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Get started with Barclays Business Banking
Choose from 3 great Start-up packages offering a range of business and banking solutions, from cashflow management software (QuickBooks or Sage) to VAT management solution. Plus, up to 2 years FREE banking (conditions apply). Apply online.
The importance of good credit management
As one of the UK’s most respected suppliers of business credit information, Riskdisk will do everything they can to help you make the right credit decisions, ranging from providing accurate up-to-date credit reports to useful downloadable guides and tips. Trial Riskdisk for free.
Competitive business insurance from ConstructaQuote.com
Compare competitive business insurance quotes with ConstructaQuote.com. We compare cover and costs from a range of leading UK insurance firms to find you the best deal on your liability insurance. Designed specifically for small businesses, startups and tradesmen, we offer tailored policies to ensure you receive the right cover at the right price. Find out more today.
Incorporate your Company Online today
From £24.99 our UK Ltd company formations service will officially incorporate your ltd company in 10 easy steps.Visit www.wisteriaformations.co.uk.
Get your free, office space cost proposal today
Based on your exact office needs. Find serviced offices across the UK. Click here
Everything in one place for small businesses:
Telecoms + Business Applications + Call Answering & PA Services. Sign up for free
A guide to running a business from home
This factsheet looks at the advantages and disadvantages of starting up a business from home, and explores issues such as planning permission, business rates, and mortgage and insurance issues.
How to set up a company
This site from bytestart.co.uk provides in-depth information on setting up a company from choosing a business name to registering your business.
Understanding legal structures
This guide provides information about the best legal structure for your business.
Guide to company formation
Companies House provide an in-depth guide dealing with the requirements for the formation of private companies, public limited companies, and unlimited companies. Click to download the guide.
Setting up a company: Coffee shop example
This profile looks at setting up and operating a coffee shop. It considers the personal attributes necessary to run this type of business as well as the training available.
Buy a franchise opportunity
The Franchise Sales website allows you to search for your ideal franchise opportunity.
Are you thinking of working for youself?
HM revenue & Customs offers assistance on how to get your business moving, where to get help and how to register your business.
Setting up your own company
Freelance: UK has everything for the creative freelancer. Visit the site to learn how to set-up your own company.
Tax and NI information
Information from HMRC on the many things you need to think about when you're running a business, especially the main tax and National Insurance (NI) issues.
Guide to becoming a director
Click here for a list of guides from Companies House on forming a company, business names and becoming a director.
Guides to the law on competition
Here are some quick guides from the Office of Fair Trading on the laws on anti-competitive behaviour in business.
Register as a sole trader
You can download the forms you need to register as a sole trader from the HMRC website by clicking the link here.
Other Start A Business Resources
Can your customers find you?
If you have a web presence, then you need to ensure that customers can find it – otherwise, it’s just a waste of money.
Email and web hosting
This video looks at the the importance of business email and web hosting for SMEs.
Three Minute Mentor - Setting up a Home Office
Whether you're based at home full time or just occasionally, you need the right tools at hand. This short video looks at how you can set up the perfect home office
Will Alan Sugar sweeten business prospects?
Marc Barber 10/06/2009
While any help singled out for small businesses should be welcomed, the appointment of Sir Alan Sugar as ‘Enterprise Tsar’ smacks of gimmicky desperation. (2 comments) Have your say »
Credit crunch: What does it mean for you?
Penny Proffit 25/01/2008
In the current global economic climate, small business owners are likely to be concerned about the consequences of the credit crunch. Penny Proffit has teamed up with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to bring you ten quick tips for survival. Have your say »
Quality content is the foundation of Search Engine Marketing
Guest Blogger 21/07/2008
Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is in essence the theory and practice of getting a website onto the first page of 'natural' (sometimes called 'organic') search results on the important search engines for important keywords. (1 comments) Have your say »
Latest questions answered
Q: MBO or MBI? Q: Same name Q: Company failures Q: Starting up Q: What's in a name? Q: Franchising or licensing? Q: Buying a businessSmall 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
Barclaycard Commercial – Ease your business cash flow
Our Visa and MasterCard credit and charge cards give you greater control over your expenses, help with cash flow and could safeguard your business by providing extra financial protection. Find out more about our credit and charge card solution.
Free Accounting Software - download TAS Basics for FREE
Basics is free accounting software designed to help your business keep track of its cash flow. It's the complete working program and there's no charge, no obligation and no time limit. Download TAS Basics now.
Pixmania-Pro
Europe's number one B2B electronics website. We offer a Dropshipping service for digital cameras, TV's, ipods, laptops, games consoles and much more. We stock over 25,000 products and give you the chance to sell our products without having to hold any stock. Click here.
Free weekly updates on starting your own business
Need help getting your idea off the ground? Read our advice on everything from writing a business plan to setting up and running your own company. Find out more or sign up today.
Financial Times Guide to Business Start Up 2010
The Financial Times Guide to Business Start Up 2010 is crammed full of all the advice you need to start a business and offers ideas and solutions to guide your business towards success. The annually updated classic handbook provides a comprehensive reference on all aspects of running, managing and growing a business.
Need help writing a business plan?
This practical guide will help you understand what a business plan should include, how you should go about writing one and what you will achieve by doing so. It will also give you some useful hints and tips as well as some essential sources of further information. To buy this essential guide click here
