VisitEngland

Start your business

Thinking of starting a business in England’s £100bn tourism industry? We have a collection of resources and organisations that can help.

Photo by: VisitBritain/The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth

Head Chef and female nutritionalist sat in empty restaurant discussing menu plans for The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth

Introduction

Whether you’re starting a bed and breakfast or creating a visitor attraction, we have resources that will help you learn about the key markets in your destination, find out more about your legal obligations and how to get advice tailored for your area with our local support finder. 

Plan for success

Before starting any new business, set yourself up for success with our guides to writing a business plan, finding funding and where to find further advice.

Write a business plan

Discover how to write a business plan, with tips, examples and templates.

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.

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.

Getting set up

From tax advice to registration and planning permission, discover the legislation you need to know when setting up your new business.

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 of Legislation helps you ensure your accommodation or attraction business is compliant. It gives clear guidance and practical information on the legislation in a range of areas, including licences, health and safety, employment and taxation.

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

Learn how to attract international visitors

Get your business prepared for the overseas market using our Taking England to the World inbound tourism toolkit.

Review the latest business events research

View the latest data and insights relating to the business visits and events sector.

Make your business accessible and inclusive

Ensure your business is inclusive to all. Widen your market, extend your season, and tap into a market estimated at over £14 billion.

Start your regenerative tourism journey

Tools and resources for businesses at any stage of the regenerative tourism journey - whether just starting out or leading the way.

More on starting a tourism business

Learn more about your key markets, planning consents and start-up funding. Get area specific advice whether you access support through your Local Visitor Economy Partnership, Destination Management Organisation or Growth Hub, be guided by a mentor or get advice from a VisitEngland assessor.

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.

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.

British Guild of Tourist Guides

Want to become a guide? Start with The British Guild of Tourist Guides’ frequently asked questions. The membership organisation for Blue and Green Badge Tourist Guides runs training courses in England.

Get quality assessed

The VisitEngland Quality Scheme celebrates excellence in tourism businesses of all sizes and varieties. Find out how getting an official VisitEngland accreditation or star rating can help your business.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Peter Kindersley

Accessible bedroom, large double bed

Find local support

Use our quick tool to source local advice on key markets and funding opportunities from the accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership or LEP Growth Hub in your area.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Stocksy

Rear view of male gardener sharing garden plans with female garden designer holding an iPad stood on a path in a garden