Starting Out

Information for anyone considering starting their own business or becoming self-employed. Articles cover market research, business planning, registration requirements and choosing between different business models.

Buying an Existing Business: Do's and Don'ts

Get practical advice on what to check and what to avoid when buying an existing business instead of starting from scratch.

Develop a USP for Your Small Business

Identify what makes your small business different from competitors and use it to attract more customers.

Franchising vs Small Business Opportunities

Weigh the risks and rewards of starting your own business versus buying a franchise before making your decision.

How to Perform a SWOT Analysis for Your Business

Run a SWOT analysis to spot what's working in your business, what isn't, and what opportunities or threats lie ahead.

Protect Your Business Ideas

Keep your business ideas safe by protecting your intellectual property through copyrights, design rights and proper documentation.

Research Your Business Ideas

Before launching a business idea, research whether there's actually a market for it and if you can make it profitable.

Who to Tell: Registering as Self-Employed

Figure out whether you're actually self-employed for tax purposes and which agencies need to know about your new status.