small business

If you’re a freelance graphic designer, here’s why you should incorporate a limited company

The benefits of life as a freelance graphic designer are plain to see. You get to work on your own terms, on a schedule that suits you, and claim better pay for your projects than if you were to operate through an agency.

I’m setting up my own pop-up food stall: is it worth it?

Pop-up food stalls are entrepreneurship at its most vibrant. From a food van business catering for festivals and parties to market and food court stalls, this fast-growing sector is becoming more and more popular for both businesspeople and consumers alike.

What you need to know before opening your coffee shop

Move over, Starbucks! Independent coffee shops are back on the rise, and ready to challenge the big brand monopolies.

How to start your own architecture firm: a practical guide

The likes of Foster & Partners and BDP might dominate the industry press, but it’s actually thousands of sole practitioner and boutique studios dotted across the country that form the bedrock of the UK’s architectural profession.

Our practical guide to starting your home florist business

Few businesses are more rewarding for your creativity than arranging stunning bouquets. Best of all, floristry is the kind of small business you can easily run online, from the comfort of your own home.

Starting up your own clothing line? Here’s why you need to trademark it

If you’re starting up your own clothing line, you’ll have put hours and hours into designing, creating and branding your products. And as any experienced clothing line entrepreneur will tell you, it’s imperative to consider trademarking your products.

How to prepare your business for the unexpected

“Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” It’s a saying we’ve all heard at one time or another, and depending on your disposition, it either sounds terribly pessimistic or fairly even-handed.

Starting a property rental business: is it worth it?

In recent years, it’s been tougher for property rental businesses in the UK. Lending criteria has been tightened, regulations have become less generous and rental yields have fallen — but can lessors still have good earning opportunities despite these challenges?

Everything you need to know when starting your gardening business

You may know your hydrangeas from your hollyhocks, but how clued up are you on the different company structures open to professional gardeners? If your gardening business is going to flourish, you’ll need to pick the best setup for you, and meet all the business and legal requirements that come with it.

Startup Story with Rachel Hugh and Neil Potts, owners of The Vurger Co

Neil and Rachel With nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram and coming in at 84 in the UK’s Top Startups Index 2018 (the only restaurant to do so), plant-based burger restaurant, The Vurger Co, are a force to be reckoned with. Loyal fans and a crowdfunding success have helped their Shoreditch branch become something of a vegan 'fast-food' constitution, so much so that they've recently opened their doors to another branch in Canary Wharf.

Starting a personal training business? Here’s how to thrive online

You’re an advisor, problem solver, a motivator and a confidante — all rolled into one. Success as a personal trainer comes from your ability to gain trust and build relationships: something that applies just as much to your online presence as it does to your sessions on the gym floor.

Making the switch to freelance marketing consultant? Here’s what you need to know about setting up your business

As a marketer, the prospect of going freelance brings up plenty of potential pros and cons. The whole process can be daunting but pays dividends in the long run.