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.

15 best UK side hustles – and how much you could earn

We've got some of the best side hustles that you can take on and the information you need, even if you don't have the money or expertise

Business Ideas & Planning

Partner content

What are the funding options for hospitality businesses?

Hospitality businesses have faced a number of challenges in the last couple of years. Find out what funding and support is available.

Startup Funding and Grants

Securing funding for a small business

From family and friends to business loans, we explore the avenues to consider when you are looking to secure funding for your small business.

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

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a clothing business

Whether you want to sell online, in-store or both, here's what you need to know about starting your own clothing business

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

What to know before starting your own cleaning business

We give some pointers on starting your own business in the cleaning sector, including costs, insurance and building your customer base

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a vending machine business

Check out this article to get you started on your new vending machine business. We'll be looking at location, marketing and what to sell

Business Ideas & Planning

What to know before starting your own cleaning business

We give some pointers on starting your own business in the cleaning sector, including costs, insurance and building your customer base

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a vending machine business

Check out this article to get you started on your new vending machine business. We'll be looking at location, marketing and what to sell

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a baking business

This article will take you through the essentials of starting a baking business, whether you're at home, in a shop or doing wholesale

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a consulting business

Learn what you need to know about starting a consulting business, from finding a niche to start-up costs, plus the pros and cons

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a business

In this guide we’ll be looking at how to start a business, breaking down the vital elements that you need to get going

Business Ideas & Planning

6 of the best business ideas for 2026

Whatever your interests or skills, there's always a small business that you can start. Here are the best business ideas for 2026

Partner content

What are the funding options for hospitality businesses?

Hospitality businesses have faced a number of challenges in the last couple of years. Find out what funding and support is available.

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.

Employing & managing staff

The importance of vocational rehabilitation services for SMEs

In Aviva’s latest SME research*, 57 per cent of employers surveyed agreed that nowadays employees expect benefits to protect against loss of income or earnings. What do you offer your people?

Partner content

What are the benefits of business broadband?

Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade