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The death of the salesman

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Running a business can be a lonely experience. It often involves having to make difficult decisions on your own, without anyone to turn to for advice and support. The experience and guidance of a high calibre mentor can make the difference between success and failure for an ambitious company with high growth potential.
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Checklist: your idea

You have a great idea for your business and you're champing at the bit to get it up and running. But first, take a few minutes to make sure you are absolutely ready.

Checklist: your finances

Cash is obviously vital to the success of your business and keeping track of where it's coming in and going out is of the utmost importance. Use this template to keep an eye on your money.

Don't Miss

Business loans for starting up abroad

There is no reason in principle you cannot finance the purchase of an overseas business in the UK. The Business Banking Code says that before a bank lends you any money, they will assess whether they feel that you will be able to repay it.

Learning the language

Like it or not, setting up business abroad in all probability means you will have to learn the local language to a reasonable standard in order to have a decent shot at success. Just filling in tax and registration forms can require a fluent speaker, let alone actually doing business.

Being tax savvy

When it comes to relocating and setting up a business overseas, there are a multitude of issues that have to be considered. Getting your tax position in order pre-departure should be high on your list of priorities.

Start A Business News

CBI: Innovation can help businesses survive crunch

Innovation is essential for service sector small businesses to survive in times of economic delivery, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

CBI: Innovation can help businesses survive crunch

Innovation is essential for service sector small businesses to survive in times of economic delivery, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Business growth scheme important for economy, FSB says

Maintaining a scheme which rewards local councils for successfully fostering fledgling entrepreneurs is important for the British economy, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Market research beneficial, says consultant

Asking customers what they want from a business can be 'very beneficial' for entrepreneurs who would like to improve their firm's performance, a consultant claims.

Europe to cut SME red tape

EU legislators have promised to reduce red tape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in member states with the publication of the Small Business Act.

FPB says economy unsustainable for small businesses

There is a 'toxic combination' of problems facing small firms in the UK, according to the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB).

FPB says economy unsustainable for small businesses

There is a 'toxic combination' of problems facing small firms in the UK, according to the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB).

Europe to cut SME red tape

EU legislators have promised to reduce red tape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in member states with the publication of the Small Business Act.

'More consideration of small businesses needed'

The government needs to take more account of the needs of start-up businesses when planning taxation strategy, according to a campaign by the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB).

Start-ups on the rise in 2008

The appeal of starting your own business is growing as around 98,000 new businesses were set up in the first quarter of 2008 in England and Wales, according to research.

Franchising 'can bring returns within the first few months'

People new to business should consider starting a franchise before starting up their own business alone, it has been claimed.

Events Calendar

Business Startup

28th November, Olympia, London

Protecting Your Business

6th September, Best Western Country Hotel, Caerphilly

Investor AllStars Venture Capital Awards 2008

16th September, Hilton, Park Lane, London

Have you got news for us?

13th March, British Library Business & IP Centre

Store

Starting a Business 2007

Starting a Business is the essential guide and resource for anyone thinking of starting their own business, packed with information and tips from the highly experienced team behind SmallBusiness.co.uk

FT Guide to Personal Tax

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as 100 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

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Two years completely free business banking

Get off to a flying start with two years completely business banking for your start-up business. Available with the Business Builder current account from Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank. Plus receive FREE business, legal and tax advice when you open an account from the alternative business bank. Fast track your application and apply online today

Government announces – 3-month free national tender alert trial – limited offer

Gain visibility of Government tender opportunities, valued below £100,000 nationwide. Grow your business by selling to the public sector – register for daily email tender alerts relevant to your business. Register at www.supply2.gov.uk. Offer ends 31 July 2008.

Small business advice Resource Centre

Start a business advice from the HMRC

The HM Revenues & Customs provides advice and downloadable guides on starting a business, how to get things moving and where to get help.

Confidential, free business advice

The Small Business Advice Service use independent business advisors to provide you with free professional business advice.

A guide to business mentors

From time to time you may need some expert guidance. Get all the information you need about mentors here.

Find a mentor

Search for any mentoring schemes that may be able to help you.

Free no-nonsense guide to starting up

If you're thinking of running a business or self-employed, the 100-page No-Nonsense Guide from Business Link saves you time, stress and money.

Free CD-ROM guide for business starters

Barclays planning advice offers a free cd-rom packed with useful and practical way to make the most out of your start-up. Click here for your start-up guide.

Favourite business tools from BusinessXL

Business XL is written by leaders for leaders. The magazine has a wealth of information from entrepreneurs who have started and grown their own business.

Get small business legal advice

SmallBusiness.co.uk has teamed up with TakeLegalAdvice.com to provide you with a free and fully confidential legal matching service. Find out more today?

More Small business advice Resources

Other Start A Business Resources

Polls

Video

Building an online presence

No matter what kind of business you are in, an online presence is a vital.

Business continuity management discussion

Business continuity planning

Ensure that your business can keep going in any circumstances, with a business continuity plan.

Internet marketing

How small businesses can market themselves online, and the importance of an internet marketing strategy.

Interview: Karen Hanton

The founder of toptable.co.uk reveals her route to the top.

Blogs

Continued expansion of the European Union

Marc Barber 01/05/2008

Our poll this fortnight focused on the inevitable increase in migrant workers brought about by the continued expansion of the European Union (EU). Have your say »

Credit crunch: What does it mean for you?

Penny Proffit 25/01/2008

In the current global economic climate, small business owners are likely to be concerned about the consequences of the credit crunch. Penny Proffit has teamed up with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to bring you ten quick tips for survival. Have your say »

Chris Stenning, managing director of UK Online

Guest Blogger 29/04/2008

This beginners' guide from SmallBusness.co.uk and Chris Stenning, managing director of UK Online, can help you get started on the road to being a smart online operator. Have your say »

Q&A

Register or login to ask a question to our panel of experts...

Franchise information

Julie Waites, The Franchise Company

UK Franchise expert

Mark Scott, Natwest

Start-up tips

Philip Wilkinson, Business Link

161 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Setting up a business abroad. Q: Can you register twice as a sole trader? Q: Licence enquiry on international trade
Q: Registering in the UK, living in France Q: Starting a business in the UK from abroad Q: VAT on one off fees Q: Investing company funds overseas

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