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Set up a basic record-keeping system
What you need to record and for how long, with step-by-step guidance on setting up your own system.
Get patent protection for your business
Find out how to patent a product, and protect your ideas or inventions by applying for a patent and securing your patent rights
Trade marks
Introduction to trade marking – how to choose, search for, register and protect trade marks in the UK or abroad
Renting commercial property
Key factors to consider when choosing to rent property to meet your business demands.
Intellectual property: the basics
How to recognise and use different types of intellectual property rights to protect your business' inventions and ideas
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.
Buying commercial property: using a surveyor
A surveyor can help you negotiate insurance and contracts and give you advice on any alterations that may be required.
Buying commercial property: using a solicitor
A solicitor can offer valuable legal advice and support to negotiate a suitable deal when purchasing business property.
Retail start-up support
How to find the right financial and advisory support to start your retail business in Northern Ireland
Buying commercial property: concluding the sale
Completing the sale of a business property including exchanging contracts, deposits, paying Stamp Duty Land Tax and Land Registry fees.
Setting up an innovation start-up
How to build an innovative start-up, develop a business plan for innovation and find the right finance and exit options for your business
Common approaches to innovation
What are the most common approaches to innovation, and how you can analyse the market, identify opportunities and find government support for innovation
Trade mark tips for beginners
12 things that small business owners need to know in order to protect and manage their valuable trade marks
Retail
Guidance on getting started in retail, improving your retail business, running a retail premises, retail and the environment, business finances and the law, and employing people in retail
7 key advantages of R&D for small business
Discover different ways to leverage research and development to improve products and services, and boost your business.
Advantages of innovation
Benefits of innovation in business can include efficiencies, growth and increased competitive advantage, as well as enhanced reputation
Strategy for research and development
How research and development should fit into your overall business plan
Types of retail business
The various types of retail business, including convenience store, speciality store, supermarket, discount store, department store, warehouse, direct retailer and online store
Estimate your rate bill
Get an indication of how much your business rates bill could be for 2024-25.
Internal research and development
How to carry out internal research and development and leverage the benefits of keeping research in-house