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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.

Business law

What follows is simply an overview of key laws regarding licensing and registration that affect small business. For more details or specific guidance before you start up, seek professional legal advice.

Find out whether you need a licence

To operate certain businesses you need a licence from your local authority. These include taxi firms, pet shops, boarding kennels, hotels, restaurants, hairdressers, mobile shops, food outlets, massage parlours, sex shops, acupuncturists and tattooists. You'll also need a licence if you plan to sell alcohol.

If you want to open a childminding business or day-care nursery, you must register with the Office for Standards in Education in England, Care and Social Services Inspectorate in Wales, the Care Inspectorate in Scotland or the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland.

Those hoping to operate public-service vehicles must apply to their local council. The Financial Conduct Authority must issue a licence before a business can lend money, arrange credit, collect debts, issue credit cards, offer debt adjusting or counselling services or operate a credit-reference agency.

You must apply for a licence to sell alcohol in a shop, pub, club, nightclub, restaurant, hotel or gaming establishment. Rules also apply to regulated entertainment. Learn more on the GOV.UK website.

Businesses involved in food and drink are also affected by environmental health and food hygiene regulations. Get more information on the Food Standards Agency website.

Find out about health and safety rules

Most businesses are no longer required to register with their local authority. However, businesses who work with hazardous substances or in a hazardous industry may need to be licensed by their local authority or be required to notify the environmental health department of their local authority or the Health & Safety Executive.

Health and safety rules also apply to self-employed people who work alone, as well as those with staff.

Business owners are responsible for the health and safety of their employees, visitors, customers and premises.

For more information read Workplace health, safety and environmental rules. Also, visit the Health and safety made simple site from the the Health & Safety Executive.