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Start up business ideas

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.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Skills and wellbeing

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Business planning

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

Financing a business

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.

Tax and National Insurance

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.

Business law

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Business premises

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.

Employees

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

Business IT

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Grow your business

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.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Resource topics

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Q&A: Social enterprises

Unlike even the most ethical of other start-ups, social enterprises have environmental or social values at the very core of everything they do.

Q&A: Ethical trading

Being an ethical business can reduce the negative impacts on people, animals and the environment. It can also boost your bottom line.

Why I chose Community Interest Company status for my business

At first glance, Bookdonors, a Selkirk-based social enterprise, appears simply to sell books to raise money for good cause. But there's more to it.

How our CIC brings remote communities together

Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company was set up in Glenelg in Scotland in 2006 to run the Isle of Skye ferry for the good of the community.

How our CIC provides a haven for artists

Long neglected farm buildings in rural Worcestershire were renovated to provide a home for The Fold Bransford Community Interest Company.

Top tips from Community Interest Company Miss Macaroon

How can would-be entrepreneurs turn their dream into a reality? In this case study Rosie Ginday of Miss Macaroon shares how she built her business.

Essential guide to accessing knowledge and networks

Networking can help you to share knowledge, forge alliances and access the skills and experience of others. Read our guide to collaborating.

Essential guide to getting help setting up and running a business

Setting up a business can be challenging and you're unlikely to have all the skills and knowledge you need. Our guide to finding advice and support.

Essential guide to finding advisers in finance, law, HR and intellectual property

Using a professional adviser can save you time and prevent you making costly mistakes. Our guide to finding and getting the best from advisers.

How The Prince's Trust helped me launch my business

When ill health left Fay Miladowska out of work, The Prince's Trust enabled the young designer to launch her highly successful greetings card business.

Q&A: Mentoring

Running your own small business can be lonely and it can be difficult to know what to do when faced with new challenges unless you have a mentor.

What could a mentor do for your business?

The right mentor could be a valuable asset for your enterprise - a source of expertise, experience and support, and, above all, a fresh perspective.