Category

Starting a Business

Advice on how to start your own business, with guides to help you plan, develop and finance a start-up company, plus recommendations on registering the business, its legal structure and finding financial backing for growth. Whether you are just beginning or have already taken the first steps and want to keep everything on track, our expert articles will give you the knowledge to help lead you to success, whilst maintaining a good work-life balance.

Starting a business can initially seem daunting, but with good support and a strong idea you can quickly pass through the key stages of the setting-up process and be able to launch your company with a solid foundation.

Topics covered include: regulations and requirements for company owners, finding and selecting the professional services you may need (such as banking, insurance, accountancy etc.), legal structure options (self-employed person, sole trader, a partnership or a limited company), business planning, UK start up funding sources and finding your first customers.

Employing people as a sole trader

We take a look at the procedures around employing people as a sole trader.

Sole trader

Advice

Checklist for starting a business the simple way

Read our simple 18-item checklist to take you through every step of starting your own business. All your questions answered.

Accounting

Sole traders and VAT

Whether you pass the VAT threshold or register for VAT voluntarily, we explain everything you need to know about Value Added Tax

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a dog walking business

For those who love pooches and want to set up a dog walking business, check out this guide to learn more about how to do it

Business Ideas & Planning

6 of the best business ideas for 2025

Have a gander over the six best business ideas for 2025, based on emerging trends and how the market is changing. Go on, get inspired!

Sole trader

What business insurance do I need as a sole trader?

What are the main types of business insurance for a sole trader and what if I’m working from home?

Work life balance

Tips on how to achieve work-life balance

Here, Laura Little, learning and development manager at CABA, gives her top tips on how to successfully achieve work-life balance.

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.

Work life balance

Tips on how to achieve work-life balance

Here, Laura Little, learning and development manager at CABA, gives her top tips on how to successfully achieve work-life balance.

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.

Work life balance

5 things to do before you check your phone in the morning

Morning routine has become a hot topic. Jim Lusty shares five things to do to boost your energy and creativity before you get on the dreaded screen

Work life balance

Succeeding as a ‘parentpreneur’: Top tips

'Parentpreneurs’ have to become wiser at organising their time. Father of five Peter Tuvey reveals how to juggle kids and a business.

Work life balance

Why you should take your family on a business trip 

Here, we look at some reasons why it might be a good idea to mix personal and professional life when you're away on business.

Government Grants

Small business energy grants – what’s available

Whether you want to install an electric car charging station, replace your old boiler with a heat pump or just replace draughty windows, you can apply for a range of energy grants

Business Technology

Future-proof your business communications set-up

Landlines as we know them will be scrapped in 2027 – along with a raft of upcoming business changes. Here's how to ensure your communications set-up is fit for whatever the future brings

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Business Technology

Friendly guide – top tips for small businesses switching to VoIP

With the landline shutdown coming fast, there’s never been a better time to switch to VoIP. Don’t let your small business be left behind!

Export & Import

Avoid delays with exports and imports

Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world