Business Helpsheets
Practical reading for the decisions that come with running a business, from your first business plan to managing staff and planning for growth.
Browse by topic, then talk to us about how the guidance fits your circumstances.
Looking for tax guidance? Browse our Tax Helpsheets.
Business growth
Managing Your Business the McDonald's Way
Build repeatable ways of working so customers receive a consistent service and the business depends less on its owner.
Read helpsheet →The Power of Risk Reversal
Understand how a clear guarantee or trial can reduce a customer's hesitation without promising more than you can deliver.
Read helpsheet →How to Find Your Best Selling Price
Test selling prices against gross profit and overheads, rather than judging success by sales volume alone.
Read helpsheet →Probability Chart of Results of Test Mailings
Understand why a small mailing test cannot promise the same response from a much larger campaign.
Read helpsheet →Proven Referral Systems
Make referrals easier by explaining who you help, thanking introducers and choosing a repeatable approach.
Read helpsheet →Mad Marketing Ideas
Use imaginative marketing examples to develop an offer that fits your business and customers.
Read helpsheet →Email Marketing Law
Plan email and text marketing with clear permission, an identifiable sender and a straightforward way to opt out.
Read helpsheet →Business start-ups
Top Tips to Consider When Starting a Business
A practical checklist for planning your market, finances, records and responsibilities before you start trading.
Read helpsheet →Writing a Business Plan
Bring your business idea, operations, funding needs and financial forecasts into one clear plan.
Read helpsheet →Franchising
Assess a franchise's operating model, support, costs and contract before committing your time and money.
Read helpsheet →How to Get a Grant
Prepare a grant application around a defined project, credible costs and evidence that you meet the funding conditions.
Read helpsheet →Which Business Structure Should You Use?
Compare sole trading, partnerships, limited companies and LLPs using responsibilities as well as tax.
Read helpsheet →The 5 Key Qualities Needed to Succeed in Business
Reflect on the motivation, attitude and persistence involved in starting and developing a business.
Read helpsheet →How to Raise Finance
Match funding to the purpose, cash-flow needs and obligations of your business, then prepare a clear proposal.
Read helpsheet →Employment
Health and Safety for Employers
Understand the practical steps involved in protecting your employees and managing workplace risks.
Read helpsheet →Working Time and Minimum Wage Regulations
Plan working hours, rest, holiday and payroll around the rules that apply to your workforce.
Read helpsheet →Employee Dismissal Procedures
Understand the importance of a fair reason, a fair process and clear records when considering dismissal.
Read helpsheet →Employment Age Discrimination
Recognise age discrimination in recruitment, employment decisions and day-to-day workplace behaviour.
Read helpsheet →Limited companies
Role and Duties of a Company Secretary
Clarify who handles company records, meetings and filings, whether or not you appoint a secretary.
Read helpsheet →Directors Responsibilities
Understand directors' duties, company administration and the importance of monitoring financial difficulties.
Read helpsheet →What to Put on Your Company Letterhead, Websites and Emails
Check that company correspondence and online information identify the business clearly and correctly.
Read helpsheet →Miscellaneous
Risk Issues and Insurance for Your Business
Review your business's main dependencies and the insurance cover that may help manage the risks.
Read helpsheet →Preparing for Your Year End Accounts
Organise the records and year-end schedules needed to prepare your accounts efficiently.
Read helpsheet →How to Choose the Right Accounting Software
Choose bookkeeping software around your business's reporting, invoicing and day-to-day needs.
Read helpsheet →Tax on your private pension contributions
Understand pension tax relief and the allowance questions to check before making contributions.
Read helpsheet →The Essentials of Factoring and Invoice Discounting
Compare invoice finance arrangements, their costs and their effect on customer relationships and cash flow.
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