Our guide to the difficult early steps when starting up…

A mission statement
Defining your business purpose.
Allowable expenses
What can you claim tax relief for?
An introduction to the tax system for the self employed
Key tax issues you need to know about.
Building a brand
Key tips for developing a memorable image.
Choosing a year end
Be tax efficient when deciding a year end date.
Choosing your accounting date
What is the best date to choose?
Incorporation
Considerations when operating as a company.
Insuring your business
Are you sufficiently covered?
Limited liability partnerships
LLPs explained.
Names, trademarks, patents and other registrations
The key legal requirements.
Premises and location
Essential considerations when choosing your base.
Raising finance
Maximise your chances of gaining funding.
Should you buy a franchise?
The pros and cons of buying 'off-the-shelf'.
Which business structure?
Choosing the structure that best suits your needs.
Working from home
Home working do's and don'ts.
Writing a business plan
How to write an effective business plan.
Your business vision
What are your ultimate goals?