Start your business
Introduction
Whether you’re starting a bed and breakfast or creating a visitor attraction, our free Business Advice Hub can connect you with the resources and organisations who can help.
Learn about the key markets in your destination and your legal obligations, as well as getting advice tailored for your area with our local support finder.
Plan for success
Write a business plan
Discover how to write a business plan, with tips, examples and templates.
Find funding
See what grants and loans are available to get your business off the ground and how to access them, in this finance hub.
Take a Kick Off in Business course
Get advice on starting your business with a free short course from Government-backed Kick Off in Business.
Getting set up
Search the Planning Portal
If you need planning permission for your premises and business, find out about the planning process and which building regulations could affect you.
Register a new business
Access information about registering your business. Discover the difference between a sole trader and limited company and your key responsibilities.
Access tax resources
Learn about everything from tax and VAT, to keeping records and claiming expenses. You can access newsletters, videos and webinars on a wide variety of topics.
Start a food business
Find all you need to know about registering a food business with the Food Standards Agency. You can also access a useful start-up checklist.
Understand health and safety
Know your obligations on fire safety, providing safe products for guests and what risk assessments you need to carry out.
Improve your cyber security
Find free, practical resources from the National Cyber Security Centre to protect your business online.
Know your legal obligations
Our Pink Book
Find out what regulations you need to comply with, in our Pink Book Online.
Find out what regulations you need to comply with, in our Pink Book Online.
Know your market
How to approach overseas markets, reach new audiences and grow your international presence.
Make your business accessible to all and widen your market and tap into a £15 billion plus market.
Save money, reduce your environmental impact, support your local community and win more customers with our sustainability guide and inspirational case studies.
More on starting a tourism business
Call the Business Support Helpline
For free advice for your business, you can call the Government’s Business Support Helpline, or speak to an advisor on webchat. England: 0800 998 1098; Scotland: 0300 303 0660; Wales: 0300 060 3000; Northern Ireland: 0800 181 4422.
Find a business mentor
Get a mentor and work with an expert who can help you succeed. You can get help with everything from business plans and cash-flows, to building your brand.
Join a trade association
Discover the industry group and association for your sector, which offers support for their members to grow.
Get quality assessed
Find out how getting an official VisitEngland accreditation or star rating can help your business.
British Guild of Tourist Guides
For anyone considering becoming a guide, start with the British Guild of Tourist Guides’ frequently asked questions. The national membership organisation for Blue and Green Badge Tourist Guides runs training courses in England.
Institute of Tourist Guiding
For more information on the industry, visit the website of the officially recognised standard-setting and awarding body for tourist guiding covering England, Northern Ireland and Jersey.
Find local support
Your accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership or LEP Growth Hub may be able to help you to start your business by providing advice on key markets and funding opportunities. Use our quick tool to source local advice for your area.
