Latest Start A Business Questions and Answers
What franchises are available?
I am interested in buying a franchise. Where can I find out what businesses are on offer?
Debt recovery firms - avoiding common pitfalls
A tenant recently folded leaving my business with a significant amount of unpaid rent, so when a debt recovery firm contacted us and promised to collect the money within six months (or reimburse us via their insurance) we handed over £500 upfront. To date we have still to receive any money, what should we do?
Setting up an information service
I am setting up an information service. Can I do this privately, or would I have to register it as a business?
Changing from self-employed to limited company status
Is there any advantage in changing from being self-employed to a limited company?
Employment status when taking on clients
I’m a production editor looking to set up on my own, taking with me two clients. One of the clients said that he might have to treat me as PAYE. Is this right?
Registering your name when self-employed
I’m self-employed and don’t use my own name. Do I have to register the name anywhere?
Q: I am in full-time employment as a woodworker. I also do private work.Could I be self-employed?
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Registering your company name
Could you tell me how I arrange to register the name of a business?
Forming a limited company
I’m starting a business with my husband, should we form a limited company?
Find a grocery wholesaler
I am hoping to rent an outlet in the next few months so that I can sell groceries. Could you give me an address of a wholesaler?
Open a post office
My husband and I want to buy a small post office. Can you help us to find out where this type of business is advertised and what sort of training is available?
Opening a business as a non-UK resident (Pharmacy)
I have a friend who resides in Turkey and who would like to open a chemist’s shop and live in the UK. Can you help?
The financial considerations of starting a business
I am 55 years old. What are the financial considerations on starting a business? I’m a woodworker and have identified a machine, costing £7,000, which I would need to buy.
Dividing up company shares
I’m planning to start a company with three colleagues. How should we split up the shares?
Finding suppliers - trade fairs etc
I would love to set up a business as a retailer of trading cards, comics, phonecards and other collecting items. Do you have any information regarding wholesalers of these items?
Courses in furniture manufacturing
I want set up my own furniture manufacturing business. However, I have no experience and would like information on courses and addresses of relevant and helpful organisations.
Dog walking/house sitting - get started
I am interested in starting a full-time business as a dog walker and pet and house sitter. Are there any organisations for people wanting to take up this employment. Or can you advise me how do I get started?
Finding suppliers/wholesalers
I’d like to set myself up as a record/CD retailer but am having difficulty finding details of wholesalers. Any suggestions?
Starting up a photography business
I am wondering about starting up a photography business. Where can I get help?
Opening a village shop
I am looking for advice on starting up a village shop in my own premises. I have already made enquiries about re-opening the sub post-office which closed some months ago.
Opening a nursery
I'd like to investigate opening and running my own nursery. How do I go about getting started and what do I need to consider?
Pros and cons of different funding options
My brother and I plan to go into business on the internet selling cosmetics but we need money. What are the pros and cons of the different funding options available?
Opening a dry cleaners/alteration shop
Some friends and I are considering opening a dry cleaners/alteration shop. Do you have any advice?
Setting up a florists
I’d like to start up a florists shop. Are there any special problems?
Take the first step to self-employment
I'm a plumber currently working for a building firm, but wondering about starting up on my own. What are the first steps to take?
Starting a mail order business
I would like to embark on a mail order sales business for black film, comedy and music videos, but am unsure where to start.
Starting a hairdressing salon
I'm thinking of starting a hairdressing salon. How can I go about it?
Buying an existing small business
I am interested in buying an existing small business in the UK. I am not a British citizen, can you give me advice on what I need to find out/do to proceed?
