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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.

Start up funding

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.

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.

Resource topics

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Choosing the right office furniture for your start up business

Your office space can say a lot about your business. Your choice of office furniture has a big impact on staff productivity and the impression your business makes on customers and suppliers.

Should you buy or rent your business premises?

If your start up business is successful, you can quickly outgrow a home office. If you're looking to move on we look at the key considerations when deciding whether to rent or buy commercial premises.

Are we still designing workspaces for PCs rather than humans?

As the way we work evolves, do we need to rethink the design of our workplaces? We look at how modern work trends will influence the design of our workspaces.

HMRC crackdown: how could it affect Airbnb hosts?

If you rent out property via Airbnb, HMRC may have you in their sights if you have not been paying tax on the income. Mike Parkes of GoSimpleTax explains more.

Essential guide to finding premises for your business

The right premises can boost productivity, attract good employees and give the right impression to customers. How to find business premises.

How to choose premises - checklist

The type of business premises you choose can have a big effect on productivity, employee happiness and overheads. Here's how to make the right choice.

Your premises options: home office, rent or buy

Where should your start-up be based? Rachel Miller outlines the pros and cons of working from home, renting office space or buying your own premises.

Essential guide to property licences

Need guidance on property licenses? Our essential guide explains commercial premises law, covering key aspects for businesses.

Essential guide to setting up an office

The right office set up can help make your business more efficient. How to plan your office, including your furniture, equipment and communications.

Setting up an office - checklist

When you move into new premises, there's a lot to think about before you can start work. This checklist tells you what you need to consider.

Essential guide to moving premises

Moving premises can be time-consuming and disruptive to your business, and communication is key. Our guide to planning and managing a premises move.

Moving premises - checklist

Moving premises can be highly disruptive. It's important to plan how you can resume work with a minimum of time lost. Here's what to consider.

Essential guide to getting out of a lease

As your business needs change, you may want to get out of your premises lease - but it will likely involve negotiation with your landlord. Our guide.

Q&A: Finding small business premises

There are a number of options when it comes to business premises: home office, rental, lease or buy. But which is right for you?

Sprucing up your premises - checklist

Are your premises feeling cramped, cluttered or shabby? Follow our tips to give them - and your staff - a new lease of life.