Many entrepreneurs have started and successfully grown their businesses in Portsmouth, across a wide range of sectors. If you’re planning to start your own business in Portsmouth, we’re here to help.
Setting up your business
The council’s Portsmouth Business Support Service (PBSS) offers a range of advice and support, including business planning, funding, and local business regulations. Find out more about our business support service.
We also offer a number of initiatives for start-ups, such as office space, industrial workshops, and storage units on flexible, monthly terms at our Portsmouth Enterprise Centres.
Funding and financial support
View business funding and financial support for various types of businesses.
Business plans
For general advice on writing business plans, visit WSX Enterprise or Business South.
Choosing a business name
If you trade under a name other than your own, don’t use misleading words. Some words are prohibited or require approval, for example ‘royal’, ‘English’, and ‘association’.
Your customers and suppliers are entitled to know who they are doing business with. Display your business address on your premises and stationery (Companies Act 2006).
If trading as a limited company, register with Companies House.
Business premises
View all business and commercial properties for rent or sale.
You need to check if the premise has proper planning permission before moving in. Some may have restrictions such as restricted opening hours.
Some properties can change to certain uses (like shops) without planning permission. Some may have a two-year ‘temporary use’ which doesn’t require planning permission. Visit the Planning Portal (change of use).
You may need to apply for planning permission or building control approval to install a new shopfront, ventilation or extraction system, or signage and advertising. You can check if you need planning permission. Visit the Planning Portal for general advice.
Tables and chairs on the highways
If you want to place amenities such as tables and chairs outside your premises on the public highway, you must get a permit from Portsmouth City Council first. Find out more about pavement licences.
Food businesses
If you want to open a food business, such as a grocery or sandwich shop, you need to ensure your premises, food production and labelling are up to standards. View food safety and register your business before opening.
Trading Standards
Trading Standards protects consumers and ensures businesses follow relevant laws and regulations. For example, age restricted sales apply for products like alcohol, solvents, fireworks and blades.
Read the product safety guide. Find out more about specific goods like Toys, Electrical items, Part worn tires, and Jewellery.
Health and safety in the workplace
Our environmental health team investigate accidents and complaints, regulate and promote health and safety in the workplace. Find advice on health and safety in the workplace.
Licensing
If you want to sell certain products and services, such as alcohol, hosting events, or staging live music, you may need to apply for a license.
Running an online or home business
If you want to run a business from home, find guidance on running a business from home – GOV.UK.
If you’re cold calling, selling online, by phone or mail order, you’re legally required to give customers a written notice of their right to cancel a purchase within 14 days, known as a cooling-off period.
By law, you must display certain information on your website, including your business/company name, geographical address, and VAT number. Find out more about distant sales.
Business Rates
Commercial businesses pay business rates. Some small businesses with rateable values below £18,000 may qualify for rate relief or discount. To find out more, visit business rates, email localtaxation@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, or contact the business rates team at businessratesteam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or on 023 9268 8588.
Business waste
You can find advice on what to do with business or commercial waste.
Tax and National Insurance
Learn about complying with government rules on tax, National Insurance, business record keeping and more on the HMRC website.
Intellectual property
For advice on intellectual property, trademarks, patents and other business information, visit our intellectual property page.
Unemployed
If you’re currently claiming unemployment benefits and want to open your own business, you can talk to your Jobcentre Plus advisor.
Contact us
For our monthly B2B networking meetings, contact danielle.eberhardt@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
For general enquires, contact our business support service by using the online form, calling 023 9284 1641, or emailing business@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Find out more at:
- X @portsmouthbiz
- LinkedIn Portsmouth Economic Development & Skills
- sign up for our e-business bulletin