Latest Q & A
Starting a dental care clinic
I’m a Dentist from the EEA (Lithuania) registered with the General Dental Council in the UK. Could I open a dental clinic in the UK without working for another clinic first? How shall I start? Where can I get information about this?
Start up business grants
I have a great fledgling business but cannot move forward as I need money for advertising on the Internet. Are there any start-up business grants still available in this country? Can you suggest other methods of spreading the word?
Starting out in retail
I'm a mum of two and want to purchase a retail shop to run with a friend. Where do I start?
Accepting credit card payments
I am starting a business and hope to have customers all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. I need to know how to set up the acceptance of credit cards for over-the-phone payments. Can you help?
Definition: 'Sole Trader' and 'Self-Employed'
Is there any difference between a ‘Sole Trader’ and being ‘Self Employedd’?
Licensing requirements for starting-up
I am considering starting up my own car auction and would like to know the rules and the way to go about it.
Obtaining market info
I'm looking to set up a craft/gift gallery and shop of designer made pieces. I'm having difficulty sourcing market information about this sector. Any suggestions?
The benefit of awards
Are there any downsides to receiving awards? I’m thinking of entering my business for an award, but my partner warns that they can be the kiss of death. How do I make sure I pick the right one so that it doesn’t harm my business?
Buying property through a company
Can a private individual set up a company to buy houses and then buy their own house through that company and rent it back? Are there any benefits of doing this?
Getting professional advice
I have an idea for an internet business but need guidance on the proposed products etc. I need to thrash out these ideas with a professional, rather than going down the wrong track. Who do I employ to seek guidance on making the correct decisions for a successful business?
Top start up tips
What would you say is the most important tip for starting a business?
Law on company secretaries
Do all companies, irrespective of size, require a company secretary?
Tax efficient borrowing
I am buying an existing retail business for £150K, which includes the freehold of a shop. I have £50K equity and need to borrow £100K. What is the most tax efficient way of doing this? If I take out a commercial mortgage to buy the freehold of the shop (approx £85K), can I offset the mortgage interest and ongoing property maintenance costs against my tax liabilities on profits?
Choosing a job title
I have just started a small company and am unsure as to which title I should use on correspondence; owner, manager, director? What's the norm and are there any legal considerations?
Open courses on running a business
I'm currently employed with a good salary. However, like a lot of others I long to be my own master. To this end, I'd like to learn about the 'hard facts' of running a business before falling victim to 'rose coloured spectacle' syndrome. Unfortunately, at this stage I'm not able to commit too much financially but am keen enough to invest time and effort etc. Are there any 'open' courses available that might meet my needs?
