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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.

Planning your PR - checklist

PR activities can help spread the word about your business for much less money than traditional advertising. This checklist explains how to promote your business through the press.

  • Decide which audience you are trying to influence: customers, potential employees or the local community.
  • Clarify your objectives; most PR aims to build your reputation with customers and increase awareness of your business or products.
  • Establish your timescales and budget; consider alternatives (advertising, for example), particularly for short-term objectives.
  • Decide who will be responsible for PR; establish how other employees should deal with press enquiries.
  • Consider whether you should involve a PR agency, particularly if you have a budget or want exposure in national media.
  • Provide any necessary training in producing effective press releases and handling the media.
  • Identify media which reach your audience and which are likely to give you coverage (eg local press, trade journals, niche websites).
  • Investigate their requirements: the types of story they cover, their style, and their publication deadlines.
  • Identify contacts and build relationships: for example, by inviting them to events or offering to provide useful introductions or industry information.
  • Plan a sustained flow of press releases and other PR initiatives over a period of months or even years; do not expect immediate results.
  • Identify any natural opportunities for PR: for example, product launches, new premises, new employees or business milestones.
  • Consider creating PR opportunities: for example, holding an open day, commissioning a survey, running a competition, fundraising or sponsorship.
  • Investigate other opportunities, such as writing guest articles or blogs, supporting local events, becoming an active member of a business group, joining committees, going to conferences, writing a regular opinion or advice column or offering yourself as a public speaker.
  • Regularly review your efforts: consider which of your initiatives have generated worthwhile publicity and continue to create more opportunities in that vein.