Latest Q & A
MBO or MBI?
What’s the difference between a management buy-in and a management buy-out?
Social enterprises
What sort of funding is available to someone starting a social enterprise?
Same name
I have traded under the same name for ten years. Now someone with the same name has started up and is advertising his services. I’m not a limited company and we live within five miles of each other. What should I do?
Company failures
What are some of the reasons for a business going under?
Starting up
Is it better to start as a sole trader or as a limited company?
What's in a name?
If I become self-employed can I trade under any name?
Franchising or licensing?
I want to expand my business either by franchising or licensing. Can anyone advise me on the differences?
Buying a business
Where’s the best place to find a business for sale?
First business
I want to open a gallery/coffee shop. What advice would you give for the first steps?
Becoming self-employed
There’s a chance I’ll be made redundant in December. If I became self-employed before, will this affect the value of my redundancy pay?
Quitting the day job
I am currently developing a part-time business alongside my full-time job. When should I leave my job and go self-employed?
EU citizen
What are the requirements for a European citizen to start a small business in the UK?
Employment contract
What constitutes a contract of employment?
Sole trader
Is it possible to set up as a sole trader while still being employed full-time?
Patenting an invention
What are the criteria for patenting an idea?
Business name
How do I find out if my business name is already in use?
Business angels
What is the process for getting funding from a business angel, and how does it differ from getting finance from other sources?
Choosing a legal structure
My business partner and I are setting up a web service with a model based on advertising and subscriptions. We have very limited funds for accountancy/legal support. Do you think being a limited company or a partnership is best for us?
Advice on starting up
I’m currently studying at a music college at degree level. Next year, I aim to start my own teaching business. Can you give me some information regarding funding and creating a business plan?
Choosing a business model
I am starting a new business with my partner. Would it be best to form a limited company, limited liability partnership or partnership to protect ourselves against any potential losses should the business fail?
Franchise performances
How can I get to see objective reviews of a franchise before investing in it? Obviously, the franchise owner is motivated to illustrate their opportunity with only the best performers.
Starting up abroad
I want to start a software company with a development centre based in Thailand and sales and marketing office in UK. Is it a good idea to register as an overseas company rather than a UK one?
Business grants
I want to start up a software business, but until I can get it off the ground I’ll continue to work for my employer. Do I have to make my business name active before I can get grants?
Is a limited company for me
I am buying a freehold café, but can’t get business finance so I’m remortgaging my home. Should I set up a small company and loan the money to it? And can I lease the equipment I buy to the company and then claim it back in tax?
I want to start a DVD rental business
What do I need to do in order to start a DVD rental business?
Writing a novel: self–employed?
Could i be seen as self-employed if I write a novel without receiving any income for a long time,and possibly it not getting published?
Do I need to consider IR35 in my new business?
I formed a limited company with a no. of small clients. I’m negotiating with a potential client about them using me 12 days a month. This leaves 8 days for other client work. Could I still be within IR35 despite having multiple clients and working from my own office?
Starting an aquatic shop
I'm thinking about setting up an aquatic shop, but don't really know where to start? I need step by step type of advice, for what I should be looking into.
Franchise advice
What should I look for when choosing a franchise?
What's the first thing to do to start a business?
I am thinking of starting my own gardening business but know nothing about starting a business. I was wondering what is the first thing i need to do?
