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Start in Cambridge

From understanding gravity to revealing the structure of DNA, Cambridge and the Region has a long history of creating the future. With 5,000 innovation-driven companies, 60 multinationals, five hospital trusts, three dozen research parks, two universities and one thriving start-up and investor community, we can’t wait to see what comes next.

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Why choose Cambridge?

The University of Cambridge alone is Europe’s no.1 for producing spin-outs, and the world’s no.1 for producing successful tech founders. Centuries of scholarship has created a springboard for success from a city that can draw on over 5,000 PhDs at any one time. Our two universities and their 50,000 students span subjects across the arts, science and humanities. Add in schools, colleges and a growing vocational skills base and you have a self-sustaining, diverse and dynamic talent pool that is as wide as it is deep.

Recently dubbed ’the unicorn capital of Europe’, 23 of the city’s firms have become billion-dollar unicorns and for every venture dollar invested, the city returns 17.

This track record encourages and enables a thriving startup ecosystem. And it all adds up to nearly 20% of the UK’s entire tech value – from biotech to deep tech to quantum computing – That’s the power of this city and region.

23 of the city’s firms have become billion-dollar unicorns and for every venture dollar invested, the city returns 17.

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Key considerations when entering the UK market
Whether you're launching a new entity or expanding an existing one, selecting the appropriate legal form - such as a limited company or branch office - is essential. Each option carries different responsibilities, tax implications, and reporting requirements.
Setting up a UK bank account is a critical early step. Working with a trusted institution, who have has deep experience supporting international businesses, can streamline the process. You’ll also need to consider currency management, international payments, and access to credit facilities.
From registering your business to meeting financial reporting standards, the UK has clear but rigorous compliance expectations. Engaging advisors early on can help you avoid costly missteps.
The UK offers a transparent and competitive tax regime, with incentives for innovation and investment. Understanding corporate tax, funding, VAT, and employment-related taxes is key to managing your financial obligations effectively.
Hiring in the UK means understanding local employment laws, visa requirements, and cultural expectations. Whether you're recruiting locally or relocating staff, having a clear workforce strategy is vital.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly central to UK business strategy. Aligning with these priorities can enhance your reputation and reduce risk.
Success in the UK often depends on building strong relationships. Familiarity with local business etiquette and communication styles can make a big difference - especially in innovation hubs like Cambridge, London, and Oxford.
Whether you're seeking investment, considering an IPO, or acquiring a UK-based company, there are multiple routes to growth. The UK’s financial ecosystem is well-equipped to support ambitious expansion plans.

The Bradfield Centre has brought together industry-leading, expert partners to ensure setting up in Cambridge is straightforward and stress-free.

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How we can help

The Bradfield Centre has brought together industry-leading, expert partners to ensure setting up in Cambridge is straightforward and stress-free, meaning you can stay focused on growing your business.

We will guide you through the process from initial planning to full operational setup, backed by deep local knowledge and connections to help you hit the ground running, and fully unlock the UK’s potential.

Explore our partners and the services they offer

Legal

Mills & Reeve

Mills & Reeve is a leading UK law firm with a strong reputation for exceptional client service and innovative legal solutions. With deep roots in Cambridge and decades of experience in its world-renowned innovation ecosystem, Mills & Reeve is uniquely positioned to support early-stage and scaling businesses.

Our dedicated team advises on every aspect of the start-up and spin-out journey, from structuring and funding to IP protection and growth strategies. But our expertise doesn’t stop there - we understand the full business lifecycle, working with clients from spin-outs and start-ups through to multi-national corporates, ensuring continuity and strategic support at every stage.

Operating nationally across seven offices, including in other key innovation hubs such as London and Oxford, we deliver comprehensive legal services across sectors including life sciences, technology, health and care, built environment, education, and private wealth. Our sector specialists are known for providing market-leading advice tailored to the needs of dynamic businesses.

