Newsletter #119 - Taming the modern day dragon, Carving out a niche for your business, Benefits of filing online, Guide to setting up a garden office...

In this week's Business121 Newsletter:

1. Taming the modern day dragon
2. Carve out a niche for your business and you're more likely to succeed
3. The benefits of filing tax documents online
4. Guide to setting up and working from a garden office
5. Tips on finding office space and business premises

Small Business News

6. Corporation tax rise an important issue, says pressure group
7. Self Assessment form-filling set to become less "taxing"
8. VAT Update - Correction of errors made easier in Budget 2008
9. Just how fast is your broadband connection?
10. eBay sellers plan revolt against rule changes

Taming the modern day dragon

Today being St George's day, dragons are at the forefront of many minds.

Since medieval times the mythical dragon has been a fearsome creature, chilling the blood of many a brave knight. And most of us that have watched Dragons' Den would say that it's still the case!

The forked tongues of Paphitis and the crew have roasted dozens of victims and reduced countless business plans to ashes.

However, if you're looking for business funding you don't have to go to battle against dragons, there are several different sources of funding available to you. Depending on your size and structure, these may include business angels, venture capital, private equity and even grants.

But working out which sources of finance are available to your business is only half the battle. Deciding which is your best option and presenting your business as an attractive investment prospect is another challenge completely.

If you're looking to raise money, but would rather talk to an angel than pick a fight with a dragon, read our guides;

• Angels or dragons - who do you trust?
• Essential facts about Business Angels

WHY YOUR BUSINESS IS BETTER OFF INSURED WITH HISCOX

As a leading specialist insurer we provide the most comprehensive business insurance available online.

You can tailor your policy with industry specific professional indemnity cover (£25K up to £2M), 'all-risks' contents and computers cover, portable equipment, public liability, employers' liability, legal expenses, business interruption & buildings.

Why not get a quote now? Only Hiscox allows you to buy online in minutes and download your policy documents immediately. Click here to find out more - http://snipurl.com/_Hiscox_Insurance
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Carve out a niche for your business and you're more likely to succeed
Ever heard the saying: jack of all trades, master of none? That saying has never been more true than when it comes to marketing your small business. Your small business will be more successful if you focus on a niche market, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

The benefits of filing tax documents online
Imagine you had a dream one night, where HMRC gave your business the opportunity to not only save time by filing information online, but it would actually pay you as well. You'd wake up thinking it would be great, but would never happen, right? Well it HAS happened! Here's how your business can get some money back off the taxman.

Guide to to setting up and working from a garden office
More than 60% of the UK's new businesses are now started from home. As your new venture grows you may find your business outgrows your spare room. You might need extra space but can't be doing with the hassle or expense of renting or buying business premises. But, there is another option that carries many of the benefits of working from home. Here's our guide to working from a garden office.

There are plenty of pitfalls you need to avoid when it comes to finding office space and premises for your business. To help you find the right space for your business we have a series of guides to help you through the process, including;

• How to find an office for your business
• Pitfalls you need to avoid when getting new business premises
• How to find a serviced office to suit your business
• The workaholic's guide to a successful home office
• Work from home - Home office insurance guide

BETTER BUSINESS - THE MAGAZINE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Every issue of BETTER BUSINESS brings you ideas, advice and inspiration to help you to transform your business.

Whether you're looking for help and ideas on planning, marketing, raising finance or making more sales, BETTER BUSINESS brings you practical advice that you can put to action in your business.

BETTER BUSINESS is available by subscription only. You can find out more about it and a special offer for Business121 readers here; http://snipurl.com/_Better_Business
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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Corporation tax rise an important issue, says pressure group
The FPB has called on MPs to place the issue of small companies' corporation tax hikes alongside the Government's decision to axe the 10% starting rate for personal income tax.

Self Assessment form-filling set to become less "taxing"
Millions of new look tax returns are being sent out over the next few weeks, following a revamp of the main self assessment tax return. According to HMRC, the new look return has been designed to be easier to understand, especially for the self-employed and those who don't use an accountant to complete their return.

VAT Update - Correction of errors made easier in Budget 2008
A helpful change in Budget 2008 is the increase in the limit below which errors can be adjusted on a VAT Return. The new rules apply to VAT periods starting on or after 1 July 2008.

Just how fast is your broadband connection?
New research from a leading UK broadband comparison site has revealed that broadband customers receive just 48% of the advertised broadband speed they have signed up for.

eBay sellers plan revolt against rule changes
Some eBay sellers are threatening to boycott the auction site in protest against fee increases and a change of rules which they feel will favour big businesses.

** For the latest Small Business News, visit http://www.Bytestart.co.uk **

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