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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.

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.

Advice

Advice

The Questions Most Asked by Small Business Owners

We have compiled a list of the top six questions most frequently put to our panel of business adviser experts.

Small Business Banking

Best business bank accounts for sole traders

We’ve rounded up some of the best business bank accounts created with sole traders in mind

Advice

How to become an urban beekeeper

Becoming an apiarist could keep you as busy as a bee. So do it with patience, preparation and passion – or don’t do it at all.

Sole trader

5 most common tax mistakes when you’re self-employed

Getting on the wrong side of the taxman can be extremely unpleasant and costly. Simon Thomas offers 5 tips to help you stay out of trouble

Sole trader

Checklist for going self-employed – a Small Business guide

Deciding to go self-employed is a big step for anyone. Follow this guide to going self-employed and be confident. We’ve got your back

Advice

Why an MBA could be the right step for small business owners

Here, we look at the value an MBA can bring to your business management skills.

Sole trader

Employing people as a sole trader

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

Advice

Why an MBA could be the right step for small business owners

Here, we look at the value an MBA can bring to your business management skills.

Sole trader

Employing people as a sole trader

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

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?

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What are the benefits of business broadband?

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Partner content

How should I select my business broadband provider?

As with any supplier, it’s important to do your research and ask important questions before you select a broadband provider for your business. But what are the must-have things you should take into consideration?

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.