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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.

Investing in your people - checklist

Following the Investors in People standard helps you show how committed you are to developing your staff and making them feel fulfilled and valued. Here’s how to get started.

  • Find your local delivery organisation through Investors In People on Tel 0300 303 3033 or www.investorsinpeople.co.uk.
  • Ask your local centre for a copy of the Investors in People (IiP) Standard.
  • Ask your local delivery organisation what guidance, help or financial support they provide, or for names of approved advisers.
  • Review your commitment to developing employees - in strategy and plans, and by providing opportunities, encouragement and recognition.
  • Confirm you have a clear business strategy and action plans, including how employee development will help achieve your objectives.
  • Assess the effectiveness of your induction, training and development and whether managers provide effective support.
  • Review how you evaluate the costs and benefits of development activities and their impact on company and individual performance.
  • Investigate employees’ understanding of development opportunities and activities, their effectiveness and your commitment to development.
  • Identify how you can continually improve development activities.
  • Assess in detail how your company measures up against the ten indicators of the IiP Standard.
  • Prepare an action plan to meet the IiP Standard, including appropriate training and development and performance management systems.
  • Identify the costs - in employee time, advisers’ fees and assessment costs - and likely timescales for achieving the IiP Standard.
  • Make a public commitment to achieving the IiP Standard, both to your delivery organisation and to your employees.
  • Explain to your employees what you are doing; take the action required, and build up evidence of how you meet the IiP Standard.
  • Arrange for formal assessment; consider planning a trial run.
  • Once accredited, maintain the IiP Standard and keep developing your business and employees; prepare to be reviewed within three years.

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