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Business start-up challenges for unemployed people
Guidance on starting your own business when unemployed and how to overcome any potential challenges along the way.
Where to find a business to buy
Newspapers, trade journals, adverts, magazines, websites and word of mouth will help you find businesses for sale.
What type of business should I buy?
How to choose the right business for you.
Make an offer to buy a business property
Understand conditional offers, lockout agreements, building survey results and raising finance for the purchase.
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
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 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.
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.
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.