Business guides
Practical advice for helping your business grow
Not sure where to start?
Here are just a few of our new and current features to help you move your business forward. Articles include:.
All our guides
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General Guidance(3)
In this section you'll find great guidance from the professionals including 'What I wish I'd known before I started' and how to close those all-important deals.
Starting in a downturn
MoneySense for Business looks at the opportunities and difficulties new businesses face in an economic downturn.
Closing sales
Closing a sale is a skill. This is a short guide to the techniques you should have in your armoury when having a sales meeting
Start-up Guides(10)
MoneySense for Business takes a look at what you should consider when thinking about setting up a business in a number of key sectors.
Why consider...the Retail sector?
Opening a shop is one of the most common routes to business ownership. 'MoneySense for Business' tells you what you need to think about when starting your own business in the Retail sector.
Why consider...the Manufacturing sector?
Setting up a manufacturing business can require a particularly high level of investment. 'MoneySense for Business' looks in to what you should consider.
Why consider...the Hospitality & Catering sector?
If you've a passion for setting up your own business and a passion for food and entertaining, 'MoneySense for Business' gives you hints and tips on what you need to think about.
Why consider...the Property & Construction sector?
The Property & Construction sector can have its ups and downs. MoneySense for Business helps you consider the pros and cons to setting up a business in this sector.
Why consider...the Beauty & Wellbeing sector?
The Beauty & Wellbeing sector offers a range of enterprise options for someone setting up on their own. MoneySense for Business looks in to what you need to think about.
Why consider...diversifying your agricultural business?
MoneySense for Business explores the ways you can diversify a farming or agricultural based business.
Why consider...the consulting & freelancing sector?
Thinking about setting up on your own as a consultant or freelancer? MoneySense for Business looks at the ins and outs.
Why consider...the trade sector?
Self employment is a popular choice for start up if you have a skill or trade. MoneySense for Business looks in to what you should consider.
Why consider...the transport sector?
Transport is a diverse sector offering a range of opportunities. MoneySense for Business looks in to all the options and gives you the guidance you’ll need.
Why consider...an online or mail order business?
Considering setting up a business selling online or via mail order? MoneySense for Business tells you what you need to know.
Raising Money(4)
Getting the money you need for your business is crucial to its success, so find out what helps make your bank manager say 'Yes' to a new business loan.
Funding your start-up
You’ve got the big idea, but where do you find the cash to turn it in to a business? MoneySense for Business takes a look.
What helps make your bank manager say 'Yes' to a new business loan
You've got your business plan in place, so what now? To secure the funding you want, you need to know how to sell yourself
Debt vs. Equity
If your business requires finance, there are two options: you can either borrow money, or you can seek support from investors. MoneySense for Business looks at both.
Structured and mezzanine finance
Finding that your business needs are getting increasingly complex? MoneySense for Business explores tailored bank lending packages.
Planning and Management(5)
'A successful business is underpinned by firm basic principles. A business plan in 60 seconds should help you get your foot through the door.'
A business plan in 60 seconds
Admittedly, it will take more than 60 seconds to write your business plan, but read here what you need to include
Understanding the numbers
Understanding the basic numbers relating to your business is absolutely vital. MoneySense for Business takes a look.
Forecasting
It’s vital to consider whether your company’s earnings in the months ahead will be sufficient to cover its outgoings and generate a profit. MoneySense for Business investigates Forecasting.
Cashflow toolkit
MoneySense for Business understands that cashflow is the lifeblood of every business. The following is a guide to effectively managing the balance between expenditure and income.
Dealing with financial problems
Most businesses have to cope with financial difficulties at on time or another. MoneySense for Business looks at how these can often be easily dealt with.
Types of business(2)
From buying a franchise to discovering your skill-set, find the business to suit you.
Should you buy a franchise?
You want to start your own business but aren't ready to set out on your own. Buying an off-the-shelf company might be the solution
What's your skill-set?
Identify the skills you have, the skills you don't have, and how to plug those gaps with our quick checklist
Regulation (Red Tape)(2)
There are certain things you just have to do when starting and running a business. We've outlined some legal and administration requirements.
Legal requirements
Before launching a business, you should decide on the appropriate legal structure. For conventional businesses there are four main options
Business admin
Many people who start a business for the first time are surprised by how much administrative work it requires
Buying more equipment
Even if it's only a mobile phone, a laptop or a bag of tools, all businesses need equipment
New premises
Finding and securing the right workplace is an important step on the road to business success
Marketing(3)
Know your competitors and you may have a greater chance at improving your performance. Also learn about road-testing your idea.
Developing and implementing a marketing plan
A clearly-defined and well-implemented marketing plan is vital for business success
Know your competitors
If you're in business, you have competitors. You need to know who they are, so you can maximise the potential of your own business
Road-test your idea
The key to any new business, product or service is to work out whether or not there is a market for it
Business squad
Every start-up needs a back-up team of advisors and experts to help you get your facts, figures and legal requirements in place.