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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.

Start Your Own Business podcast celebrates 200,000 downloads

10 March 2025

The Start Your Own Business podcast, created by the team behind the Donut small business websites, is celebrating two exciting milestones. The podcast has reached 200,000 downloads in the same week that the 50th episode is released.

Fiona Prior, host of the Start Your Own Business podcast, said, “We’re really excited to reach our 50th episode and 200,000 downloads. We never imagined it would be this successful when we first started out.

“Running your own business is challenging. Overnight, you become captain of your own ship and it’s down to you to keep things afloat. We have spoken to some really inspiring small businesses and leading experts and we have covered the whole gamut of small business topics. Everything you need to know when running your own business. I can’t wait for the new episodes to drop.”

Upcoming episodes feature Gus Bhandal, founder of LinkedIn-first digital and social media marketing agency, The M Guru, Darren Fell, founder and CEO of Crunch Accounting and small-business marketing specialist, Tracy Heatley.

Launched in March 2021, the Start Your Own Business podcast has become a must-listen resource for sole traders and small business leaders here in the UK. Fiona said, “We wouldn’t have reached this point without our fabulous sponsors. This series we’re delighted to be working with investment platform, Lightyear. We also couldn’t have done it without our original host, Chloë Thomas and all the fabulous guests who have given us their time and insights.”

Episode 50 of the Start Your Own Business podcast will be released on 11 March 2025.

Start Your Own Business podcast

Written by Rachel Miller.

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