providing high quality, contemporary serviced office space for a range of digital and creative businesses, from start-ups in a shared workspace to larger offices for established companies.
(+)
Skills Hub

Advice

Skills Hub
The Skills Hub brings together a range of partner organisations who offer young people and adults living in Newcastle: Careers advice and guidance, Help getting into work and training, Advice setting up a business. As part of our response to Covid-19, we are currently providing an enhanced service, 'Jobs @ Skills Hub', to help local employers to recruit local jobseekers, and make it as easy as possible for people to get back to work and employers to grow their workforce.
(+)
NBSL Business Funding and Support

Advice

NBSL Business Funding and Support
Business support in Tyne & WearSmall Business Grants for business improvement projects and specialist Masterclasses for businesses in Tyne and Wear. NBSL - 6 Esther Court, Wansbeck Business Park, Rotary Parkway, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8AP
(+)
The Core Newcastle

Property

The Core Newcastle
The Core opened its doors in November 2014, introducing Newcastle Helix as a new quarter of Newcastles city centre. Now full of innovation businesses working on a range of future city themes, The Core has been joined by several new buildings of national significance. This is a special place for research and for business growth. THE CORE, Bath Lane, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5TF
(+)
Clavering House Business Centre

Property

Clavering House Business Centre
Prime serviced offices in Newcastle Upon Tyne. We have flexible offices for rent at Clavering House Business Centre Newcastle city centre of various sizes. Prime office space in a Grade II listed building with flexible terms. A stones throw from Central Station and metro links with secure on-site parking available. Clavering House Business Centre. Clavering House, Clavering Place, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE1 3NG.
(+)
The Biosphere at Newcastle Helix

Advice

The Biosphere at Newcastle Helix
A fit-for-purpose laboratory and office building dedicated to life science innovation, research, development, and commercialisation. Located in the heart of Newcastles City Centre and 1.5bn life science eco-system, The Biosphere is a place where life sciences businesses can thrive.
(+)
TEDCO

Advice

TEDCO
North East business support that works for you. Weve helped thousands of businesses to start, grow and achieve sustainable business success in the last five years. We passionately believe in the importance of building businesses on solid foundations. This is achieved through the support of experienced and knowledgeable advisors. We have a proven track record. Helping an average of 4 enterprises to start up every single week.
(+)
HOW I STARTED A BUSINESS IN... NEWCASTLE

Advice

HOW I STARTED A BUSINESS IN... NEWCASTLE
Virgin Startup are great advocates and supporters of startups. Their site contains a page which explains how one budding enrepreneur set up a new business in Newcastle...'Newcastle - a gem of the north, a city bustling with culture and friendliness. But doing business is different everywhere whats it really like to start up in Newcastle and what support is available? They spoke to a business that they funded to find out!'
(+)
North East Growth Hub Business Support

Advice

North East Growth Hub Business Support
The Growth Hub is delivered by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP). The LEP works to make the North East a place where more businesses invest, grow and prosper, to deliver more and better jobs for everyone.The Hub is a crucial part of the LEPs Business Growth strategy. Business growth and access to finance are key drivers for more and better jobs. They are necessities in addressing market failures to support stronger indigenous businesses to drive up GVA and employment. The North East LEPs Business Growth Programme provides the framework for an investment of over 200m in access to finance and business support over six years. This investment will increase profitability, wages and employment across the local economy.The North East Local Enterprise Partnership area covers County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. The North East LEP Board is business led and chaired by Andrew Hodgson, former chief executive officer of Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD).
(+)
The essential guide to starting a business in Newcastle

Advice

The essential guide to starting a business in Newcastle
If you're unsure about starting a business in Newcastle, take a look at the vital stats and how four entrepreneurs did it.
(+)
PNE

Advice

PNE
PNE supports a thriving business landscapeOur organisation is driven by a purpose: to create positive social and economic change through enterprise. To do this we:1. Support people to start a sustainable business2. Support organisations to grow sustainably3. Support partners to help businesses start, grow and thrive
(+)
Starting a new business in Newcastle

Advice

Starting a new business in Newcastle
Newcastle City Council want Newcastle to be the best place to start a business. It is a city with a proud tradition of enterprise, and they offer help to inspire and support everyone who wants to start a business or social enterprise.
(+)
Newcastle Helix

Property

Newcastle Helix
Join one of Europes most exciting innovation hubs. Helix is home to big businesses, start-ups, university researchers, three National Innovation Centres and more. Businesses here have access to Innovation support, a huge pool of talent, and great transport connections.
(+)
BIPC North East

Advice

BIPC North East
Got a brilliant idea? Protect & grow your business with our support. The Business & IP Centre North East is part of the national BIPC network, all operating from within Libraries. We are a free source of information and advice for inventors, start-up businesses, and existing businesses based in the North East of England. Originally established in 2011 as BIPC Newcastle, we were the countrys first regional Business & IP Centre providing a service for the North East business community. Newcastle City Library, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AX
(+)
Startups - starting a business in Newcastle

Advice

Startups - starting a business in Newcastle
Startups is a popular online resource aimed at anyone thinking about starting their own business. It features a page focussing on Newcastle.
(+)
North East Fund

Funding

North East Fund
The North East Fund is a 120m investment programme available to SMEs across Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear. Businesses relocating to the area may also be eligible. There are five funds each with a different investment focus to suit the needs of businesses depending on the sector in which they operate and their stage of development. 5th Floor, West One, Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PA
(+)
The Becaon

