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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.

Financing a business

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.

Resource topics

15 results shown
Most customers these days will pay using a payment card. Discover how you can start taking card payments for invoices, online orders or in person.
How to get a business loan; sources of business finance and start-up funding, understanding loan repayment terms and how to apply for a loan.
When your business is ticking over nicely, you can keep spending focused on the right areas. Limiting expenditure could keep you in the black.
The high street banks aren’t the only option for business loans. We look at some of the other options including challenger banks and specialist lenders.
Martin Dunne of Sayers Butterworth chartered accountants explains how to work out how much starting a new business will cost from the outset.
If your business is looking to raise finance, be sure you're not accidentally putting off potential investors. Avoid these fundraising faux pas.
The right suppliers will make a big difference to the cost and quality of your products and services. How to choose suppliers and get the right deal.
Effective purchasing can make the difference between business profit and loss. Our helpful checklist explains how to get the best from your purchases.
Many people are nervous about negotiating purchases, but you could be allowing suppliers to walk all over you. Read our helpful tips.
For many businesses, a 1% cut in costs can have the same impact on profit as a 10% increase in sales. Our guide to efficient purchasing.
Geoff Wightwick of accountancy and business service provider Baker Tilly watches the pennies and provides advice on how to start up on a shoestring.
Using environmentally-friendly suppliers for your business does more than just make you look good. It can also lead to tax breaks and cost savings.
When setting up a new business you need to be clear about how much money you are going to need and where to find it. Read our overview of the options.
Getting bank finance isn't easy these days - but working with your bank and cultivating an open, honest relationship with them could help. Here's how.
When Manveel and Ras Deol spotted a gap in the market, they were determined to keep their business independent and self-funded. Their story.