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.

The Ups and Downs of Becoming an Entrepreneur

If you're thinking about starting a small business you need to avoid rose-tinted spectacles and consider the challenges you will face as well as the benefits you'll reap.

Advice

Sole trader

Can sole traders work for just one company?

I am a self-employed sole trader. Is it correct that I can't work for one company all of the time? If so, is there a percentage of work I must do for other people or companies?

Advice

Expert advice: Find a mentor

Running a business can be a lonely experience. It often involves having to make difficult decisions on your own, without anyone to turn to for advice and support. The experience and guidance of a high calibre mentor can make the difference between success and failure for an ambitious company with high growth potential.

Startup Funding and Grants

Non-disclosure agreements and raising funding

I've got a great idea for a business but I'm reluctant to approach sources of funding because I don't want anyone to steal it.

Advice

Open courses on running a business

I'm currently employed with a good salary. However, like a lot of others I long to be my own master. To this end, I'd like to learn about the 'hard facts' of running a business before falling victim to 'rose coloured spectacle' syndrome.

Business Ideas & Planning

Plan for success in the next 10 years

As social, economic, political and organisational pressures are set to increase at an ever greater pace, small firms need to make sure they are prepared for change, says the latest report from the Orange Future Enterprise coalition (OFEc). This guide offers some points to consider.

Startup Funding and Grants

Small business funding

I am unemployed and living in London. I am keen to start a business as a market stall trader but have no money to fund the project. I have a business plan, but no business record and am worried this will hinder my chances of gaining funding. Other than banks etc., are there any companies or schemes that will help me?

Business Ideas & Planning

Implications of starting a business whilst in full-time employment

Can I work as sole trader and continue with my full-time job, while I'm setting up my new business, without informing my current employers?

Startup Funding and Grants

Small business funding

I am unemployed and living in London. I am keen to start a business as a market stall trader but have no money to fund the project. I have a business plan, but no business record and am worried this will hinder my chances of gaining funding. Other than banks etc., are there any companies or schemes that will help me?

Business Ideas & Planning

Implications of starting a business whilst in full-time employment

Can I work as sole trader and continue with my full-time job, while I'm setting up my new business, without informing my current employers?

Advice

Opening a bonded warehouse

I am interested in opening a bonded warehouse, could you point me in the right direction as to who I should contact to start the ball rolling?

Business Ideas & Planning

Documentation for living and working abroad

In 2005, almost 200,000 Britons headed overseas permanently and many of these people are leaving the UK to start up their own business abroad. A major hurdle they will have to clear, however, is gaining permission to start a business in a new country – applying for a visa or work permit can be a lengthy process, which varies from country to country.

Business Ideas & Planning

Buying property abroad

Within just a couple of minutes of internet searching you can find a new apartment, on the south coast of Spain going for £61,000, two minutes from the beach in Cyprus for £60,000 and on the banks of the Black Sea for less than £40,000.

Business Ideas & Planning

Setting up in Australia

Considering seeking business fortunes Down Under? Then there are a set of steps you will need to take, including devising a thorough business plan, settling on a suitable business structure, and scouring the local market to ensure there's sufficient demand for your service or product.

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

HSBC - Advertising feature