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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.

Creating a positive working environment with happy, motivated staff is not easy. Personalities can clash so people management skills are essential.

Resource topics

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A code of conduct should spell out acceptable behaviour in your workplace, as well as giving you a reference should problems arise in the future.
Following the Investors in People standard helps you show how committed you are to developing your staff. Here’s how to get started.
Read our checklist on creating a workplace email policy, establishing security procedures and letting your employees know what's expected of them.
It’s not always financially feasible to invest in external training for all your staff. Read our tips on how to train staff without a huge layout.
Read our tips on keeping your staff trained so they can carry out their jobs effectively and with a minimum of stress.
Setting clear objectives and supporting learning in the workplace is a valuable investment. Here are our hints on planning for staff development.
For small firms, the loss of a key staff member can be devastating - so what can you do to keep employees happy and loyal?
They say that people don't leave the job, they leave the boss, which is true in many cases. So what do employers do to become known as a bad boss?