Start up business ideas
To be successful, you need a viable business idea, bags of drive and sufficient funds.
Also in this topic

• Running a business
• Types of business
• Testing business ideas
• Is running a business really for you?
• Founder profiles

Set up a business
Research, choose and register the right form of business to avoid unintended risks.
Also in this topic

• Registering as a sole trader
• Setting up a limited company
• Business names
• Buy a franchise
• Buying a business
• Starting an online business
• Setting up a social enterprise
• Small business support

Financing a business
Sources of start up funding, from banks to investors and grants to personal savings.
Also in this topic

• Start up costs
• Start up funding
• Setting prices
• Cash flow

Tax and National Insurance
Businesses and the self-employed must register for, report and pay a range of taxes.
Also in this topic

• How to work out tax and NI
• Accounting and bookkeeping

Business law
From employment law to product safety, businesses must comply with a wide range of rules.
Also in this topic

• Licences and registration
• Protecting intellectual property
• Insurance for business
• Workplace health, safety and environmental rules

Business planning
Attract funding, track progress and grow your business with a thorough business plan.
Also in this topic

• Write a business plan
• Business strategy

Sales and marketing
Drive sales and promote your business and products to new and existing customers.
Also in this topic

• Create a brand
• Looking after your customers
• Promote your business
• Your marketing strategy
• Sales techniques
• Research your market
• Trading internationally
• Creating and optimising a website

Business premises
Home office, high street shop or warehouse? Choosing the right premises is essential.
Also in this topic

• Commercial premises
• Premises security

Employees
A business' success often depends on its employees. But managing them can be a challenge.
Also in this topic

• People management
• Recruitment, contracts, discipline and grievance
• Employment rights
• Hiring employees

Business IT
IT has revolutionised the workplace, opening up new possibilities - and security risks.
Also in this topic

• Buying IT for your new business
• Basic IT security

Scale up your business
Half of all businesses fail within five years. So how do you scale and grow your business?
Also in this topic

• Funding business growth
• Preparing for business growth
• How to scale up your business
• Personal development