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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.

Financing routes

Can you give me examples of financing routes for my first business?

Startup Funding and Grants

Advice

The Companies Act 2006

The Companies Act was finally given Royal Assent to become law on 8 November 2006. It consists of a mammoth 1,300 sections and at 760 pages it is the most substantial Act of Parliament to date relating to company law. Click to read the need to know guide.

Business Ideas & Planning

Transferring assets to a company

If you set up a limited company, can you transfer assets to the company which you already own? e.g. an existing PC, already owned? I would assume it would have to be at market value.

Advice

Tips for ethical business

With moves towards environmental protection and the notion of accountable business increasingly accepted as favourable codes of practice to follow, it is important that small firms incorporate ethical and environmental principles into their business plans and day-to-day working lives. Click here to find out how...

Investing in a franchise

Day-to-day franchise success

Why are some franchises more successful than others? Part of it comes down to choosing an established company with a proven track record and a good reputation.

Advice

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.

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.

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?

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Future-proof your business communications set-up

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