smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A promising venture

Previously, we’ve looked at the reasons why many describe the...
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Start a business for under £200

Aug 03 2009

You don't need to raid a bank to start a business

SmallBusiness.co.uk has a wealth of articles to help you save money when starting out in business.

Most managers will have an eye on bigger things even from the very beginning. Read how to manage growth on a budget here.

As many as one-third of owner-managers say they do not see themselves as natural negotiators, but negotiating price is a key skill that must be mastered if you are to achieve the profit margins you seek.

Controlling your cash flow is vital for a young company. Brendan Flattery, managing director of the Small Business Division at Sage UK, explores why cash flow is so important to businesses and how firms can best manage it.

For more articles like these, please see our Finance section.

Barclays Business Start Up Account

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Barclays Business Start Up Account

Get everything you'd expect from a Barclays Business account…Free business banking for up to 2 years (Ts&Cs apply). Free day-to-day support from our Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and Mobile Banking, manage your account quickly and easily from a web-enabled phone. Apply online.

Google Apps for Business

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Small Business Insurance - compare quotes

Protect your business from accidents and mistakes. Tailor your cover levels, compare quotes and buy your insurance in minutes. Cover levels: Public and Employer's liability, Professional indemnity, legal expenses, business equipment and many more! Get quotes now

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Latest Guides and Tips

Business plan advice

Dr Simon Mosey, head of Institute for Enterprise and Innovation at Nottingham University Business School, offers some business planning wisdom for SmallBusiness.co.uk readers.

Formulating a business plan to secure funding

Here three successful entrepreneurs tell us how they first managed to secure funding through formulating a winning business plan.

Write a marketing plan

This guide offers practical advice on developing a marketing plan using plain English.

How to write your business plan

A business plan is not only essential for starting a business or for raising funds, but it is vital for running the business.

Checklist: what should be in your business plan

Your business plan is key to keeping your mind on long-term strategic goals while dealing with the day-to-day problems. Here's what it should contain.

Business plan dos and don’ts

Seeking funding for your new business can be a real challenge. Meeting with potential investors or banks is daunting, but having a sturdy business plan to back you up should help boost your confidence and your chances of gaining finance. Here are some top tips from SmallBusiness.co.uk.

How to become a sole trader

Setting up as a self-employed sole trader is a simple way to start a business. Paperwork is generally minimal, accounting and recordkeeping is fairly straightforward and the benefits of being your own boss are numerous.

Checklist: know your market

Do you want to sell to the common man or to the more priviliged, is your product something for shops, for the internet or for both? Use this checklist to find your target market.

Guide to writing a business plan

This 10-point guide shows the benefits of a good business plan and what to consider when writing one.

Perfecting project management

If you’re taking on a new contract or have an ambitious plan for growth, it might be handy to learn from project managers.

Tips for creating your marketing plan

The only way for a small business to genuinely survive and thrive, especially in increasingly competitive times, is to have 100% focus on its marketing efforts.

News

It is hoped the campaign will boost Britain's business spirits

Cameron launches entrepreneurship campaign

Prime minister David Cameron has launched a major initiative in an attempt to boost entrepreneurship in the UK.

UK companies have a bright outlook, according to PwC's research

British leaders more upbeat than Europeans

UK CEOs are more optimistic about their companies’ fortunes than their European counterparts, finds research.

The FPB would like to see schools to do more to encourage entrepreneurship

Education must encourage business, says Forum

Schools must take a leading role in boosting the number of youngsters who grow up to become successful entrepreneurs, says the Forum of Private Business.

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The real deal

SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to software developer Paul Fisher who in 2010 founded Buyometric, which aggregates deals from savings websites.

Caan believes now is a great time to start a business

James Caan review: The FT Guide to Business Startup

Serial investor and entrepreneur James Caan reviews Sara Williams' guide for entrepreneurs.

Zest Mixology is a mobile bar/ cocktail service

In the mix

National mobile bar/cocktail service Zest Mixology started trading in January this year and expects to turn over £145,000 in its opening 12 months. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Murdo McLeod.

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FT Guide to Personal Tax

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FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.