Property

The Becaon
Inspiring Business - Supporting Enterprise. The Beacon exists to inspire communities through enterpriseWe have been doing that since we opened in early 2012, a Royal seal of approval provided by the Duke of Kent.Standing prominently on the fringes of Newcastle city centre in Westgate Road, and close to the main arterial A1, a wide array of small but growing and evolving businesses operate from this vibrant flagship 6.5m centre, which also acts as a base for training and education.
(+)
BIC - Start Up Services

Advice

BIC - Start Up Services
Need help to turn your amazing ideas into reality? We have 25 years experience of helping entrepreneurs just like you.Theyve gone on to do amazing things. Some have created successful companies you can see today, right here at the BICs business park.Answers, inspiration and moreOur dedicated Start Up service is designed to get you properly prepared to launch your own business.The path of the entrepreneur isnt always easy. But with us by your side helping you to do the right research and the proper planning, you can do it.Were a friendly bunch and we pride ourselves on our straightforward approach to business support. We like to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in because we know thats what your business needs. Hard graft and helping hands. Wearfield, Enterprise Park East, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR5 2TA
(+)
Mussel Club

Networking

Mussel Club
With over 3,000 members we are one of the largest networks within the North East business community. We host a variety of networking events in some of the best venues the region has to offer. We host events from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening, so we guarantee well have an event that meets all of your networking needs. The majority of our events are free to attend so why not take a look on our events page and sign up for an event that suits you. We look forward to meeting you at an event soon!
(+)
North East England Chamber

Networking

North East England Chamber
The regions largest business membership organisation representing 3,000+ businesses. For over 200 years, we have supported businesses grow their knowledge, influence and connectivity regionally, nationally and internationally. We want to create a world where businesses in the North East of England thrive as a collective force. We are a completely independent body owned by our members and work with businesses of all sizes and sectors.
(+)
Durham City Incubator

Advice

Durham City Incubator
Durham City Incubator (DCI) is a joint venture between Business Durham, Durham University and New College Durham.Were here to support ambitious businesses based in County Durham less than a year old achieve their goals and local entrepreneurs launch start-ups with high growth potential.We work with students and alumni of Durham University and New College Durham with innovative businesses ideas or concepts, as well as entrepreneurs and Durham-based business owners with a vision to grow and scale up.
(+)
The Lonely Middle Club - From Startup Hive

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.
(+)

Advice

TEDCO Ltd
TEDCO offer FREE advice, guidance, up-to-date information and can help you to write a business plan. We can help you decide if you have what it takes to set up a new business, look at the reality of starting your business and the skills and qualities you will need
(+)

Advice

Tedco
TEDCO helps new and established businesses by providing information and advice on every aspect of running a business, including business start-up, survival, success and growth. TEDCO also manages three business centres in South Tyneside and one in Northumberland offering a range of workshop, manufacturing and office space with flexible terms.
(+)

Advice

TEDCO
TEDCO is a leading company in enterprise development which re-invests its profit and aims to help generate prosperity in the North East. The company was formed in 1984 and is located in South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Berwick upon Tweed.
(+)

Advice

Project North East Group
The PNE Group designs, builds and manages innovative projects that help enterprising people and communities develop their ideas, and create wealth and employment. The purpose of the PNE Group is to develop sustainable organisations globally through people, performance and place. We regard ourselves as social entrepreneurs doing challenging things throughout the world. Success is based on a sound understanding of best practice, married with practical experience of working with small businesses and community projects.
(+)

Law

Irwin Mitchell Newcastle
The law firm of Irwin Mitchell is one of the largest law firms located in the United Kingdom. Their variety of expertise as well as their cadre of competent solicitors has catapulted Irwin Mitchell to the top of their industry. The law firm has offices all over the U.K. to make it much simpler for citizens to gain access to their services. One office is located in Newcastle. This office houses a large number of solicitors with a wide range of legal expertise. This group of solicitors also has a lot of experience especially in personal injury law as well as dealing with medical negligence. The managing partner of this branch is a specialized expert in head and spinal cord injuries. The Newcastle office of Irwin Mitchell of course serves people within the city of Newcastle. However, other surrounding areas are served as well. The Newcastle office is the centre for Irwin Mitchell services in the Northern part of England. This would include Tyne, Wear, Northumberland, Teesside, Co Durham and Cumbria. A variety of legal services are offered by the Newcastle office. They have experience with and are able to assist you with personal injury claims. The type of claims runs the full gamut. Serious injury claims such as head and spinal injuries are a service provided. Also, mesothelioma claims as well as claims made for other asbestos related diseases are supported. Road accidents and criminal injury are other areas that the Newcastle office of Irwin Mitchell can assist with. Claims of work injury, burns, scars, lacerations, childrens accidents and more are part of the personal injury legal services offered by the team at Irwin Mitchell in Newcastle. Assistance with Medical negligence claims are another type of service offered in Newcastle. The specific type of medical negligence case can vary. The solicitors at the Newcastle can help with many types such as claims pertaining to the eyes, cancer, accidents, mental health, pregnancy, birth, surgery and more.
(+)

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

FREE Start-up Pack

This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.

Startup Pack

Start-up Guides

Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.

Startup Pack