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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.
A great many people like the idea of starting a business, yet few people go ahead and do it.
Perhaps that is because of the risk of failure and looking foolish.
There is no doubt about it, successfully getting a new business off the ground can be a tough challenge. There are never enough hours in the day. Problems crop up at every stage. Spending money on the business is easy, but generating the sales to pay for it all can be much more difficult.
For these reasons, it is worth putting some time aside for your own personal development.
Chances are you're starting a business in an area where you have pre-existing experience, expertise or a particular passion. And that's great, this will inspire your business idea and spur you on. But, running your business it's likely to mean you need to master new skills and knowledge - especially in the early days when you aren't yet making enough money to bring in outside expertise or additional staff.
When starting and running a business, you might need to master:
Think objectively about where your skills and knowledge might lack. Ask people you trust for feedback; you might be surprised to hear what others think your strengths and weaknesses are.
A business mentor can be a great source of help on your business journey. You can find a mentor through online resources such as mentorsme.
You can also access a range of training, advice and possible funding from your local business support organisation, trade association or further education. Other free and cheap sources of training include LinkedIn Learning, The Prince's Trust, the FSB and through the regional network of Business and IP centres.