Start-Up Guide

2) Before you start-up in business
Things you should consider before starting up a business - make sure it's the life for you before taking the plunge. [January 5, 2008]

3) Trading Structures - Sole Trader, Limited Company, Partnership or LLP?
Work out which business structure would suit you best - sole proprietor, limited company, partnership or LLP. [January 4, 2008]

4) How to choose a name for your small business
How to choose a good name for your enterprise. What legal issues you should be aware of, and make sure you make the name future-proof. [January 3, 2008]

5) Business Planning - Why you need a business plan
No matter how good or bad you are at forward planning, a solid business plan is arguably the most important business-related document you will ever create. It’s highly recommended for anyone starting a venture, as a way of ensuring you plan the kind of business you want to create. [January 2, 2008]

6) What taxes do small businesses have to pay?
How your choice of business structure may affect how you pay taxes. Includes introduction to national insurance and VAT. [January 1, 2008]

7) An overview of Value Added Tax (VAT)
Overview of Value Added Tax (VAT). When you should register, and how to charge VAT to customers. Includes information on the Flat Rate VAT scheme. [December 31, 2007]

8) How does the self-assessment process work?
How the self assessment process works and who should complete a tax return. Includes information on the tax return deadlines. [December 30, 2007]

9) Accounting for your new business
When you start up your own business, one thing’s for sure – money isn’t going to be in abundance to begin with. It goes without saying that it will go a lot further the more self-sufficient you are in the early days. But if there is one area where it’s worth shelling out for professional help, it’s with your accountant. [December 29, 2007]

10) An overview of National Insurance (NI)
What is National Insurance, and how is it applied to your income. NI contributions will vary depending on your business structure - limited company or sole trader. [December 28, 2007]

11) How to select the right business bank account
Choosing the right bank for your business is an important process - ensure you receive the best interest on your account and choose a bank right for your company's needs. [December 27, 2007]

12) What types of business insurance do you need?
One way or another, you’re going to need some form of insurance for your business. Overview of public liability, employers' liability, professional indemnity, and other key insurance types. [December 26, 2007]

13) Raising Money - How to fund your new business
How to fund your business - overview of the different options open to you, including business grants, personal borrowing, factoring and business angels. [December 25, 2007]

14) Getting paid and how to avoid late payment problems
If there’s one universal reason why so many businesses fail, it’s because of a poor or non-existent cash flow. Here's why you should keep a close eye on your credit control management and ensure you get paid on time. [December 24, 2007]

15) Marketing & PR for your small business
There is an art to selling your wares, marketing your company and generally making sure only good things (and plenty of them) are said about it. An introduction to marketing and PR for small companies. [December 23, 2007]

16) How to generate sales for your new company
Once your marketing efforts have generated you a list of prospects, it’s time to see them and get them to buy. The first thing to remember is that you’re not selling a product or service – you’re selling the benefits it brings to the buyer. [December 23, 2007]

17) How to use the web to build your business
In the information age we live in, it’s business suicide to ignore the endless possibilities of the internet. In other words: Get yourself a website. It should be the first marketing task you carry out with your new business. [December 22, 2007]

18) Overview of employing staff
If your new business is a success, at some point you may find yourself wanting to take on some assistance. An overview of the minefield that is hiring employees. [December 21, 2007]

19) Legal implications of employing staff
There’s a lot to know about the legal side of employing people and it’s the main area where small businesses either knowingly or unknowingly fall foul of the law. [December 20, 2007]

20) Should you work from home or use a dedicated office?
This is one of the key decisions you’ll have to make right at the start: where is the best place for you to locate your business? There are a number of things to consider before you get carried away with excitement and sign your first lease. [December 19, 2007]