Starting Out

Starting up a new business? Great! We've got advice, tips and inspired ideas to help you on your way

Starting up a new business may be a daunting prospect, but it's also very exciting. Our content offers advice on areas including business plans, start up jargon, tax and intellectual property, as well as inspiration from other startup stories in the UK and abroad.

How to Start a Courier Business in the UK

How to Start a Courier Business in the UK

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How to Start a Courier Business in the UK

Learn how to start a courier business in the UK, from setup and licensing to vehicles, insurance, and finding clients in this complete guide for beginners.

How to Register as a Sole Trader in the UK

How to Register as a Sole Trader in the UK

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How to Register as a Sole Trader in the UK

Thinking of going self-employed? This guide breaks down how to register as a sole trader in the UK, from HMRC setup to managing your tax and growing your business.

Get Started with the Solopreneur Business Model

Get Started with the Solopreneur Business Model

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Get Started with the Solopreneur Business Model

Solopreneurship is on the rise. Discover everything you need to know about this business model and how to get started in this top guide.

8 Steps to Starting a Wholesale Business

8 Steps to Starting a Wholesale Business

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8 Steps to Starting a Wholesale Business

Despite recent upheaval in the wholesale industry, there is a window of opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to launch a business post-lockdown. Here's a quick guide to get started

5 Tips for Starting a Hospitality Business in 2021

5 Tips for Starting a Hospitality Business in 2021

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5 Tips for Starting a Hospitality Business in 2021

Here's everything you need to know about starting a hospitality business in 2021, from writing a post-lockdown business plan to embracing technology

The Rise of the Tech Start-up

The Rise of the Tech Start-up

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The Rise of the Tech Start-up

We take a look at how UK tech startups are managing to thrive despite the Covid-19 pandemic

Costs Associated With Hiring Your First Employee

Costs Associated With Hiring Your First Employee

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Costs Associated With Hiring Your First Employee

Simon Thomas, Founder and Managing Director of Ridgefield Consulting, talks us through the unexpected costs associated with hiring your first employee as a small business owner

The Benefits of Shared Workspaces for SMEs

The Benefits of Shared Workspaces for SMEs

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The Benefits of Shared Workspaces for SMEs

The shared workplace market has grown significantly in the last ten years. Harry Arnold of Free Office Finder explores why co-working spaces are such a popular option amongst UK SMEs

Common Financial Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Common Financial Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

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Common Financial Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Chris Woodard, Co-Founder of Handle.com, explores some of the biggest financial mistakes that new business owners make and how to avoid them

Balancing Motherhood and Running a Business

Balancing Motherhood and Running a Business

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Balancing Motherhood and Running a Business

Rebecca Newenham, Founder of GetAhead VA, shares her tips and advice on how to balance motherhood with steering a growing business towards success

Creating a Pitch Deck To Secure Investor Funding

Creating a Pitch Deck To Secure Investor Funding

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Creating a Pitch Deck To Secure Investor Funding

Creating your first pitch deck can seem like a daunting task. To help you get started, Mike Sims of ThinkLions shares three ways to leverage your pitch deck to win over investors

How to Choose a Phone System for Your SME

How to Choose a Phone System for Your SME

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How to Choose a Phone System for Your SME

Here's a quick guide to the pros and cons of cloud-based and on-premises telephone systems to help you decide which system best suits your business needs

Renting Versus Purchasing a Commercial Property

Renting Versus Purchasing a Commercial Property

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Renting Versus Purchasing a Commercial Property

If you're undecided about your next office space, here's a quick look at the pros and cons of renting versus purchasing a commercial property

The Start-up Guide to Business Funding

The Start-up Guide to Business Funding

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The Start-up Guide to Business Funding

Here’s a quick look at the main funding options available to budding startup founders across the UK, including bank funding, angel investment and government grants

How Virtual Offices Can Benefit SMEs

How Virtual Offices Can Benefit SMEs

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How Virtual Offices Can Benefit SMEs

Many business owners may consider renting out a virtual office space in the early stages of growth. Jamie Herrington of Virtual HQ explores the benefits of virtual offices to SMEs.

The Construction SME's Guide to Securing Tools

The Construction SME's Guide to Securing Tools

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The Construction SME's Guide to Securing Tools

Tool theft can be a huge strain on any construction company, and can even put some out of business. Storage Giant's Simon Williams explores the best ways to secure your tools

How to Launch a Business From Your Kitchen Table

How to Launch a Business From Your Kitchen Table

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How to Launch a Business From Your Kitchen Table

Many small businesses start life from the kitchen table, spare bedroom or garden shed. Merje Shaw, MD of Path59, shares her advice on getting your business off the ground

How to Start a Photography Business

How to Start a Photography Business

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How to Start a Photography Business

Starting a Photography Business takes technical knowledge, creative talent and determination to succeed. Here's an in-depth guide to getting started

What is a Trade Mark? A Guide for Businesses

What is a Trade Mark? A Guide for Businesses

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What is a Trade Mark? A Guide for Businesses

All businesses have a trade mark - in fact, it's nearly impossible to trade without one. But to truly safeguard your brand reputation, getting your trade mark registered is crucial

The Small Business Guide to Tax

The Small Business Guide to Tax

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The Small Business Guide to Tax

Understanding tax law can be tricky, whether you're a sole trader or a limited company. In this guide for small businesses, we cover all you need to know