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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.

More businesses get the green light to reopen in July

23 June 2020

Many more businesses in England will be able to reopen from 4 July, including pubs, hotels, restaurants and hairdressers.

As anticipated, Boris Johnson has relaxed the two-metre social distancing rule in a move that will allow more businesses in England to open their doors. The government has said that the latest changes are intended to "enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs".

From Saturday 4 July, two households will be able to meet up in any setting as long as they adhere to social distancing measures. Where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, government guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of one metre as long as they follow all other guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission.

Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, as well as holiday accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs and campsites. Some leisure facilities may also reopen, if they can do so safely - including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks, libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.

However, "close proximity" venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will have to stay closed for now.

"Reducing the two-metre rule will undoubtedly bring relief to many businesses," said Edwin Morgan, director of policy at the Institute of Directors (IoD).

"A quarter of our members have said that under current social distancing rules they are likely to operate at less than half capacity. For many, this simply isn't sustainable, particularly with the furlough scheme set to wind down.

"This change isn't a panacea, and doesn't mean safety can take a backseat. If anything, the onus is now even more on directors to ensure rigorous mitigating measures are in place. In some cases, this won't be easy or cheap. With many firms already strapped for cash, the Treasury should consider supporting companies to make the necessary adjustments, particularly as some haven't been able to access schemes so far."

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), welcomed the measures but warned that "we are still a long way from business as usual".

He said: "Broader efforts to boost business and consumer confidence will still be needed to help firms trade their way out of this crisis. Businesses … need a clear roadmap to recovery, including fresh support for the worst-affected sectors and geographic areas, and broader fiscal measures to get the economy moving again."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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