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.

Career flexibility: Juggling parenthood with business ambition

Caroline Crabbe, general manager at Jo Jingles, discusses how to balance the responsibilities of work and raising a family.

Work life balance

Advice

Valentine’s Day spending continues to rise

Here, we look at the upwards trajectory of UK Valentine's Day spending.

Advice

Corporate gift etiquette: How to get it right

Here, we look at how to exercise judgment when giving a corporate gift.

Advice

Why SMEs should sort their cards for Valentine’s day  

Almost three fifths of small companies still do not have the means to process card payments. Gareth Poppleton discusses the increase in demand for card payment facilities.

Business Ideas & Planning

Tips and tricks for the business paths less travelled 

Here, we look at why a niche business might be a viable option.

Investing in a franchise

Why a franchise sector could be the right choice

Pip Wilkins discusses the continuing strength of the franchise sector and why franchising is such a viable option for a would-be business owner.

Advice

Five essential security tips for small businesses

Here, we look at both cybersecurity and physical security tips to protect your company.

Startup Funding and Grants

Ten steps to producing a robust financial model for your company

Kevin Lonergan discusses how to present your company's financials in preparation for the scrutiny of investors.

Advice

Five essential security tips for small businesses

Here, we look at both cybersecurity and physical security tips to protect your company.

Startup Funding and Grants

Ten steps to producing a robust financial model for your company

Kevin Lonergan discusses how to present your company's financials in preparation for the scrutiny of investors.

Advice

Six tips for being productive while travelling on business

Here, we look at some top pointers for working effectively on the move.

Startup Funding and Grants

How three small businesses raised money and grew

Here, we look at three companies at different stages of development, how they acquired funds and built their businesses.

Business Ideas & Planning

Would Santa be considered by HMRC as being in business?

Emily Coltman gives the lowdown on what Santa's annual gift extravaganza could potentially be classed as.

Business Ideas & Planning

One day to get your small business on track

Matthew Levington and Rod Davies of Business Doctors reveal how to give yourself one day to get you working on your business, rather than in it.

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