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.

Personal training: A blueprint for going it alone

In this guide, we shed some light on how to set up as a personal trainer.

Business Ideas & Planning

Advice

Why courtesy in business goes further than superficial niceties

Here, David Cliff discusses why courtesy in business extends beyond acknowledging clients' birthdays and promotional pens.

Advice

Ten principles for established businesses in growing markets

You can be a recognised player in an evolving market, but it doesn't mean your status is safe. Here, Jeremy Torz explains how to maintain your edge.

Advice

The importance of quality management and ISO 9001 for your small business

This article looks at what ISO 9001 can bring to your company.

Advice

How small businesses are being more energy efficient in their operations

Here, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses, we speak to companies about the measures they are taking to be more energy efficient, not just for cost-saving purposes but also out of respect for the environment.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to innovate: Creating new and groundbreaking products

Brigette Bard discusses the hot topic of innovation; taking an idea from brainstorm, to concept, to strategy, to launch.

Business Ideas & Planning

Creating the next big food start-up: Do you have what it takes?

Here, Tom Mercer talks to the owners of two early-stage food businesses about why they started and the hurdles they faced.

Business Ideas & Planning

More than just a buzzword: The business benefits of a sustainable company

Steven Macatonia reveals why sustainability is at the heart of his company and why you should consider a sustainable mindset when you set up yours.

Business Ideas & Planning

Creating the next big food start-up: Do you have what it takes?

Here, Tom Mercer talks to the owners of two early-stage food businesses about why they started and the hurdles they faced.

Business Ideas & Planning

More than just a buzzword: The business benefits of a sustainable company

Steven Macatonia reveals why sustainability is at the heart of his company and why you should consider a sustainable mindset when you set up yours.

Advice

Employee feedback: Get it, use it

David Vine discusses employee feedback schemes and their value to a small company.

Investing in a franchise

What attributes make an exceptional franchisee?

Here, Pip Wilkins discusses the traits a person needs if they want to run a successful franchise arm.

Startup Funding and Grants

A guide to raising money as a small business

If you're facing a funding challenge, the thoughts outlined in this article by Kevin Lonergan should help you formulate a plan of attack that doesn't leave you bankrupt or burning the candle at both ends.

Advice

Negotiating with suppliers: Be aggressive or pay the price

Lee Biggins was on a steep learning curve when it came to negotiating with suppliers for his early-stage business. Here, he discusses how he learned to get the best deal.

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis

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.

Partner content

16 ways to improve your business cash flow

Read here for 16 tried and tested tips and tricks to improve potential cash flow problems

Business management

How to create good cashflow habits

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