Business

There are a lot of things you need to think about when you’re starting a business. The information below is divided into topics to help guide you through the process.

Taking the First Step

• Business Link provides a comprehensive guide to the things you need to think about including an on-line start-up organiser.
• Business Link also provides specific advice on meeting the challenges in starting a business during the recession, or if you are on low income, over 50, disabled, young, minority ethnic, etc  
• FREE advice from Business Initiative for those wishing to go into business on their own
• The Prince's Trust Business Programme provides money and support to help 18-30 year olds start up in business. Download a guide to Starting a Business.

Business Planning Advice

Business Link

• Preparing a business plan
• Interactive start-up organiser

NB: Spend some time looking through all the other links on these pages – there are many other interesting pieces of advice about business planning.

Business Initiative

• Download a Business Plan fact sheet

Company Structure

• Advice from Business Link on business names and structures
• Information about limited companies from Companies house.
• Thought of a name for your business – check if it is already registered

Marketing and Sales

• Advice from Business Link on Marketing
• Business Link interactive tool to identify potential sales channels

Do I Need a Licence for my Business?

• Check out the requirements for private hire drivers, public entertainment, door supervisors, venues wanting to sell alcohol, house-to-house collections and permits for fund raising on the Borough Council’s Licensing Pages.
• For food and animal related businesses, hairdressing and those that involve skin piercing check the requirements from the Environmental Health Team.
• Use the Business Link licence and permit checklist to determine what you might require.