Start a business
Advice for starting a business
Starting a business can be tough but rewarding. You should ensure that you do plenty of research before you start - some of the questions you may want to think about are:
- what sort of business you’d like to start
- whether people are interested in your product/service
- how much you can charge for your product/service
- whether you need to register with HM Revenues and Customs
- whether you need to employ any staff
Step one - market research
Your first port of call should be the British Library Business & IP Centre (BIPC).
The library offers a range of face to face advice sessions as well as workshop and events to help you with everything from writing a perfect business plan, to funding advice.
They also have a number of business guides which you can get access to, free when visiting the BIPC.
Step two - information on starting up
Business Link in London offers information and guidance on starting a business.
Their website offers factsheets and information on many topics including:
- choosing and setting up a legal structure
- sales and marketing
- understanding European markets
- how to become and employer
To get a free start up guide please go to Startup Answers.
Step three - finance, tax and national insurance
When you have completed your market research and are ready to start, you should inform HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) to find out which records you should keep. HMRC run free workshops for the self-employed and these employing staff to explain the regulations.
For more information and some helpful factsheets please visit HMRC.
Contact Camden 020 7974 4444