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?

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
• Sales techniques
• Research your market
• Trading internationally
• Creating 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

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
• How to scale up your business
• Preparing for business growth