Starting a new business

Whether you are looking to start your own business, grow your operation or move your business into the area, we are here to help with each step of the process.

Our team has a wealth of knowledge, experience and contact and can help with ongoing advice on everything from finding premises to accessing funding.

The team can offer excellent links to departments such as planning, environmental health and business rates, and external organisations including the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), New Anglia Growth Hub and Norfolk County Council.

If you wish to find out more and speak to one of our dedicated business advisors about the support available for your business, please contact us on the details at the bottom of this page.


Business news and information email

To stay up to date with the latest information, guidance and support, subscribe to our business news email service.


Grants and funding

Find out more about grants and funding that may be available to your business including our Business Builder programme across South Norfolk and Broadland


Local business forums

Local business forums aim to connect local businesses with local government on a regular basis through quarterly events at various venues across both districts.


Business rates

If you are starting a new business and taking on a property or premises then you may need to have or change an existing rates assessment. Find out more about whether you qualify for any rates reliefs to reduce your bill.


Business Regulatory Support Hub

The Business Regulatory Support Hub offers a dedicated and friendly point of contact for all your regulatory enquiries such as starting a food business, licensing and registration of businesses.


Starting a food business

If you are thinking of starting a food related business and are having concerns about compliance with environmental and health and safety legislation, we can provide advice and support on how to meet the highest standards and legal requirements. 


Licensing and registration of businesses

Find out all the relevant information about licences for taxi drivers and vehicles, food premises and animal premises such as zoos, boarding kennels and pet shops.


Planning and building information

Find out about planning permission which you may require if you are considering extending a property to accommodate your business, looking to change the use of an existing property or building a new commercial building.


Norfolk Insight

Norfolk Insight is a locality-focused information system providing data and analysis for neighbourhoods in Norfolk and Waveney. By empowering you with up-to-date knowledge of local communities, Norfolk Insight provides the evidence-base you need to make better informed decisions to improve services and localities.

Economic Development

Telephone: 01603 980441