The phenomenal success of auction site eBay has created a new breed of business, able to reach customers in specialised areas all over the world, at very little cost. Click here for tips on starting an eBay empire.

The Britsih Library website has useful information on starting a business and protecting intellectual property. Visit www.bl.uk/bipc.

Four out of five small firms are starting out on the wrong foot by giving their business a name that does not stick in people’s minds, according to a survey carried out by the British Chamber of Commerce. For tips on picking a memorable business name, click here.

UK students are to get a helping hand from a scheme that aims to get more graduates to start their own businesses. For more details, click here.

Free downloadable book, catchily entitled 37 Winning Tips and Strategies of Self-Made Millionaire Entrepreneurs, promises to inspire regular business people to become rich beyond their wildest dreams. Go to www.millionairemba.com.

Chwarae Teg is a support group encouraging women to start up businesses in Wales through training, advice and support.

Click here to access the website in Welsh or English or call 01597-810865/811651 for more information.

The Financial Times Guide to Business Start Up is the new
name for the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide (over 1 million copies sold). Now available to purchase, this annually updated handbook is a comprehensive
and authoritative tool of reference, packed full of ideas, solutions and
advice to guide you and your business towards success. Click here for a special offer for smallbusiness.co.uk readers.

All businesses are not created equal. Before you invest your talent, before you invest your capital, before you even invest your time in writing a business plan, make sure you’ve checked out the fundamentals. Click here to give your new business a fighting chance.

Oxiflex provides would-be entrepreneurs with access to a range of business services without incurring the cost of office space. It was set up jointly by Oxford Innovation and accountant Grant Thornton. For further information on the scheme, call Oxford Innovation on 01865-811109 or click here.

Instant Muscle provides one-to-one assistance with all aspects of business planning for those who are disadvantaged, and wish to overcome barriers to work or self-employment. Visit the website at www.instantmuscle.org.uk, email enquiries@instantmuscle.org.uk or call 0845-1300 930.