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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.

Eat Out to Help Out scheme opens for registrations

14 July 2020

Restaurants, cafes and bars can now sign up to the new government initiative aimed at encouraging people to safely return to eating out.

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme offers a 50% reduction, up to a maximum of £10 per person, to all diners who eat in a restaurant or other eligible food establishment throughout August. The discount applies all day, every Monday to Wednesday, between 3 and 31 August 2020. Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will automatically apply the discount to their bill.

Businesses can then reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HMRC. Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.

The Eat Out to Help Out registration service went live on 13 July on the government website, allowing businesses to join the scheme announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak in his summer statement. Businesses that register will receive a window sticker to show they are using the scheme and can download other promotional materials from the government website.

Jim Harra, chief executive and first permanent secretary of HMRC, said: "The hospitality industry is among the sectors worst affected by COVID-19. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme will deliver support to more than 100,000 businesses, including restaurants, cafes and bars serving food and drink, helping to protect 1.8 million jobs across the UK."

Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak said: "HMRC's quick and easy registration page will soon have you on your way to welcoming back your customers with discounted dining on every Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with a simple process to reclaim these discounts back from the government each week."

The scheme can be used by diners who order food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises. Alcohol is excluded from the offer. A searchable restaurant finder tool will be available to the public before the scheme launches on 3 August.

Written by Rachel Miller.

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