Starting a new business can be an exciting experience, but knowing how to take the first step can be daunting, especially when you have your business plan ready. At the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, we believe that preparation is key. To support new starting businesses the Chamber works closely with the Marches Growth Hub in Herefordshire and the Worcestershire Growth Hub. Together, we are experts at guiding new businesses with their new ventures, ensuring they are well-informed and equipped at every step of their new business. This is not limited to first-time business owners. Every business is different, and every journey has various stages; even if you have owned businesses before, we are all here to help.
Support doesn’t end there. Commencing a business involves more than just registration or a business plan; it’s a process that requires time. We understand the evolving needs and shifting aspirations of new businesses. This understanding motivates the Chamber to provide a specialised ‘Starter Membership’ tailored for new businesses, classifying each Member according to size. For businesses within their initial three years of trading (with fewer than 5 employees), the Starter Membership is priced at £20.80 per month. This membership grants access to a wide array of benefits aimed to support and guide you along your journey.
How a Chamber Membership Can Help You Start Your Business
Securing initial support at the outset of your business journey can prove challenging, particularly when unsure whom to turn to. However, you gain uninterrupted access to our comprehensive support by being a Chamber Member. This includes personalised guidance from your dedicated account manager at the Chamber, available to address any inquiries related to your Membership. Additionally, we extend internal benefits designed to help launch your business. One such invaluable resource is our Business Directory, a cornerstone service accessible exclusively to our Members. Recognising the importance of creating business connections and expanding networks for new ventures, we are committed to consistently providing details of our diverse business community to all Members.
Member Benefits – Affiliate Partners
Once you have become a Member of the Chamber, you will have direct access to our affiliate partners and their exclusive Chamber services. Our affiliate services for Members include Healthcare for you and your business, Cyber security, help with money exchange, discounted price of roadside assistance and HR, Legal, health and safety and Tax reports.
How your Member Benefits can help you Start your Business
Embarking on a business journey is not always a straightforward path. It involves navigating various legal requirements and responsibilities, all extensively outlined on the UK Government website. To assist our Members in tackling these challenges, we consistently advocate our Member benefits available through our Affiliate Partner Quest. Chamber Members gain access to vital support in HR, Legal, Health and safety, and Tax matters. This invaluable resource serves as a guiding hand for new businesses, offering expertise in navigating the legal requirements of establishing a company and ensuring compliance with Government policies. These services can be accessed with one phone number for HR, Health & Safety, Legal, Tax and VAT advice – 01455 852 037, and one website for access to over 750 free downloadable template documents. When enquiring, you will be asked to provide your name and company name. Provided by Quest, your business benefits from a comprehensive legal expenses insurance policy with a total of £1,000,000 excess free cover and £100,000 per claim.
In conclusion, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is a pillar of support for businesses at every stage. Through tailored support such the ‘Starter Membership’, comprehensive guidance via dedicated account managers both the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Growth Hubs, and access to vital resources such as the Business Directory and Affiliate Partners like Quest, we ensure that businesses, new or experienced, receive the necessary tools and assistance to navigate legal complexities and thrive in their ventures.
Contact our team to find out more about how the Chamber can support you.