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Business guides

A complete look at what it takes to keep your business moving forward with confidence.

Starting a business

Running a business

Growing a business

Starting a business

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How to do market research for a small business in 7 simple steps

Whether you’re a startup, launching a fresh product or just want to improve, market research connects you with your customers. Here’s how to do it.

A potter calculates the costs of running a business.

Startup costs: how much money will you need for your business?

Startup costs vary widely depending on the type of business you want to set up. Here’s how to work out how much money you need to fund your business plans.

Group of young entrepreneurs working on ideas.

Startup funding: 10 realistic ways to raise money for your business

Discover 10 effective ways to fund your business, including loans, investors, crowdfunding, and grants, with insights to help you choose the best option.

Running a business

Two professionals discuss matters.

Tax advisors vs tax accountants: which should you choose?

Do you need help with your small business taxes? In this guide, we explain how a tax adviser or accountant could ensure you don’t pay more than you owe.

A sole trader smiles holding raw materials for her business

What business expenses can self-employed people claim?

If you’re self-employed you may be able to offset business expenses as part of your tax returns.

"Cashflow projections" written on a piece of paper

What is a cash flow forecast and how can you create one?

Discover our 4-step plan for creating a cash flow projection for your business plan.

Growing a business

All business guides

Woman paying by credit card.

Card payments explained: a complete guide for small businesses

Learn how card transactions work and the types you might encounter when setting up your business for hassle-free sales.

Man holds out card payment machine.

What is the cheapest way to accept card payments in the UK?

Discover the most affordable ways to process card payments for your business. Save on fees with these flexible, easy-to-understand solutions.

Small business owner with paperwork and a sleeping baby on his shoulder.

What do you need to open a business bank account in the UK?

Applying for a business bank account? Find out what documents and details you need to provide

Entrepreneur working on her laptop.

How to get a business bank account with bad credit

You don’t need a perfect credit score to open a business bank account, but a low score can limit your options. Find out how to boost your chances.

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Business credit card eligibility checkers: what they are and how they work

Discover the benefits of using an eligibility checker before applying for a business credit card

Businesswoman doing paperwork

What is budgeting in business and why is it important?

Discover how budgeting helps manage business finances to ensure long-term success