1.     Start with an idea

If you’re thinking of starting a business, you first need to come up with a realistic idea you can turn into a product or service.

Find local support, including help with developing business ideas:

National Enterprise Network - www.nationalenterprisenetwork.org

2.     Protect your intellectual property

You might already have an idea for a business, or have invented something you think people will want to buy. Find out how to protect your intellectual property to make sure nobody copies it without your permission. www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-overview

3.     Turn your idea into a business

a.     Research your market - identify potential customers. Talk to them and find out if your idea is meeting a real need - www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business/research-your-market

b.     Develop and plan - test your product or service with real customers, make changes, and test it again. Keep doing this until you’re sure there’s a demand for it - www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business/develop-and-plan

c.      Find partners and suppliers - think about who you’re going to work with to develop and sell your idea - www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business/find-partners-suppliers-and-premises

d.     Set up your business - work out which legal structure is right for you, and register for tax - www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business/set-up-your-business

e.     Get funding - explore different sources of business finance, from bank loans to government-backed schemes - https://www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business/get-funding

You might be able to get support and financial help from Jobcentre Plus if you’re unemployed - www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business

Contact the business support helpline in your area for help and advice on starting or growing your business.

·       Telephone: 0300 456 3565  Email:  enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org