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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Managing projects - checklist

As a small-business owner it’s impossible to have a separate project manager for each project. However, projects still need to be accomplished on time and within budget. If you don't, you risk missing deadlines, compromising quality and disappointing clients. Here are the key steps to follow

  • Define clear project objectives.
  • Appoint someone to lead the project - choose an individual who will champion the project and motivate and manage the project team.
  • Identify what resources the project requires (people, tools, software, materials, budget).
  • Break down large projects into smaller, manageable stages.
  • Clarify what the project is aiming to achieve; set performance criteria and standards for the project as a whole and for each stage.
  • Identify the key risks - for example, potential technical problems - and how likely they are; plan what you can do to minimise them and how you will cope with problems.
  • Identify what technology and online tools you can use to enable team members to collaborate, manage and deliver the project.
  • Budget costs for each stage such as staff costs, overheads, materials and equipment.
  • Define the timeline (due date) and set timescales for each stage.
  • Identify the critical path - which activities must be completed before others can be started, and which can be undertaken in parallel.
  • Include a contingency allowance - for both costs and timescales - to allow for identified risks and unexpected problems.
  • Identify the overall project duration and costs.
  • Confirm that it is worth proceeding with the project, considering the costs, timescales and risks you have identified.
  • Monitor progress against plans and performance targets as the project proceeds; adjust your plans as necessary.
  • Complete the project; evaluate its success and what you can learn from it for the future.

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