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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.

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

Resource topics

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What is a sole trader and how do you start up as a sole trader? Discover how to register, what records you need to keep and the tax you'll pay in this complete guide to setting up as a sole trader.
A guide to the costs of starting a business in the UK including registering a business, banking, building a website and buying accounting software.
How to make money with a side hustle: side hustle business ideas, set up costs, side gig income potential and side hustle tax rules.
The cost of living crisis is making life tough for the UK’s small firms. Our guide highlights the many ways you can get help if your business is struggling.
How to start a business: everything you need to know, from choosing a business name and registering a company to writing a business plan.
How to register your business with Companies House, how to register as a sole trader and how to register your business name as a trade mark.
A guide to government grants for UK businesses and business rates reliefs including the retail discount as part of COVID support measures.
How to start your own business with no money, including starting a side hustle, selling online and using free marketing tools.
Seven simple rules to save money, look professional, and stay organised when starting your business
How to register a business name, including registering on Companies House, registering with HMRC, registering a trade mark and buying a domain name.
How to establish an online presence so that you can market and sell your products online.
Andy Oakley explains how he started up as a sole trader. 'It's dead easy to start up as a sole trader', he says.
13 key things you should know if you are considering becoming a sole trader so you can start your own business or go freelance
Work out your employment status as it has important implications for you for the purposes of tax and employment law
When you set up your business, it pays to get the legal structure right from the start. Read our guide to your options and what you need to consider.