Start up Britain The Good, Bad and Ugly

Wow – there has been so much press about the launch of the government’s new website for budding entrepreneurs that we’ve read and digested but have waited a while to post whilst the dust settled. So what’s it all about and what do we think? (more…)

Business Link to be Scrapped by Government

Hot on the heals that the regional development agencies are to be scrapped comes the news that Business Link is to go the same way. (more…)

Reducing Electricity and Gas Rates for Small Business Owners

In these days of the continuing uncertainty in the economy and more cuts to come one thing a small business owner can do is to reduce all their utility bills such as electricity, gas and telephone. So how can you do this without affecting the service. We investigate. (more…)

Small Business Statistics and Numbers

small business statistics

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25 Things To Consider Before Starting Your Own Business

If you are thinking of starting a business it can feel like complete excitement but there are many pitfalls so here’s our top tips to think about before you spend a single penny of your hard earned cash or redundancy. (more…)

Federation of Small Businesses Joining Woes

So I thought I should join the FSB as they have a lot to offer but how hard do you think they have made it for me as a simple (?) small business owner? Read on…. (more…)

Hurrah – the Recession has ended (or not…)

So like the media were intent on ramping up that the recession was coming many months before we saw it they are now saying it really has finished although we haven’t seen that yet. Here’s a run down on where we are. (more…)

Companies Act 2006 Changes for 2009

There are some imminent changes that come into force from the Companies Act 2006 that all business owners need to be aware of. (more…)

Cost Reduction – 10 Ways for Businesses to Reduce Costs

For many businesses money is really tight at present so here are our top 10 tips to save money without impacting the efficiency of your business. (more…)

Dragons Den Review and Duncan Bannatyne

So we were introduced to a new series of the popular bbc “business” programme dragons den last night but the wife and I were more intrigued on what has happened to Duncan Bannatyne’s hair…. (more…)

Income Tax Rates New Rate For UK Tax Payers

Here’s a quick guide to the new income tax rates in the UK for 2009/ 10. (more…)

New Startup Guides Published

We’ve been busy adding new guides onto the small business pro site.

If you’re thinking of starting a restaurant business then this opportunity is reviewed in our guide to starting a restaurant business that covers everything from location to marketing restaurants.

And if you need a business plan then we have posted some free business plan template downloads that you can access and download to your computer for no cost.

Additionally, there is some new information about taxes if you are self employed or have a limited company business. We’ve reviewed small business income tax and national insurance to keep you up to date !

Should You Start a New Business During This Recession ?

So we have a recession at the moment and many people are thinking of starting a new business but just haven’t got around to it or are probably too scared to start one. But most of the time from the emails and help requests we receive all we hear about are excuses.

People sign up to our business planning training and months later we ask how they are getting on and they say “they are still working on it” (more…)

Interest Rates Held at 5% by Bank of England

The UK Bank of England held the base rate of interest at 5% despite worries over increased inflation. (more…)