Start your business
Thinking of starting a business in England’s £106bn tourism industry?
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Whether you want to start a bed and breakfast or create a visitor attraction, our free Business Advice Hub can connect you with resources and organisations who can help.
Learn about the key target markets in your destination, get to know your legal obligations as an accommodation business and access tailored advice for businesses in your area via our local support finder.
Top Resources
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Know your legal obligations
Find out what regulations you need to comply with in our Pink Book Online.
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Starting a new business
Find out what you need to know if you’re thinking about starting a new business, including registration and your key responsibilities.
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Find local support
Use our quick tool to find advice and support specific to your local area.
Plan for success
Before starting any new business, you need to have an understanding of your target customers to inform a strong business plan. Start-up funding may also be available to you.
Know your market
Learn about potential target markets by accessing a wealth of VisitBritain/VisitEngland research.
How to write a business plan
Learn how to write a business plan that really works. Includes templates for business plans and cash flows and worked examples.
Find funding
If you need a grant or loan to get your business off the ground, these organisations may be able to help.
Getting set up
Follow advice from Government to set up and register your business with the relevant authorities. You may need to obtain planning consent for your new business or if you want to expand. If you are starting an accommodation business, our Pink Book provides an overview of the legislation relevant to you.
Starting a new business
Find out what you need to know if you’re thinking about starting a new business, including registration and your key responsibilities.
Tax guide to starting a new business
Get information about everything from tax and VAT to keeping records and claiming expenses. Be properly organised from day one.
Starting a new food business
Find out what you need to know if you’re thinking about providing food and drink. Includes information on hygiene, training and food safety.
VisitBritain/Emma Kate Co
How to start a tour guide business
Find 'how-to' guides on setting up your own tour guiding business.
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Understand health & safety
Know your obligations on fire safety, providing safe products for guest use and what risk assessments you need to carry out.
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Improve your cyber security
Free, practical resources from the National Cyber Security Centre to protect your business online.
Know your legal obligations
Our Pink Book of Legislation can help you ensure your accommodation business is compliant.
Further advice on starting a tourism business
Key markets, planning consents and start-up funding vary by region, so it is crucial to get advice specific to your area. Access local support through your local Growth Hub or Destination Organisation, be guided by a business mentor or get guidance on quality from a VisitEngland assessor.
Call the business support helpline
Get up to an hour of free advice from the Government’s helpline for start-up businesses: 0800 998 1098
Find a business mentor
Work with an expert who can help you succeed. Get help with everything from business plans and cash-flows to building your brand.
Get quality assessed
Get advice from an official VisitEngland assessor on how to set up and manage your business.
Join a trade association
There are a number of industry groups and sector-specific associations that support their members to grow.
Alex Hare
Starting a rural tourism business PDF, 1.3MB
Learn how to plan, finance and grow your business as well as developing your brand. Part 1 of the rural tourism business toolkit.
Find Local Support
Your local Destination Organisation or LEP Growth Hub may be able to help you to start your business by providing advice on key markets and any funding opportunities available.
