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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.

Start up business ideas

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.

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After being made redundant, Allie Astell decided starting a business was preferable to finding another position in an uncertain jobs market.
Leo Scott Smith was inspired by personal circumstances to develop an intelligent personal safety device - the world's first, in fact. He tells us more.
In this article, Henry Virgin of London-based Green Boar OrganicTea takes a look back to explain how he came up with his idea for a new business.
At first glance, Bookdonors, a Selkirk-based social enterprise, appears simply to sell books to raise money for good cause. But there's more to it.
Long neglected farm buildings in rural Worcestershire were renovated to provide a home for The Fold Bransford Community Interest Company.
Nick Telson and Andrew Webster came up with an idea for a night-life price comparison site. But how did they test it and refine it before launch?
Nick Edmonds is a gardener who knows a lot about "one of the best kept secrets of nature": the awesome pollination activities of the solitary bee.
Sir James Dyson famously overcame many hurdles and rejections to launch his bagless vacuum. What lessons can he pass on to new businesses?
Jane Robson's early career was with top high-street brands, but her own business has given her greater flexibility and a better work-life balance.
You don't come across many Goths who run their own accountancy practices. Meet Psyche Coderre, owner of London-based Death and Taxes.
Musician, producer and business man Jamie Giarraputo lives by the Italian motto 'vivere senza rimpianti' - live without regrets. He explains here.
Mark Williams finds out how one man's belief in organic farming turned into a prosperous business delivering food to thousands of UK homes
It is a problem many working mums face: how to balance a highly demanding job with the responsibility of looking after young children?
Entrepreneur Sue Tumelty shares her start up story and explains how she grew the business into an international firm.
Falling out of love with life as a professional road racer led Yanto Barker to start his cycling apparel business Le Col. Here's what he did.