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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.

Training staff on a budget - checklist

It's not always financially feasible to invest in external training for all your staff. Read our tips on how to train your staff effectively without a huge layout.

  • Carry out training needs analyses to assess the skills levels in your business.
  • Ask your staff what they consider their training needs to be - they are well placed to know what skills they need to develop.
  • Determine what is essential training and what might be seen as a luxury - perhaps some areas of your business need more attention than others?
  • Set out your training objectives in a plan, allocate a budget and make sure your objectives are SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based.
  • Share the skills you already have in your business - for example, senior staff could provide coaching or mentoring, and new recruits could shadow more experienced colleagues.
  • Be prepared to outsource some training if you lack in-house resources or know-how.
  • Apply rigorous criteria when choosing external training providers - look for accredited-trainers and check if providers have worked with businesses of your size and in your sector before.
  • Consider cutting costs by focusing your training on key individuals - for example, if you send managers on courses they can relay information back to team members.
  • Look at flexible training options which can minimise disruption to your routine - there are many opportunities for online learning as well as distance learning packages.
  • Find free advice and training - make the most of available government support as well as that from professional and trade bodies.
  • Review your training programme to ensure it is meeting your objectives and you are getting value for money. Evaluation methods might include the use of staff questionnaires and staff appraisals.

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