Search results
Use accounting ratios to assess business performance
Liquidity, solvency, efficiency and profitability ratio analysis can be used to assess business performance.
Make sure a business is worth buying: due diligence
Research the new business to ensure it is right for you, use solicitors and accountants to help you.
Find and develop a business idea
The first steps to finding and developing a business idea and the research you might need to undertake
Set up a business partnership
How to set up a limited partnership, choose a business name, appoint partners and register with Companies House
Buy a franchise
What franchising is, how to find and assess franchise opportunities and how to buy a franchise.
Buy an existing business
Advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business including how to assess and value it.
Business accounting periods
The balance sheet portrays a business' performance over the financial year or accounting period.
The relationship between balance sheets and profit and loss accounts
How transactions in the profit and loss account can affect balance sheet entries and vice versa.
Existing employees when buying a business
Your legal obligations towards staff already working for the new company.
How to calculate the value of a business
How to find out whether the business you want to buy will be profitable and value for money.
Buying business property
What to consider when buying your own business premises, financial and legal aspects, and when to use a solicitor or surveyor.
Set up as a sole trader
Sole traders must register with HM Revenue and Customs and follow certain rules on running and naming their business
Choosing business property
Key issues to consider when choosing the right commercial property for your business needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of buying business property
You should weigh up both pros and cons when considering buying a business property.
Show strong financial performance when selling your business
How to get your business finances in good order and present your accounts in a clear, attractive way.
Renting commercial property
Key factors to consider when choosing to rent property to meet your business demands.
Use your home as a workplace
Tax implications, financial and legal issues, security, and setting up your work area if you plan to work from home.
Profit reporting: how, when and where?
Reporting deadlines, the form to use and who to send it to.
Do all businesses have to produce formal profit and loss accounts?
What types of business have to produce P&L accounts and why they are a good idea for most businesses.
Cost of sales
The base cost of obtaining or creating your product.