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Start up business ideas

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Skills and wellbeing

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Business planning

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

Financing a business

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Tax and National Insurance

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Business law

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Business premises

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Employees

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

Business IT

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Grow your business

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Social enterprise

A social enterprise is a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment.  A social enterprise is a business, not a charity, that makes money and profit. 

Grow your business

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Resource topics

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Essential guide to using a consultant

Using a consultant in your business: from the benefits of outside expertise and negotiating fees to agreeing objectives and managing projects.

Q&A: What is the EIS and why should I consider it?

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is aimed at small businesses that are ambitious to grow. Mark Brownridge explains how the funding scheme works.

Using consultants - checklist

Using a consultant can be a great way to get a project rolling or to bring in expert help. We explain how to get the best from your consultant.

Managing your time - checklist

Poor time management causes stress and longer work days. This checklist will help you get on top of your schedule.

Growing your business - checklist

Unless you are happy as you are, you will be looking for ways to develop and grow your business. These ten steps will lead you in the right direction.

Could you franchise your business?

Becoming a franchise could allow you to maximise your returns, but what does franchising involve and what issues do you need to consider?

Managing projects - checklist

If you don't keep control of your projects, you risk missing deadlines, compromising quality and disappointing clients. Here are the steps to follow.

Managing change - checklist

Any change in the workplace can make people nervous - but if handled well change can bring huge benefits. This checklist shows you the steps to take.

Franchising your business - checklist

You're ready to grow your business - could franchising be the answer? Martin Malcolm outlines how you get others to buy into your brand.

How to pitch to corporate partners

Partnering with a bigger business can help you leverage your innovations. How to get in front of the right people - and make a great impression.

Preparing for ISO 9000 - checklist

The ISO 9000 family of standards helps businesses put quality management processes in place. Read our tips for getting accredited under ISO 9000.

Managing your stress - checklist

Running a business is a big responsibility, and can often lead to stress. Read our hints on how to manage overwork and associated health problems.

Ten ways to future-proof your business

Even a successful business can expect a few ups and downs. Will yours weather the storm? Anthony Main tells us what he's learned from adversity.

Ten signs of burnout and what you can do about it

Business owner burnout is on the rise. Rachel Miller explains how to spot the danger signs and how to restore your work-life balance

Strategies for growing your business

You might have reached the point where you need to expand your operation to develop your business. How can marketing help you drive business growth?

10 top tips on scaling your business

Top tips from business mentor Mike Norbury on how to boost your company’s performance, achieve significant growth and scale your company.

Your ten-point business growth plan

A business growth plan should cover everything from sales forecasting to funding. This guide focuses on the key areas that can help SMEs get ahead.

Five things that stop businesses from growing

Benjamin Dyer outlines five of the most common things that stop a business from growing and explains how to avoid these pitfalls

Essential guide to being more self-confident and assertive

Self-belief is key to running a successful business and convincing others to believe in you. How to improve your skills, self confidence and outlook.

Using an interim manager

An interim manager is a flexible, affordable way of bringing in knowledge, skills and insight to your business. Could one be of help to your business?