Start up business ideas

Set up a business

'TIME TO FRANCHISE' written on a tablet with various items surrounding it

Article

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.

Business planning

A team work on their business strategy

Article

Q&A: Strategy

Strategy simply means having a plan of action to get your business to where you want it to be. The key is to focus on what you're trying to achieve.

Financing a business

The letters DEBT on wooden blocks wiht more blocks being stacked on top

Article

How to collect debts - checklist

Almost every business will experience late payment at some point. This practical checklist will help you recover the money you are owed.

Tax and National Insurance

National Insurance contributions

Article

Essential guide to National Insurance

National Insurance overview for employers to help minimise National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and understand National Insurance rates and allowances.

Business law

An employye negotiates a supplier contract with a new supplier

Article

Q&A: Supplier contracts

Supplier contracts don't really need to be complex, but it's worth involving a solicitor to ensure all contractual obligations are met.

Sales and marketing

Team of five people having a meeting on sofas

Article

Q&A: PR for start-ups

Jane Lee of IT PR specialist Dexterity explains how start-ups can harness the power of effective public relations for the good of your business.

Business premises

Staff packing moving boxes ready to relocate the business

Article

Moving premises - checklist

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

Employees

Grow your business

Graphic of man watering a bar chart to make it grow

Article

Growing your business - checklist

Unless you are happy as you are, you will be looking for ways to develop and grow your business. These ten steps will lead you in the right direction.