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Start up business ideas

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Skills and wellbeing

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Business planning

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

Start up funding

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Tax and National Insurance

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Business law

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Business premises

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Employees

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

Business IT

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Grow your business

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

How to write a marketing plan - checklist

If you run your own business – no matter how small – you need a marketing plan. Here are the key steps you need to take to create an effective marketing plan for your business

  • Start by describing your market, draw up a customer profile and list the key market trends. Highlight any new markets that your business could target.
  • Do a SWOT analysis to identify the key factors affecting your business (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) that might inform your marketing strategy.
  • Assess the sales potential of different market segments or products. Decide who to target and set objectives to guide your marketing.
  • Ensure that you have a strong brand identity so that your marketing activity is consistent and effective. Draw on your USPs to write marketing content and advertising messages.
  • Create a customer communication plan; decide how you will keep in touch with customers using email marketing, text messaging or phone calls.
  • Consider ways to reach potential customers in your local area. Start by registering with Google My Business to make sure your business is found in local searches.
  • Decide which social media sites will best serve your business and create a plan for regular posting and engagement.
  • Look at opportunities for advertising - in local press, on social media or on Google for example.
  • Don’t forget that your website is a crucial part of your marketing strategy. Make sure it is up-to-date, use SEO to optimise your website for search and ensure that the customer journey makes it easy to browse and buy.
  • Identify PR opportunities that will help you get free publicity and raise the profile of your business.
  • Devise a strategy for face-to-face marketing. This could include exhibitions, events and sales meetings.
  • Create a plan of action by selecting the marketing activities that fit your business goals. Find ways to track the effectiveness of each of your chosen marketing methods.
  • Research what customers value, such as product features, quality, image or customer service. Review the effectiveness of previous marketing initiatives such as advertising campaigns or sales
  • Consider the implications of your marketing plan for your business; arrange for staff training or source specialist help from freelancers to bring your marketing plans to life.