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.

Thinking of starting a business? Why not consider one of these?

Tired of answering to the big man? Looking for a new challenge? Want to be your own boss? Then you are reading the right article.

Setting up a company

Advice

Learn from the greats’ mistakes – PR crisis management for small businesses

SMEs need to consider crisis management and the importance of reputation just as much as larger companies.

Work life balance

A psychological perspective on dealing with the stress of running a business

Here, Jim Cummings outlines how to frame your business and life so that you can enjoy the journey.

Business Ideas & Planning

The food entrepreneur: Building a national brand from scratch

In this piece, we speak to food entrepreneur Julie Waddell about getting her product on British Airways flights, production line scares and diversifying the range.

Business Ideas & Planning

Launching a successful bingo site

Here, we talk about what it takes to launch and run a successful bingo site.

Business Ideas & Planning

Electricians to plumbers – the best cities for building a career in a trade

With 25 new trade start-ups opening their doors every day, new research shows the best cities in the country to start a trade business.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to create a business in 90 minutes

Andy Shield plans to create a new business from scratch in 90 minutes. Will he do it? Is it realistic for others? Here, we find out.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a removals business from scratch

Here, we look at the key factors to consider when setting up and growing your own small removals business in 2017.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to create a business in 90 minutes

Andy Shield plans to create a new business from scratch in 90 minutes. Will he do it? Is it realistic for others? Here, we find out.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a removals business from scratch

Here, we look at the key factors to consider when setting up and growing your own small removals business in 2017.

Advice

Skills of tomorrow must be at the heart of apprenticeship drive

There is a long way to go to make sure vocational training and apprenticeships can meet the aspirations of many talented young people, according to ACCA.

Advice

UK’s aspiring business owners continue to grow in confidence

The future entrepreneurs of Britain feel confident about starting their business moving into 2017, new research reveals.

Advice

Top tips for the small business entrepreneur

Here, we give some top tips for young entrepreneurs starting out a business on how to find success.

Startup Funding and Grants

What to look for in an investor and why there’s more to it than money

In this piece, James Oakes looks at five key criteria for a great investor.

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

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.