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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Top 20 ideas for starting a trade business

The best business ideas are those where your business can satisfy a customer's need or meet a gap in the market. This is never truer than when your business can solve a customers urgent problem such as a burst pipe, a flat tyre or sort out some dodgy electrics and you're the only person in the area that can help.

If you are a skilled tradesperson, it is likely there is someone who needs your help right now in your local area. Social media is filled with requests for recommendations for reliable and trusted decorators, plumbers, roofers, electricians and numerous other skilled trades.

If working for yourself sounds appealing, one of these trade business start-up ideas could be for you.

  1. Start a building firm or construction-based business

  2. Become an electrician

  3. Start a scaffolding business

  4. Start a waste collection, skip hire, or architectural salvage business or become a scrap metal dealer

  5. Open a tool hire business

  6. Become a painter decorator

  7. Open a builders' merchant

  8. Launch a window fitting business

  9. Start out as a tiler

  10. Become a driveway and patio installer

  11. Start out as a plasterer

  12. Become a plumber

  13. Become a furniture maker or restorer

  14. Become a roofer

  15. Start a tree surgeon business

  16. Start a carpet fitting business

  17. Become a locksmith

  18. Become a burglar alarm fitter

  19. Become a blacksmith

  20. Become a thatcher

If you've got a skilled trade and crave the opportunity of being your own boss, these business ideas could be right up your street. But, if none of these get you fired up, you can always check out the many other start up business ideas we have covered.

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