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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.

Small Business Saturday unveils SmallBiz100

7 September 2021

Small Business Saturday has chosen 100 inspirational small businesses to mark the countdown to this year's campaign.

Entrepreneurs from across the UK are helping to kick off this year's Small Business Saturday, as the campaign gets underway with its one-hundred-day countdown.

Aiming to support, celebrate and send out a "big thank you" to small businesses for the important role they play within communities, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 SmallBiz100 is showcasing a diverse range of independent businesses from across the UK.

They include The York Gin Company (pictured) as well as Cornish sustainable surfboard company Kiri Surfboards, Wirral-based eco cleaning company Gleaming Gloss and Runach Arainn Glamping, offering luxury yurts on Scotland's Isle of Arran.

Now in its ninth year, Small Business Saturday UK will return on 4 December 2021, following its record-breaking success last year which saw an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day. A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday UK encourages consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities. It was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010.

On Small Business Saturday, shoppers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores. Many businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions. Last year, the campaign was supported by over 90% of local councils.

This year, the SmallBiz100 features a range of environmentally-conscious small firms, which spotlights their role in tackling the climate crisis ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26 in Glasgow this November.

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: "Throughout the crisis we have been reminded of the special role that small firms play in local communities. The stories of this year's Small Biz 100 really bring this to life. As the UK recovers from the pandemic, small businesses still face considerable challenges to get back on their feet and it's important we continue to support them. We are excited to be kicking off this year's campaign to show our thanks to small businesses, and encouraging everyone to get behind us."

Emma Godivala, co-founder of the York Gin company, said: "We're very excited to be recognised in the Small Biz 100. We think it's vital to celebrate small businesses up and down the country, and the role they've played in all our communities. We really believe small businesses can lead the way to a sustainable recovery."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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