Start-up Support
Starting a business can feel
Like stepping into the unknown
At Thickbroom Enterprise CIC, we offer free, no-obligation guidance to help you understand your legal and financial responsibilities as a new business owner.
We don’t believe in jargon – expect honest, accessible advice and support to set and achieve your business goals from people who understand what it’s like to start from scratch.
Whether you’re still planning your launch or are less than a year into trading, our expert-led sessions are designed to provide a firm foundation on which to grow your business with confidence.
How we help
We often meet business owners who come to us after things have gone wrong – missed deadlines, unexpected tax bills or gaps in their records.
Our goal is to provide accessible, proactive and preventative support from day one.
We believe that the right advice, given at the right time, can transform a business from uncertain footing to secure foundations. That’s why our service is built around early intervention for businesses less than 12 months into trading. By setting up correctly, you can avoid costly mistakes and red tape later on.
We seek to answer some of the many questions first-time founders ask, including:
- Should you register as a sole trader, limited company or something else?
- What are the numerous filing and payment deadlines for each company type?
- Should I register for VAT? What purchases can I claim VAT back on?
- What are my obligations if I employ staff?
- Do I need to do a personal tax return?
- Which bank should I approach for a business current account?
- Do I need accounting software? Which one is right for me?
- Do I need insurance?
With our expert guidance, you’ll be empowered to:
- Avoid common pitfalls that catch many new business owners off guard and out of pocket
- Understand your financial and legal responsibilities
- Plan confidently for growth and sustainability
- Focus on the products or services you love to provide, knowing your foundations are secure and compliant
Our support is tailored to your business stage and delivered in a way that’s easy to follow and understand.
What we offer
1 hour of free support with a qualified accountant. You can meet with us online, by phone or in person at our Ware, Waltham Cross, Harlow or Chelmsford offices.
Guidance on:
- Company formation and registration
- Bookkeeping software (QuickBooks, Xero or FreeAgent)
- Payroll and employer responsibilities
- Referrals to trusted services (such as business banking)
- And a Support Booklet to take away with you
A short follow-up call within 2 months to check on your progress
Whether you’re a sole trader with a side hustle or a small company trying to solidify your foundations, we’re here to help you start strong and grow sustainably with no pressure, no jargon and no cost.
Who we help
We Help you Get it Right the First Time
New business owners face enough challenges: lack of funding, time pressure and limited access to expertise. Many don’t know where to go for help or assume that professional advice is financially out of reach.
That’s where we come in.
From the self-starter turning a side hustle into a full-time job to the community-minded entrepreneur building a social enterprise, we support anyone who’s brave enough to go into business and wants to do it the right way.
We support UK-based entrepreneurs who:
- Are first-time business owners
- Are preparing to launch within the next 3 months or have been trading for fewer than 12 months
- Are running a standalone company (not part of a group or holding structure)
- Are looking for clarity and confidence to grow your business
If that sounds like you, we’d love to help.
Our Support
Package Includes
Our core offering includes one hour of free, tailored business support to help you get started with confidence.
Our advice can cover:
User Journey
What to expect when you engage with Thickbroom Enterprise CIC
01
You contact our friendly Co-Ordinator to express your interest in free business support
Have a free, quick chat with our team to check your eligibility for the service and learn a bit about your business needs to match you with the most suitable Business Adviser.
02
We send you a disclaimer for our terms of service and your Start Up Support Booklet
We send a short disclaimer which outlines what we can and can’t offer, to ensure our expectations align.
Take a glance through the Booklet to come to the meeting armed with questions!
03
You attend your session in-person or online
Your sessions can take place online, over the phone or in person at our Ware, Waltham Cross, Harlow or Chelmsford offices.
Please come prepared with questions or topics to discuss, as well as bringing documents if required (we'll let you know in advance if these are needed).
Any information packs or referrals requested during your meetings will be sent to you afterwards via email.
04
We arrange a short follow-up call
We use this opportunity to check in on your progress and take any feedback you have to help us improve.
You move forward with confidence and clarity!
Watch this video to learn exactly what will happen before, during and after your meeting with us:
Testimonials
"
Stuart
8th February 2025
Case
Studies
Supporting you through one of the largest financial transactions you will ever make is what drives us. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in buy-to-let, navigating self-employment and complex incomes or exploring second home options, we guide you through the process from start to finish. Our partnerships are based on trust – our dedicated, caring and honest experts are only a phone call away. We believe that everyone deserves to have access to quality mortgage advice and protection. Therefore, we work with a wide range of lenders to ensure that we can advise on the most competitive rates and flexible mortgage options.
Speak To An AdvisorFrequently Asked Questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Get in touch with any questions.
How can you help me?
Thickbroom Enterprise is a community interest company that offers free, limited-time guidance to first-time, UK-based business owners whose business is less than a year old or starting within the next 3 months.
We aim to guide founders through the legal and financial responsibilities of starting a business and help you build strong foundations for success.
Who is eligible for support?
You’re eligible if you:
- Are a first-time business owner
- Are preparing to launch within the next 3 months or have been trading for fewer than 12 months
- Are running a standalone company (not part of a group or holding structure)
- Are looking for clarity and confidence to grow your business
What kind of support do you offer?
We offer:
- 1 hour of free support with a qualified accountant
- Guidance on:
- Company formation and registration
- Bookkeeping software (QuickBooks, Xero or FreeAgent)
- Payroll and employer responsibilities
- Referrals to trusted services (such as business banking)
- And a Support Booklet to take away with you
- A 15-minute follow-up call within a month to check on your progress
Is the support really free?
Yes! Our sessions are completely free with no strings attached. Helping businesses is what we’re here for!
Can I access further support?
Unfortunately not – our core offering is just 1 hour per business. If you need additional mentoring, we can refer you to a trusted partner. Click here to see a list of further free business support in Essex and Hertfordshire.
Will you do my accounts or file my taxes for me?
No – we don’t provide accounting services, just guidance, but we have trusted referral partners in the industry if you’re interested in professional service.
Do you offer legal advice or funding?
We don’t provide legal advice, funding or business coaching. However, we can refer you to other trusted professionals.
What happens after my sessions?
You’ll have a 15-minute follow-up call within 2 months to check on your progress. Our admin team will get in touch with you to arrange a mutually convenient time.
How do I get started?
Just get in touch and we’ll email you to arrange your initial call.
