Set up new premises for energy

Energy subsector expertise is clustered throughout the country, where you can benefit from being close to key research centres, production facilities and infrastructure.

Energy clusters

Major areas of activity by subsector include:

  • compound semiconductor expertise for batteries in Wales
  • UK’s first heat network cluster, in the North East of England
  • battery research and upscaling in the Midlands
  • pioneering energy storage projects in Scotland
  • offshore wind – construction of the world’s largest facility, off England’s northeast coast
  • advanced nuclear technologies in Wales
  • the East of England and Scotland, where the whole nuclear lifecycle is demonstrated across multiple power stations
  • hydrogen production and future storage in the Liverpool City Region in the North West of England
  • early wind and tidal electrolytic hydrogen production in Scotland
  • sustainable transport fuels and hydrogen research in the Solent in the South of England
  • electrical networks – the world’s longest subsea connector links the UK (via the North East of England) and Norway

Incubators

These are business growth programmes typical for early-stage startups. They provide physical space for startups, with shared facilities and business support services. They’re often based in science parks.

There are around 400 incubator programmes currently operating in the UK. Most incubators will charge your company fees or rent, but this is often subsidised by a university or public funding.

Accelerators

As the name suggests, these are business growth programmes focused on scaling startups rapidly. They often offer direct funding in return for equity (typically less than 10%).

Accelerators will typically offer your company services through an intensive programme lasting 3 to 12 months. There are currently around 300 programmes operating in the UK.

Find out more on the websites of energy sector accelerators, including:

View a directory of accelerators and incubators in the UK on the website of the Centre for Entrepreneurs (requires free registration)

Find out more about collaboration opportunities and spaces for innovative UK companies in our guide to research and collaboration in the UK.

Freeports

You can access a wide range of customs and tax benefits by expanding your business within a UK Freeport. These are special areas within the UK’s borders where different economic regulations apply. Freeports can provide invaluable opportunities for energy businesses and access to planning, infrastructure and innovation support from the UK government.

Find out more about UK Freeports on GOV.UK.

There are 12 Freeport areas in the UK, and all offer potential benefits to energy businesses. Below is an overview of the energy subsector opportunities for each one.

Advanced stages of development

Freeport areas or projects in early-stage development

Find office space

The UK has a competitive market of specialised serviced office companies, professional services companies and virtual office providers, all ensuring costs are kept low for clients.

Virtual offices allow companies to meet any legal obligation to have a registered address in the UK, without paying for a physical office.

You can compare prices for office or other space on commercial property search engines, such as Estates Gazette,  and the websites of office advisory services like Instant Offices or Flexi Offices.

Support from local business programmes

The nations and regions of the UK have a network of private-public partnership bodies that look after local economic development. These bodies may be able to support you with finding office space.

England

Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hubs support businesses across England. Find links on the Growth Hub network listing.

UK nations

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland manage their programmes for business support, funding and finance in their areas.

More information on the programmes’ websites:

Regulations

If you’re preparing to invest in energy generation or storage, you’ll need to be aware of the UK’s regulatory frameworks. The UK’s regulatory environment across energy subsectors is robust and mature, while encouraging collaboration, research and growth.

For example, the Office for Nuclear Regulation is internationally respected and operates on an outcome-based approach, supporting innovation and new investments into the sector.

Find out more about energy regulations on the websites of regulators and government departments:

Battery technology

Civil nuclear

Electric vehicles and charging

Office for Zero Emission Vehicles 

Energy networks, including hydrogen

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets

Energy supply and security

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Offshore wind, wave and tidal in Scotland

Marine Scotland