Interested in enterprise?
Take a look around to get inspired by others, learn about business and develop a big idea. Find the right support, advice and inspiration for your future business.
Thinking about starting
1
What's the big idea?
Maybe you have a great business idea or maybe you need some inspiration. Either way, use our Business idea finder to get tips and detailed information on starting different types of business.
2
Make your plan
The business plan. It’s not as daunting as you might think, but it’s an important starting point. It should help you understand the finances your start-up might need and the scale of your project in the initial phase.
Use our pre-start checklist
There’s a lot to think about before you take steps to start your business. Find out what other people have done, get help to develop a plan of action, research your market and find tools to refine your idea.
Ten steps to starting a business
Follow our ten step guide to get your business off to a great start
Starting a business as a female entrepreneur - DELI LITES
Discover how one local entrepreneur used her skills to start a business
Move your idea forward today
Get essential help to start your business through your local council
Business plan template
Download our free template to create your business plan
Time to get started
1
Structure your business
The three main business types are sole trader, partnership and limited company. Each one has advantages and disadvantages and rules to follow. Take the time to choose the right legal structure for your business.
2
Name your business
Picking a name for your business is a little bit more involved than you might think. It’s important for your branding and marketing but there are also special rules depending on how you’ve structured your business.
Use our start your business checklist
You’re ready to take the plunge to get your business going. Use our guidance and tools to help you through the phase of getting your business established - from finding and managing money to choosing premises and hiring staff.
Employing staff for the first time?
Eight things you must do when hiring a new employee
Searching for commercial property
Buy, rent or work from home? Find help with the things you must consider
Make sure you have the right business insurance
Whether you legally need business insurance depends on your particular business
Trade mark tips for beginners
From your company name to your logo - know how to protect yor assets
Running your start-up
1
Know your legal responsibilities
Running a business means a whole new world of rules. Thankfully support is available to make your life easier when understanding regulations and keeping your business on the right side of the law.
2
Understand tax and VAT
When you’re running your own business, you'll have to know about taxes. Which taxes apply to you and when do you have to pay them? You are not alone - there is help available.
Use our running your business checklist
You're running a business and want to accelerate your sales and growth, so what steps do you need to take and what help is available? Use our support to get ahead and find out how other local entrepreneurs have made the transition.
Expenses if you're self-employed
Check if you can claim office, property and equipment as expenses
Support for black, Asian and minority ethnic start-ups
Find out about support for black, Asian and minority ethnic start-ups and how to apply for them
Finding support to develop our business - Shortcross Gin
How local inventors found support to launch their gin business
Ten things you need to know about your customers
Understand your customers' needs - consider who they are and why they buy
Business support
Search all support
Local council support to start, grow or scale your business
Unemployed support to start a business or take the first steps to gaining employment