Hastings Chamber Members Support Start Up September 2026
Start Up September® is an annual campaign run by Let’s Do Business Group throughout September, dedicated to helping new and aspiring business owners take their first steps into entrepreneurship. Since its launch in 2019, it has helped hundreds of aspiring business owners across the South and East of England start their journey of self-employment through training, access to finance, and one-to-one advice.
The campaign evolves each year, and for 2026 the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce was delighted to involve its members, who supported local start-ups through expert-led workshops and drop-in clinics. As September 2026 draws to a close, we’d like to extend our thanks to the members who helped amplify this year’s campaign and provided expert support to small businesses in our town.
“It’s been wonderful to see our members get behind Start Up September this year. Every one of them gave up their time to help local people take a step that can feel daunting, and that generosity is what makes the Hastings business community so special. Thank you to everyone who took part.”
– Emily Wright, Membership Manager, Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce
Meet the members who got involved
Sands & Co Business Consultancy – Bill Neech
Bill Neech from Sands & Co was one of the 2026 Start Up September Expert Advisors, offering free 30-minute online clinic sessions. Known for his straightforward, jargon-free approach, Bill worked alongside business owners to solve challenges, make confident decisions and turn ideas into action.
His sessions helped attendees reflect on what they’d learnt over the month, identify their priorities and leave with practical next steps they could put into action with confidence.
Good Company + Co – Peter Stimpson and Paul Rodger
On Monday 14th September, Peter Stimpson and Paul Rodger from Good Company + Co welcomed six attendees to their in-person workshop, Building a Brand That Customers Remember. Having worked with some of the world’s biggest and most decorated agencies and brands, the pair know what it takes to build a brand that connects with customers and earns long-term loyalty – and shared how big branding ideas can be applied to new and small businesses to build something great.
In this interactive session, Peter and Paul shared practical insights on developing a strong brand identity and creating meaningful customer connections. Attendees left with actionable ideas and a clearer understanding of how effective branding can support sustainable growth.
Ashdown Hurrey and People Hub HR – Sam Carter and Nicky Histed
Near the end of the campaign, on Thursday 24th September, Ashdown Hurrey and People Hub HR joined forces to lead an in-person workshop, welcoming five attendees. Sam from Ashdown Hurrey, a trusted accountancy firm known for its friendly, approachable service, and Nicky from People Hub HR, a local HR consultancy offering practical, professional support to local employers, brought together two of the areas that matter most to new businesses: money and people.
The HR & Finance Survival Guide was split into two mini workshops, each with a clear focus. Sam opened with the financial basics, covering the difference between cash and profit, how to work out monthly spending, invoicing and expense tracking, and a beginner’s checklist of business expenses that can be claimed back. Following on from this, Nicky turned to the people side of the business, guiding attendees through what to consider before making a first hire, the difference between contractors and employees, the true cost of employing someone, and simple approaches to giving feedback and running team meetings. Attendees left with a practical roadmap for keeping their business financially healthy and building a team that grows with it.
Thank you to Bill, Peter, Paul, Sam and Nicky for supporting Start Up September 2026. If you’re thinking about starting a business or want to be part of a supportive business community, find out more about becoming a member of the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce by visiting the Join Us page.
Interested in supporting other small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community? Get in touch with the Hastings Chamber team to find out more about opportunities.