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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.

News

August 2020

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The latest government statistics show that over one million freelancers in the UK are not eligible for state support during the coronavirus crisis.

New research has found that skilled freelancers can significantly improve business performance for those that employ them.

UK small businesses saw a 14% drop in revenue in the second quarter of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic but the impact was far less damaging than had been feared.

Three-quarters of Brits say the coronavirus pandemic has prompted them to rethink their spending and saving habits.

Self-employed workers who have been financially affected by coronavirus can now apply for a second grant through the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.

As more people work from home, a new study has found that longer working hours have become standard practice in the UK. 

The Government has launched a Shop Local campaign to help support independent shops on UK high streets.

The drop in income was driven by a record fall in the average number of weeks freelancers worked during the second quarter of 2020.

A new study has found that 17% of self-employed workers have no financial buffer and less than one in ten have insurance to protect their income.

Belfast tops the list of the best cities in the UK for running your own company, according to new research on business costs.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that local economies risk missing out on more than £1 billion in emergency COVID-19 funding if the government goes ahead with plans to close three grant schemes this month.

The government has launched two training programmes designed to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills in the wake of coronavirus.