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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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Also in the news this week - 8 May 2015

8 May 2015

Why SME owners are failing to plan

Almost one third (29%) of SMEs don't have a business plan according to the latest Business Barometer from Close Brothers Asset Finance. 
Of those, 43% say they don't think a plan is necessary; a fifth keep their ideas in their head; and 15% say a business plan isn't a priority.
CEO Mike Randall, said: "It is somewhat concerning that so many small and medium-sized firms do not have a business plan as without clear direction, they may be missing out on opportunities for growth and not realising their full potential. Planning is key to any business throughout its lifecycle."

Date for the diary: British Business Show

Europe's biggest business event, the Great British Business Show, takes place on 13 and 14 May at the ExCel centre in London. It encompasses the Going Global, Sales Innovation and Business Start Up shows. Keynote speakers include Piers Linney from Dragons' Den, Brad Burton of 4Networking and Julien Callede of Made.com. The show plays host to 350 exhibitors and there will be free masterclasses, workshops and seminars as well as opportunities for networking.

Shop prices continue to fall

Overall shop prices saw deflation of 1.9% in April according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). April saw the 24th consecutive month of falling shop prices and the 25th consecutive month of falling non-food prices. BRC director general Helen Dickinson said: "Prices in Britain's shops continue to fall. Food prices remained at their record low for a second consecutive month. This means that for five out of the last six months food prices have fallen. The falling prices of non-food goods slowed down very slightly."

UK broadband connections exceed 23 million

The latest figures from Ofcom show that the UK ended 2014 with 23.73 million fixed line residential and small business broadband ISP connections (excluding corporate lines). In the fourth quarter of 2014 alone, an additional 319,000 connections were added. Mobile subscriptions have also increased. The UK now has 83.7 million mobile subscriptions as of the end of Q4 2014, up 1.2% on the previous year.

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