Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
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.
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.
Advice
Business Ideas & Planning
Brigette Bard discusses the hot topic of innovation; taking an idea from brainstorm, to concept, to strategy, to launch.
Business Ideas & Planning
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
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
David Vine discusses employee feedback schemes and their value to a small company.
Investing in a franchise
Here, Pip Wilkins discusses the traits a person needs if they want to run a successful franchise arm.
Startup Funding and Grants
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
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.
Startup Funding and Grants
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
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.
Startup Funding and Grants
Richard Prime secured angel funding for his company Sonovate. Here are some tips from him on going about it.
Investing in a franchise
David McGuire discusses the legal implications of franchising and what small businesses should consider.
Advice
Here, we look at the challenges on the path to prosperity for small businesses, including regulation, red tape and access to finance.
Work life balance
Rebecca Bridges discusses the modern requirement to allow more flexible working arrangements for employees looking to have a family.
Partner content
Hospitality businesses have faced a number of challenges in the last couple of years. Find out what funding and support is available.
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Employing & managing staff
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
Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade