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Start up business ideas

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.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Skills and wellbeing

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Business planning

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

Start up funding

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.

Tax and National Insurance

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.

Business law

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Business premises

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.

Employees

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

Business IT

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Grow your business

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 up funding

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

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Essential guide to subsidised and guaranteed loans

If you have a promising business but can't provide the security needed for a bank loan, a supported loan scheme may be what you need.

Essential guide to overdrafts and bank loans

Overdrafts and bank loans are the most common form of external financing available to businesses. Read our guide to reducing the cost and risk.

10 options for funding your small business

There are many ways to raise business funds - but which is right for you? Jonathan Amponsah reviews the top finance options for small businesses.

How to get a business loan

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.

Alternatives to the high street banks for business loans

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.

Seven mistakes that turn investors off

If your business is looking to raise finance, be sure you're not accidentally putting off potential investors. Avoid these fundraising faux pas.

Essential guide to financing your start-up business

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.

Making the most of your bank - checklist

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.

How we started up successfully without external finance

When Manveel and Ras Deol spotted a gap in the market, they were determined to keep their business independent and self-funded. Their story.

Getting a grant - checklist

Your business might be entitled to claim a grant. Here's how to identify a scheme and apply for grant funding.

Essential guide to start up business grants

Securing a small business grant could really help your business develop. Here's how to identify relevant small business funding schemes and manage the application process.

Crowdfunding: a realistic alternative to bank lending?

Access to bank credit can prove tricky for start-ups and small firms. Crowd funding is one solution, but is it a viable option for you?