For early stage companies our LaunchPad offering provides free access to "Need to Know" guides.

Accounting & tax

PEM

Launching and growing a business is exciting, but managing the financial side can be overwhelming. PEM’s start-up package gives early-stage and scaling technology businesses everything they need to thrive, with an approach designed to help founders focus on growth and opportunity.

PEM is Cambridge’s largest independent firm of accountants, tax and business advisors and the firm has been at the heart of the local business community for 150 years.

The firm's commitment to excellence has seen it serve generations of clients, from individuals and sole traders to Cambridge colleges, family-run businesses, and large corporate entities.​​

PEM’s combination of deep local knowledge, international connectivity, and unwavering commitment to client service has established it as more than just an accounting firm, it has become a true Cambridge institution.

Banking & Business Support

Barclays Eagle Lab

We connect founders across the UK through our entrepreneurial network, provide access to expert mentors and opportunities to connect with potential investors. We champion innovation with a variety of business growth programmes designed to support you at every stage of your business journey, from building on an idea and starting up your venture to growing your business and scaling up.

Types of things we can help with;

• Banking Partner – Access to Barclays Innovation Banking with designated Relationship Managers ‘Subject to qualifying criteria.

• Mentoring – Ability to book time with experienced mentors who understand your challenges and could help you move forward with confidence.

• Access to multiple programmes from Funding Readiness to Product Builders.

• Rewards – Our Partnership with Google Cloud and Microsoft allows us to offer credits up to $150,000. ‘’Subject to qualifying criteria’’

• Investor Connectivity – The Barclays Demo Directory is a free network that aims to connect businesses, investors and corporates. It’s a place for ambitious founders to showcase their businesses and raise capital, and for investors and corporates to find new opportunities.

Industry networks & ecosystem access

Cambridge Wireless

Cambridge Wireless (CW) is an international membership organisation connecting over 250 organisations across the advanced connectivity and wireless technology ecosystem, from early-stage start-ups to global operators and leading academic institutions.

For international, deep-tech startups arriving in Cambridge, building the right relationships quickly is critical. CW gives you immediate access to a network that spans industry and academia – including universities, research institutions, and the technical talent that surrounds them – so you can focus on building your business rather than finding your feet.

Membership is structured to scale with your business, with dedicated pathways and pricing for early-stage and emerging organisations.

As a CW member, you can:

• Attend Special Interest Group events and flagship conferences CWIC and CWTEC

• Connect directly with academic institutions, research communities, and industry peers

• Benefit from a matchmaking service to accelerate the right introductions

• Raise your profile across the ecosystem through thought leadership opportunities

Investment

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Investment is at the heart of the Government’s growth mission – supporting businesses to invest, grow and export.

In Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, our specialist inward investment service:

• Market, Sector & Property insights - We know the landscape

• Investment Case Development - Use our networks to build your case

• Talent and Recruitment - Tap into our funded skills provision

• Finding Partners - Academic research, suppliers and commercial

• Connections and Community - Leverage our strong personal networks

• Fuelling your success - Relationship management, export and expansion aftercare service

Housing, Schools, & Relocation Support

Move to Cambridge

Move to Cambridge is an established bespoke relocation service based here in Cambridge. Our mission is to make relocating to Cambridge enjoyable and stress free and to ensure clients have the best foundations in place for their new life in the city.

We specialise in supporting individuals and families relocating from abroad or within the UK, navigating the complexities of housing availability, school admissions and commuting logistics.

We can secure property, nursery and school places, helping new employees settle quickly so they can focus on their work and enjoy social activities. We offer clear advice on suitable neighbourhoods, budget and commute and have access to off-market properties and strong relationships with all major letting agents in the city.

Our support extends to the whole family ensuring spouses, partners, and children are supported both in terms of their commutes and establishing their social networks. The scope of our work extends to connecting clients with a car sourcing company, financial advisers, mortgage brokers and appropriate medical services.