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I am having employee problems, what should I do?
Can 'Investors in People' recognition assist my business?
Do you have a top tip for generating sales?
I need to take on staff for the first time - any considerations I should make?
Does my business need a website?
I have been advised to formalise my business ideas
into a business plan - I do not believe there is any benefit?
Can a business advisor really help my business?
Do start up businesses need to have a mission statement?
Where can I develop the necessary skills to aid me
in running a business?
Do I have to register my company?
I have been advised to formalise my partnership with
my business partner, is there a real requirement to do so?
Where can I find premises for my business?
Do I have to register with the Inland Revenue when
I set up in business?
Should I be registered for VAT?
Are the self- employed liable for NI contributions?
Where can I conduct further research?
Where can I find out about grants?
What are the benefits of joining a business network/club?
What are the issues relating to trading on the internet?
I am having employee problems, what should I do?
Always ensure any actions you propose to undertake are done so with guidance - ACAS assist both employers and employees
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Can 'Investors in People' recognition assist my business?
The short answer is yes - it is a national standardised assessment process, which ensures your business works within a framework involving all company personnel at all levels
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Do you have a top tip for generating sales?
Yes, always remember people buy people. Make sure you have the right people selling your products / services to maximise your sales
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I need to take on staff for the first time - any considerations I should make?
Firstly, can the business afford the additional cost, secondly, have you identified exactly what responsibility each individual will have in the business - you need to produce a job description and a person specification. Recruitment options need to be considered and finally you need to be fully conversed with current employment law or have access to the necessary support
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Does my business need a website?
The simple answer is it depends upon what purpose you intend to use the website for - promotion, on line selling, email facility etc. The next consideration is what is the nature of your business and where is your trading locality e.g. If you are only providing a local service it is highly unlikely you will gain any business through a website
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I have been advised to formalise my business ideas into a business
plan - I do not believe there is any benefit?
A business plan is a very important tool in your business and helps
keep the business on the right track. It explains what the business
is, where it is, how it will function and whom it will serve. It
also helps you check progress against the targets which you have
set yourself and assess how well you are doing.
You can download our business plan template here and/or contact
the Enterprise Agency who will assign a business advisor to help
you develop your ideas.
Download Business Plan
(right click on this link and select 'save target as') [back to top of page]
Can a business advisor really help my business?
The answer is yes - a business advisor can provide you with impartial,
objective advice and guidance either on an ad-hoc basis or via a
series of meetings to meet the needs of the business. Business advisors
have accredited status and many years experience in wide ranging
fields.
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Do start up businesses need to have a mission statement?
It is always beneficial to understand the reason why you are in
business, and set yourself formal policies, goals and objectives.
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Where can I develop the necessary skills to aid me in running a
business?
The Enterprise Agency offers a comprehensive range of programmes
tailored to meet your needs. If you are starting a business, training
is offered to you at a highly subsidised fee.
For further details on the courses offered please click
here to see dates of courses.
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Do I have to register my company?
If you wish to form a limited company, then you must register that
company with Companies House. Enterprise Agency approved solicitors
can assist you in forming your limited company.
You can visit the Companies House website at www.companieshouse.gov.uk
for further details or to search Company Names and Trademarks.
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I have been advised to formalise my partnership with my business
partner, is there a real requirement to do so?
Yes, for everyone's benefit - partnerships do dissolve.
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Where can I find premises for my business?
Contact Cheshire County Council Economic Development Unit for details.
You can visit their website at www.cheshire.gov.uk/edubus/
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Do I have to register with the Inland Revenue when I set
up in business?
Yes. You must register with Inland Revenue within three months of
setting up in business (including becoming self-employed). If you
fail to register within the first three full months of self-employment,
you may be fined.
For further details, visit the Inland Revenue website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
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Should I be registered for VAT?
Registration depends on the taxable turnover of your business.
If the taxable turnover is expected to exceed or has already exceeded £58,000 it is necessary to notify your local VAT office immediately
of your liability to register for VAT.
If the taxable turnover of your business is not expected to exceed £58,000 then VAT registration is not necessary. However, businesses
can register voluntary for VAT in order to reclaim VAT on purchases.
Contact you local VAT office for full details, or visit the Inland
Revenue website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
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Are the self- employed liable for NI contributions?
Yes. Registering as self-employed means that you become liable for
Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
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Where can I conduct further research?
Extensive research can be carried out at the Business Information
Service at Ellesmere Port Library.
Visit www.cheshire.gov.uk/library/elleport.htm
for more details.
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Where can I find out about grants?
Your local Enterprise Agency may be able to assist, alternatively
local authority Economic Development Units often have directories
of funding opportunities. Click onto www.j4b.co.uk
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What are the benefits of joining a business network/club?
It provides you with the opportunity to share problems with like
minded people, generate business leads and learn new skills.
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What are the issues relating to trading on the Internet?
The issues relating to marketing and selling are in the main exactly
as if trading in a traditional manner. For legal advice contact
a solicitor who specialises in e-commerce legislation: www.aaronandpartners.com
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