Many people have ideas for businesses but whether they are commercially viable is the big question.

Doing the necessary groundwork before commencement is vital to give your enterprise a chance to succeed. This includes the following:

  • Preparing a proper business plan which includes a financial forecast and a cash flow projection – this is a major step in the right direction. This will ascertain what capital is required at inception, what the on-going working capital requirement will be for say the first 18 to 24 months and whether there will be any borrowing requirements.
  • Carrying out research into the possible market for your product/services and having an in depth look at what your competitors are doing.
  • Carrying out business checks on your possible major customers and suppliers, to ensure that they are on a sound financial footing, are creditworthy and have a good track record.
  • Ensuring that your goods/services are not in breach of copyright/trade mark laws
  • If you are going into business with another party putting a formal agreement in place such as a partnership agreement or a shareholders agreement.
  • If you are employing people ensuring that you are aware of the full employment law ramifications and that contracts of employment are put in place.
  • Making a decision on what business entity you will use such as a sole trader, a partnership, a limited liability partnership or a company. Each business entity has its advantages and disadvantages and great care has to be taken in choosing the right entity for your business.
  • Using the right software and cloud based systems to help control and manage your business is vitally important.
  • Registering with HM Revenue and Customs and ensuring that you comply with all tax regulations.

We specialise in business startups and a number of our existing clients have successful businesses that we have been involved in since inception.