Start or grow your own business
Whether you’re thinking about setting up your own business or looking to grow an existing venture, there’s plenty of advice and support available to help. What you need to do to set up depends on your type of business, where you work and whether you take people on to help.
Set up a business
The government website GOV.UK is a must-visit for advice on setting up your business. You can find information on running a limited company, importing and exporting, patents, tax and more.
GOV.UK setting up a business guidance
Business Rates
If you rent or buy a property, you may have to pay business rates. Small businesses can apply for a discount on business rates and some may pay nothing.
Business rates in Horsham District are managed by LGSS on behalf of Horsham District Council.
Visit the LGSS website to find out about rates and to check if you're eligible for business rate relief. This is well worth doing; lots of businesses don't realise they are eligible for rate relief.
Finding a premises
Finding the right office space for your business is important – you need somewhere that meets your needs now but has the potential for growth too.
Employing people
The government website GOV.UK is the best place to find up-to-date information on employment law. Find details about contract types, payroll, recruiting and worker's rights.
GOV.UK employing people guidance
Licences and permits
If your business carries out licensable activities such as selling alcohol, running events, charity collections, you may need a licence from Horsham District Council.
Apply for licences and permits
Food and drink
If you’re thinking of setting up a food or drink business, contact us to:
Join a business community
Networking groups are a great way to get to know other businesses in your local area. Some of the prominent networking groups include:
- The West Sussex Business Hub
- Billingshurst & Horsham Chamber of Commerce
- Experience West Sussex
- Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
- Gatwick Diamond Business
- Horsham Coworking
- Horsham District Business Support Facebook group
- Horsham Sports Club Networking Group
- Lello:Networking Horsham
- Our South Downs
- RH Networking
- RISE and SHINE- Innovation Club
- Steyning & District Business Chamber
- Sussex Chamber of Commerce
- Women in Business
Further support and guidance
Find more useful links on our Start Up Local page.