Business Start Ups

Before You Start

Starting a small business can be a life changing event.  It takes commitment, passion, tenacity and hard work to achieve business success.  Many small businesses fail within the first year as their owners either don't have the necessary skills and motivations or their fundamental business plan is flawed...

Small Business Advice

There are many well-established support organisations designed to assist small businesses seeking advice and guidance. They provide a broad range of business services to help small businesses start up including raising business finance, help firms obtain business grants, developing skills and training and a whole host of other business services....

Setting up a Company

Setting up a company for the first time can be a daunting practical exercise.  There are many commercial, legal and practical choices to consider to transform your business idea into a new business start-up enterprise...

Starting a Franchise Business

This article summarises the franchise information to seek, and the issues an entrepreneur should consider, before looking for a small business franchise for sale.  It covers motivations and expectations, how to find and qualify a franchise opportunity, the pros and cons, where to find further information and how to franchise your own existing business.

Buying a Business

A larger proportion of new business start-ups fail within the first three years, (compared to businesses where ownership has been transferred). Therefore, this article will provide the overview of the practical steps a potential investor will need to go through, when buying an existing business.

Writing an Effective Business Plan

Creating a successful business plan is the most important step in launching a new business. A business plan aims to crystallise your business goals, provide descriptions of the products or services you intend to offer and define the market opportunity.