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.

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.

Startup Funding and Grants

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.

Advice

Five dos and don’ts when self-branding your business

Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do when seeking to boost your brand.

Advice

Navigating enterprise management incentives

Here, Stephen Deutsch looks at a key requirement to meet for a company wishing to grant share options to its employees.

Business Ideas & Planning

Moving on up: A growth strategy for sole traders and SMEs

Here, we look at how to manage a growth plan in your small company.

Startup Funding and Grants

Tips for successfully obtaining angel investment

Phil Mitchell presents advice for giving yourself the best chance of picking up equity investment from a business angel.

Advice

Patrick Llewellyn on the importance of small business branding

Patrick Llewellyn, the Australian CEO and president of 99designs, talks about the origins of his branding solutions graphic design marketplace and what business owners should consider when thinking about logo design.

Startup Funding and Grants

Tips for successfully obtaining angel investment

Phil Mitchell presents advice for giving yourself the best chance of picking up equity investment from a business angel.

Advice

Patrick Llewellyn on the importance of small business branding

Patrick Llewellyn, the Australian CEO and president of 99designs, talks about the origins of his branding solutions graphic design marketplace and what business owners should consider when thinking about logo design.

Advice

Why starting a business from your bedroom beats Silicon Roundabout

Here, Irfon Watkins argues against the trend to centralise start-up activity in certain locations.

Advice

Why small businesses should take care when it comes to image licensing

Here, in association with iStock, we look at why it is important to stay diligent when using images found online.

Advice

Five common business failures and how they can be avoided

Kevin Hughes reveals the big mistakes made by companies and discusses how not to make them yourself.

Advice

What to do if there is a fire in your business

In this piece, we look at why you should be fighting fire with knowledge.

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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