Starting or running a business
Starting your own business can be a daunting time for anyone but if you are thinking about setting up a business in the borough of Richmond there is a range of information, advice and support available to help you.
Richmond Council - Business Advice
Whether your company is starting up locally; growing within Richmond or relocating to the borough, Richmond Council can provide information on a range of services available to help you succeed.
This page highlights some of the services and help available. For more information, including advice on consumer protection and trading standards, click on the link above.
Business Support
A number of organisations can provide help and guidance to local businesses.
Business Link in London
Business Link in London provides comprehensive support for new and existing small businesses with specialist advice on a wide range of trading and business needs.
Phone: 0845 6000 787
Email: info@bllondon.co.uk
Southlondon.biz
Southlondon.biz provides a one-stop-shop for new and small business support in the South London boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Merton with one-to-one consultation sessions at local centres.
Phone: 020 8487 0055
Email: info@southlondon.biz
South London Business Group
The South London Business Group promotes and supports the business community in South London through a number of initiatives.
Visit the Advice section of their website for access to information and advice on setting up a business locally, running your existing business or investing in South London.
Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Richmond Chamber of Commerce is a well-established network of organisations committed to enhancing local business. It offers seminars, training, events and support and puts forward the ideas and views of the business community.
Phone: 020 8891 7457
Email: email@richmondchamberofcommerce.co.uk
Business and IP Centre
The British Library Business & IP Centre in London supports entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses from their first idea to successfully launching and developing a business. Besides business information in the library, the centre offers advice sessions, workshops and more.
Phone: 020 7412 7454
Email: bipc@bl.uk
Mature Entrepreneurs
The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) is a charity founded by Prince Charles to help the over 50s set up in business. Despite legislation against age discrimination, older people still have difficulty in finding a job.
PRIME offers free information, events and training. You can sign up for a free start-up pack and newsletters and find PRIME support partners in your area.
Credit crunch and recession
In this difficult economic climate you'll be glad to know that help and advice are available if you are struggling to survive.
Business Link's Rapid Response
The Rapid Response Service is for businesses at risk of failing or for people who have been made redundant and are thinking about starting up their own business. It offers free, impartial information and advice to London businesses, either over the phone or face-to-face with specialist advisers
Phone: 0845 6000 787
Getting help
Richmond’s Council is working with business and skills partners in the borough to help you find the right support
(pdf, 556KB) if your business is struggling to stay afloat.
Getting the right advice can help you to make a success of running your own business.