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Working for yourself in Ashfield

Self-employment can be an exciting way to take control of your career, earn an income from your skills and interests, and build a business around something you are passionate about. Whether you're looking to start a full-time business, work as a freelancer, develop a side hustle, or launch a social enterprise, there is a range of support available to help you get started in Ashfield.

Self-employment remains an important part of the UK economy, providing opportunities for people to build businesses, pursue freelance careers and create flexible ways of working. Recent labour market data shows there are around 4.5 million self-employed people in the UK, representing approximately 13% of the workforce. Although self-employment fell following the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to play a significant role in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth.

Whether you're thinking about becoming a sole trader, freelancer, contractor or starting your own business, working for yourself can offer greater independence and flexibility. It can also provide an opportunity to turn a hobby, skill or professional expertise into a sustainable source of income.

Is self-employment right for you?

Working for yourself can be rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities. Unlike traditional employment, you'll be responsible for:

  • finding your own customers or clients
  • managing your finances and taxes
  • keeping accurate business records
  • marketing your products or services
  • planning for periods when work may be quieter

Before taking the leap, it's worth considering your skills, financial situation and business idea to ensure you're well prepared.

Getting started

If you're planning to become self-employed, some of the first steps include:

  • researching your market and customers
  • deciding on your business structure (for example, sole trader or limited company)
  • registering with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)  where required
  • opening a business bank account
  • understanding your tax and National Insurance obligations
  • creating a business plan and budget
  • exploring available business support and funding opportunities

Starting a business is only the first step. Many businesses benefit from ongoing support with marketing, financial planning, digital skills, networking and growth planning. The organisations listed on this page can provide support throughout your business journey, not just during the start-up phase.

Funding and finance

Depending on your circumstances there may be grants, loans and other funding opportunities available to support your business journey. The organisations listed on this page can help you identify the most appropriate support for your business idea.

Support available in Ashfield

A range of local and regional organisations can support aspiring entrepreneurs and self-employed residents, providing advice on:

  • starting a business
  • business planning
  • funding and finance
  • marketing and digital skills
  • networking opportunities
  • growth and expansion

Whether you're looking to launch a side hustle, become a freelancer or build a growing business, there is support available to help you take the next step.

You can also get help by accessing free business start-up support, such as:

Business Support Team

Ashfield District Council's Business Support Team can provide advice and signposting to help you start, grow and sustain your business. Whether you need help finding premises, accessing funding opportunities or connecting with local support programmes, the team can arrange a one-to-one discussion to help you take your next steps.

NBV Business Solutions Ltd

Anyone can start a business; you just need the right guidance and support and that is where NBV step in. Whether you have an amazing idea, have spotted a gap in the market or have taken a break from your business and are now ready to re-start trading with some fresh ideas, NBV can help you get things off the ground.

King's Trust free enterprise programme

This is for 18 to 30-year-olds living in the UK, who want to start their own business. There are 4 stages to the programme, including a 4-day workshop, business planning, and idea testing with help of a mentor and a business launch stage with access to mentoring, business planning support and potential start-up finance opportunities.

Kick Off in Business course

This is a free online course to help individuals that are interested in becoming self-employed. The course will explore useful topics such as:

  • the formalities of setting up
  • legal requirements and insurances
  • finance, money, and grants
  • opportunities and risks
  • business planning
  • branding
  • creating an identity
  • finding a USP
  • building a proposition
  • social media and marketing

 

Ingenuity Impact programme

This is a free national innovation and entrepreneurship programme that empowers people to turn ideas for change into exciting new ventures which impact social, health or environmental challenges. It can provide start-up skills training, mentoring and networking opportunities, plus routes to funding for early-stage business ideas. It’s being delivered by the University of Nottingham and provides both in person and online support activities.

Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Nottinghamshire

This is a free national innovation and entrepreneurship programme that empowers people to turn ideas for change into exciting new ventures which impact social, health or environmental challenges. It can provide start-up skills training, mentoring and networking opportunities, plus routes to funding for early-stage business ideas. It’s being delivered by the University of Nottingham and provides both in person and online support activities.

Creative businesses and freelancers

Many Ashfield residents operate as self-employed creatives, including artists, designers, photographers, makers, performers, musicians and digital content creators. Several of the organisations highlighted on this page can help creative entrepreneurs develop business skills, access funding opportunities and connect with local and regional support networks.

Incubation offices

You may also need to consider where you will operate your business. Do you need your own office? Can you take a desk in a shared space? If you only require space for a few hours a week, then you could look at co-working or hot desk spaces.

Ashfield District Council has some low-cost incubation offices to help support young, growing businesses. You can email the estates team directly to ask about available offices in the following buildings:

  • Ada Lovelace Building - Kirkby in Ashfield
  • Byron Business Centre - Hucknall
  • The Kingsway Lodge - Kirkby in Ashfield
  • High Pavement Building - Sutton in Ashfield
  • Kings Mill Leisure Building – Sutton in Ashfield

 

Local markets

If you want to explore a retail space, then a good way to experience this is to have a stall on one of our local markets.

Support for starting a social enterprise, voluntary or community organisation

Ashfield Voluntary Action can support you in bringing your social enterprises to life, giving you access to advice and online resources.

Retail premises

If you would like help to find retail premises, information can be found on our commercial properties to let page.

Related links

Page last updated 18 August 2026

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