Starting a Business For Dummies, 3rd UK Edition

A best-selling guide from British business start-up expert Colin Barrow covering everything budding entrepreneurs need to know to get their business up and running. Whether you are just starting out, planning a new venture, setting up at home or extending a current business online, this book is all you need to succeed. In addition to straightforward advice on all the business basics, this new and improved third edition will include fresh content covering the fundamental changes in the UK economy, up-to-date tax and VAT advice, guidance on finance and funding in the new era of British banking and setting up online to help readers make the move from employee to successful entrepreneur. Starting a Business For Dummies, 3rd Edition features new and updated content on: Finding funding and business support in challenging times Trimming costs, increasing margins and budgeting for beginners Setting-up a home based business Starting-up online, or creating an online presence for an existing business Spotting financial cycles and preparing for economic ups and downs Using the latest technology efficiently and profitably Entering new markets, finding new products, diversification, forming partnerships and going global

A best-selling guide from British business start-up expert ColinBarrow covering everything budding entrepreneurs need to know toget their business up and running.Whether you are just starting out, planning a new venture,setting up at home or extending a current business online, thisbook is all you need to succeed.In addition to straightforward advice on all the businessbasics, this new and improved third edition will include freshcontent covering the fundamental changes in the UK economy,up-to-date tax and VAT advice, guidance on finance and fundingin the new era of British banking and setting up online tohelp readers make the move from employee to successfulentrepreneur.Starting a Business For Dummies, 3rd Editionfeatures new and updated content on:* Finding funding and business support in challenging times* Trimming costs, increasing margins and budgeting forbeginners* Setting-up a home based business* Starting-up online, or creating an online presence for anexisting business* Spotting financial cycles and preparing for economic ups anddowns* Using the latest technology efficiently and profitably* Entering new markets, finding new products, diversification,forming partnerships and going global

Introduction 1Part I: Getting Started 7Chapter 1: Preparing for Business 9Chapter 2: Doing the Groundwork 25Chapter 3: Can You Do the Business? 45Chapter 4: Testing Feasibility 65Part II: Making and Funding Your Plan 83Chapter 5: Structuring Your Business 85Chapter 6: Preparing the Business Plan 109Chapter 7: Getting Help 123Chapter 8: Finding the Money 137Chapter 9: Considering Your Mission 161Chapter 10: Marketing Your Wares 167Part III: Staying in Business 189Chapter 11: Employing People 191Chapter 12: Operating Effectively 213Chapter 13: Keeping Track of Finances 233Chapter 14: Managing Your Tax Position 259Part IV: Making the Business Grow 273Chapter 15: Doing Business Online 275Chapter 16: Improving Performance 297Chapter 17: Exploring Strategies for Growth 315Chapter 18: Becoming a Great Manager 331Part V: The Part of Tens 347Chapter 19: Ten Pitfalls to Avoid 349Chapter 20: Ten People to Talk to Before You Start 355Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Cut Costs 361Chapter 22: Ten Steps to Prepare to Move On 371Index 381