General Business - Start Up

A full list of the 30 titles. Start-up Briefings is a series of 30 four-page briefings, focusing on the key business issues every start-up needs to address.

Advertising is the fastest and simplest way for a start-up business to let a large number of people know about its products and services

Are you going to be in control of your new business? Will you know in advance about any looming cashflow problems? Unless you make use of properly prepared budgets, the answer is probably going to be no.

Whatever the commercial activity you are engaged in - from buying supplies to selling your product - you need to be aware of the legal issues involved.

Buying a franchise allows you to set up your own business without starting from scratch.

Do you need one? Unless you happen to be an expert on accounting, tax and finance, you need an accountant.

Credit control is a vital part of running any business, and especially a new business with limited cash resources.

Caring about your customers - and showing it through your service - gives you a high return on the time, effort and money you invest.

Direct mail is personally addressed advertising, delivered through the post. It can be extremely effective for start-up businesses, because it is so flexible - and because its effects are so easily tracked.

Good public relations can be the making of a start-up business. Inept PR can ruin it. In its broadest sense, PR is a way of effectively and accurately communicating with your audience to make sure they understand your company. It also enables you to develop a positive image in their minds.