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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.

Moving premises - checklist

Moving premises can be highly disruptive. It's important to plan the move so you can resume work with a minimum of fuss and time lost. Here's what to consider

  • Start planning well in advance - at least six months before the move if possible. Plan to move during a quiet period with no other major disruptions.
  • Create a small move team, with a nominated move co-ordinator in charge who can delegate specific tasks to other team members.
  • Create a business-as-usual team to maintain customer service and key operations during the move. Make contingency plans in case of unexpected problems.
  • Involve a removal contractor from an early stage and confirm exactly what they will do; check that they have suitable insurance.
  • Arrange any specialist help needed for relocating and reconfiguring IT and telecoms systems (and any other complex equipment).
  • Prepare an outline programme to control the move and identify the lead time for each task, set target completion dates, and allocate responsibility.
  • Progress and complete legal transactions to dispose of the old premises, make any reparations and acquire the new premises; arrange any permissions required.
  • Give suppliers, customers, the authorities and other contacts advance notice of your change of address; use it as a marketing opportunity.
  • Organise updated stationery and marketing materials. Don't forget to update your website too.
  • Arrange to transfer and terminate services and utilities, including phone lines and broadband. Redirect mail and phone calls. If necessary, arrange new local suppliers.
  • Notify your insurers of the move to ensure continuity of cover.
  • Prepare a detailed plan of your new premises; arrange any alterations, cabling, decoration and so on.
  • Label everything to be moved, with a code showing where it will go in the new premises; clear out and dispose of unnecessary clutter.
  • Involve, consult and update employees throughout the moving phase. Consider how any relocation will affect them and what their contractual rights are.
  • Keep a back-up of your IT system and a copy of the contact details for all suppliers, customers and employees in case of any problems in getting your system back up and running.

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