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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.
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.
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
Attract funding for your invention
Explore funding options for development of new products and ideas, including equity finance, government grants, loans, crowdfunding and more
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.
Protecting intellectual property
How to conduct an audit of your business' intellectual property rights and take steps to protect and secure your IP
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
Intellectual property: the basics
How to recognise and use different types of intellectual property rights to protect your business' inventions and ideas
Family business
Understand the benefits and issues that affect family-run businesses, employing family members or financing from friends and family
Open a pop-up shop: 6 things you should know
Top tips for setting up a pop-up shop in retail spaces to start a business or promote a new product line or service.
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
Starting a public limited company
How to set up a public limited company and decide if it is the right structure for your type of 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
Starting a private company
How to decide whether a private limited company or a private unlimited company is the right structure for your startup.