Free business advice available to new businesses and residents thinking of becoming self-employed

Free business advice is available in the New Forest to new businesses and residents thinking of starting a business or becoming self-employed.

New Forest District Council’s ‘Start a Business’ support scheme is delivered by IncuHive.

It gives advice to New Forest businesses about topics such as marketing, legal considerations, grants and finances.

The scheme has received funding from the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

As a result, the service is free of charge to New Forest residents or businesses.

Councillor Derek Tipp, New Forest District Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Planning said: “70 individuals and businesses benefitted from our pilot scheme in 2023, and this showed there is a huge appetite for entrepreneurship in the district.

“We also know that getting the right advice in the early stages of starting a business or becoming self-employed can dramatically increase the chances of success.

“I encourage any New Forest resident who is thinking of becoming self-employed or starting a business to contact IncuHive.”

New business owner Helen Wallbridge who benefited from support from last year’s pilot scheme, said: “I started Hampshire Community Heritage in January 2023 and it is going well.

“With the  advice I received from Andy at IncuHive, I have been able to set up as a sole trader, register with HMRC, and record all my financial information.

“Andy has passed on some useful contacts and has provided great support.”

• To find out more or to arrange a meeting without any pressure or obligation, contact Andy Pringle, IncuHive’s Business Support Manager on 07817 065694 or emailing andy.pringle@incuhive.co.uk

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