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.

Franchising your business – A success case study

Mum of two Rachel Ray decided to franchise her domestic cleaning company Bright and Beautiful in 2010. She shares her advice for would-be franchisors with SmallBusiness.co.uk.

Investing in a franchise

Sole trader

Can I exchange my incorporation for sole trader status?

My business is now incorporated with Companies House. If I have not started the business yet can I just fill out the DS01 and pay £10 to remove and close the company and start as a sole trader?

Business Ideas & Planning

James Caan review: The FT Guide to Business Startup

Serial investor and entrepreneur James Caan reviews Sara Williams' guide for entrepreneurs.

News

Credit unions now able to lend to SMEs

Small businesses struggling to access funding have been given an alternative option with the introduction of legislation allowing credit unions to lend to them.

Crowdfunding for Business

Crowdfunding Case Study – Artesano raises £65,000 on Funding Circle

Knitting wool wholesaler Artesano raised £65,000 on Funding Circle, which matches lenders with businesses online.

Advice

I have now gone fully self-employed. What do I need to do differently?

Q: I have now gone fully self-employed. What do I need to do differently?

Business Ideas & Planning

In the mix

National mobile bar and cocktail service Zest Mixology started trading in January this year and expects to turn over £145,000 in its opening 12 months. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Murdo McLeod.

Advice

Growing a family business

The traditional family business has many strengths, but if growth is on the agenda, some tough choices will have to be made. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out whether families can sustain their ethos while stepping up their ambition.

Business Ideas & Planning

In the mix

National mobile bar and cocktail service Zest Mixology started trading in January this year and expects to turn over £145,000 in its opening 12 months. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Murdo McLeod.

Advice

Growing a family business

The traditional family business has many strengths, but if growth is on the agenda, some tough choices will have to be made. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out whether families can sustain their ethos while stepping up their ambition.

Advice

How to increase profitability

SmallBusiness.co.uk presents five ideas for increasing profitability and keeping your business in the black.

Advice

Creating a business from your hobby

If you enjoy something and are good at it, why not earn your living from it? SmallBusiness.co.uk looks at how combining your passion with your day job can work for you.

Starting a Business

Could redundancy be the start of a new business?

SmallBusiness.co.uk offers some pointers to starting a company after being made redundant.

Startup Funding and Grants

What is credit easing and how does it apply to small businesses?

What is credit easing and how does it apply to small businesses?

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

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