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Business guides  Starting up

Starting up in business can be daunting with lots of things to consider. We offer you guidance and support for a range of issues from writing a business plan to understanding the legal implications of starting up on your own.

Things to consider

Self-employment: is it right for you?

Before deciding to become self-employed, it’s a good idea to think through the implications of working for yourself.

Starting up your own business: overview and first steps

Planning and organisation are crucial in the early stages of setting up a new business. You have a far higher chance of success if you take the time to prepare.

Business plans

A business plan can provide you with a clear sense of direction. It can give your business something to measure its progress against - helping you identify any problematic issues early on and take appropriate action.

Setting up an online business

Building a website will allow you to reach your customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This guide takes you through the first practical steps you need to take to put your business online.

Planning for hard times

In order to prepare for, and escape the worst consequences of, hard times, you need a method of recognising how problems might arise, and a survival plan to activate when they do.

Understanding legal issues

Legal basics for new business owners

When setting up a new business, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the key relevant aspects of the law. Breaking the law through ignorance is no defence so it pays to be informed.

Contingency planning and crisis management

Disasters and serious incidents happen. Does your business have effective contingency plans in place to deal with them?

Choosing and protecting your business name

When you set up in business, one of the first things you must do is choose a name. A well-chosen name can play a powerful part in building your business and contributing to its profile and success.

Once you’ve decided to start up what you should consider

What type of business is right for me?

Deciding whether to operate as a sole trader, partnership or limited company is not always easy. This guide will help you make a more informed decision.

Working from home

Working from home sounds like an attractive prospect – but have you thought through all the practical issues?

Becoming a company director and your responsibilities

It sounds impressive to be able to say: “I’m a company director”. But you need to be aware of your responsibilities.

Setting up a business as a partnership

Though a partnership requires no written agreement it is good practice to draw one up and ask a solicitor to check it for you.

Buying a business

This guide offers some practical measures you can take to help ensure you buy a sound business for a sensible price.

Exploiting a gap in the market

Finding space in a crowded market – operating in a niche

When surrounded by competitors in the same business as you, you need to find a gap in the market, and exploit it.

Getting support for your idea

The challenge of forecasting

This guide offers some ideas for forecasting the future and assessing the feasibility of any opportunities open to your business.

Importing and exporting

Making and receiving payments within Europe

This guide explains the difference between a Bank Identifier Code and an International Bank Account Number and how important they are when making or receiving payments from Europe.

How do I go about exporting? And how can I minimise the risks?

Companies always face a degree of risk when they decide to start exporting, but the rewards for those who compete successfully are considerable.

Importing supplies successfully

This guide looks at the benefits of importing, then takes you through the various requirements, processes and customs practices you need to consider.

Using IT to help your business

Setting up a website

This guide examines the benefits of putting your business online and takes you through the first practical steps you will need to take to establish your presence on the World Wide Web.

The use of IT in your business

Information technology should be considered as another tool to help your business.

Managing your website

This guide provides hints and tips on how to fulfil your business’s online objectives.

Promoting your business on the web

Once you have your own website, you want everyone in the world to know so they can come and take a look.

Setting up and using a computerised customer database

Once set up, a customer database provides a quick and easy way to contact clients and keep essential customer information up-to-date.

Building a virtual shopping cart

If you are selling products through your website you will need a shopping cart to make it easy for your customers to do business with you.

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