Testing business ideas

To avoid starting a new business that's doomed to fail, you must test your business idea rigorously. Discover how to test your business ideas.

Testing business ideas - overview

To avoid starting a new business that's doomed to fail, you must test your business idea rigorously. Discover how to test your business ideas.

An archway made of red white and blue balloons on a sunny day
Article

How to set up a pop-up business

Simon Pitkeathley, chief executive of regeneration agency Camden Town Unlimited, explains how to set up a pop-up business

A close up of a smiling man surrounded by cartoons representing his good ideas
Article

Ten steps to developing your big idea

Many of us have a 'big idea': the idea that fuels our entrepreneurial dreams. But how can we make the transition from dream to business reality?

A start up business reviews the results of their market research
Article

Q&A: Market research for start ups

Before you start a business, you must carry out market research on your prices - it can be the difference between success and failure.

A woman buys an icecream from a seasonal business
Article

Starting a seasonal business

Sometimes ideas have seasonal appeal. If you're lucky, you might be able to generate enough profit to carry you through the rest of the year.

Two people sitting in a hanging chair reading books while drinking
Case study

How we developed our innovative product

Taking an idea from concept to a fully working, product is a massive challenge. Beau Spinks of TiiPii beds tells us how they developed their product.

Man working behind a computer
Article

Start-up story: Bubble Jobs

Adam Butwilowski spotted a gap in the market for a website for web, ecommerce and social media jobs. So how did he turn his idea into a business?

Woman in a shirt and overalls stood behind the counter in a coffee shop
Article

How I found my market niche

After being made redundant, Allie Astell decided starting a business was preferable to finding another position in an uncertain jobs market.

Topless man serving women at a party
Article

Start-up story: Butlers in the Buff

The soar-away success of Butlers in the Buff has been built upon the fact that there are many women who like to be waited on by toned, semi-clad men.