Guide to starting a business

Starting a business? Our essential guide is packed with straightforward advice on everything from planning to launch.

When you’re starting a business, taking care of the key start-up tasks properly, and in the right sequence, can help boost your chances of success and get your new enterprise off to a great start. To get started you’ll need a solid business plan. You’ll also need a business name and to register as a sole trader or a company. You’ll need to understand your costs and manage your cash flow and tax payments once you’ve started trading.

Starting a business can provide you with a more rewarding life, but requires careful planning in order to succeed.

To get started you’ll need a good business plan. You’ll also need a brand, a name and competitor knowledge. You’ll need to understand your costs before you get going, and manage your finances once you’ve started your business. Accounting software can help you do that.

When you’re starting a business, taking care of these key start-up tasks properly, and in the right sequence, can help boost your chances of success and get your new venture off to a great start.

We’ve helped thousands of businesses get started and this guide is packed with all our best advice and practical tips including:

  • Deciding when to launch your new business
  • Deciding who you’ll sell to – and how
  • How to analyse your competitors
  • Writing a business plan
  • How to register your new business
  • Managing your business finances including VAT
  • Insider advice from Will King, founder of King of Shaves
  • Essential resources to boost your start-up knowledge