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.

Set up a business - overview

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

Business names - overview

A good business name can be a powerful marketing tool. Discover how to choose a company name and how to register your business name.

Buy a franchise - overview

Buying a franchise gives you a ready-made brand, with an established trade mark and successful format. Find out why it can be a winning format.

Small business support - overview

When you start your own business, you'll face tough challenges and decisions. We share some of the key sources of free and paid-for advice.

Buying a business - overview

Buying a business can be less risky than starting one from scratch. Discover the pros, cons and potential pitfalls of buying a business.

Female business owner starting a business
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How to start a business

How to start a business: everything you need to know, from choosing a business name and registering a company to writing a business plan.

Female business owner registering a new business
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How to register a business

How to register your business with Companies House, how to register as a sole trader and how to register your business name as a trade mark.

A sign on a wall outside business premises
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Q&A: Displaying company names

You must display your company name at its registered office and at the place where it keeps its company records for inspection, says Andrew Millet.

A man poses for a photo outside his single-member company premises
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Q&A: Single-member companies

The register of members of a single-member company must contain an express statement to the effect that the company has only one member.

Piece of paper with 'Franchise' written in red ink with a list written underneath
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Essential guide to buying a franchise

Franchising allows you to set up a business following a proven formula - although you'll be subject to restrictions. Our guide to franchising.

'TIME TO FRANCHISE' written on a tablet with various items surrounding it
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How and why I became a franchisee

Actress and singer Daniele Coombe owns the Exeter franchise for Monkey Music, for pre-schoolers. She explains how and why she became a franchisee.

A blue folder on a desk with the word agreement on it
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Q&A: Franchising agreements

Laura Clarke, associate solicitor at WBW Solicitors, answers key questions about franchise agreements and says the agreement needs to be in writing.

A man completes the contract to buy a business
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Q&A: Buying a business

Buying a business can be less risky than starting one. If the business has customers, then it has income. But it will need upfront investment.

A shopper examines some shoes being sold online
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How to set up an online store

Josh Barling is joint owner and CEO of eCommerce agency Sellerdeck. He shares his top tips for setting up an online store.

A social enterprise works with young people
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Q&A: Social enterprises

Unlike even the most ethical of other start-ups, social enterprises have environmental or social values at the very core of everything they do.

A mature business woman mentors a younger woman
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Q&A: Mentoring

Running your own small business can be lonely and it can be difficult to know what to do when faced with new challenges unless you have a mentor.