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1) Starting a new business - an introduction

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Welcome to Bytestart’s comprehensive small business set-up guide, featuring all the information you need to get your commercial venture off to a healthy, solid start.

From choosing the right name for your company and drawing up your first business plan, through to up-to-date taxation advice, banking and insurance tips, each subject is addressed in the guide.

We also look at the vital character traits you’ll need to survive in business. Determination and originality are key. Equally, so is the ability to organise your time and to put the requisite effort in during the early days.

As with any new commercial venture, success can never be guaranteed, but our aim is to minimise the trickier elements involved in setting up on your own. We’ll forewarn you of the most common pitfalls, including failure to research your market in sufficient detail and not setting aside enough funds for tougher financial times.

Starting up even the smallest business can be a daunting prospect. But take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. In fact, of the four million businesses currently in operation in the UK, more than 99.3 per cent are categorised as “small,” with fewer than 50 employees.

In order to keep this guide as compact as possible, where we’ve not had enough room to include every last detail, you’ll find a link taking you to the most relevant Bytestart articles and external websites.

Good luck with your business idea!

Click on the links at the bottom of each page to navigate through our guide.

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Latest articles in Start-Up Guide
 
1) Starting a new business - an introduction
Setting up a small business involves a number of important steps if you want to get things right first time. An introduction to the small business world, including what you should think about before you even start a new business. [January 6, 2008]
 
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]
 












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