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Weighing up succession planning options

Planning for the succession of a business is an important and sometimes overlooked part of a business plan. It’s an inevitable period in the lifetime of all successful businesses – so it’s best to weigh up the options early. Keeping...

Eight management priorities when you start your business

1. Put together a strong advisory team Starting a business can be a lonely process and thinking you can do it all yourself is the road to extra stress and pressure. Study successful business owners and you’ll find they have...

Ten steps to successfully franchise your business

Franchising can be an excellent way of growing your business rapidly and earning a good return. It can also be a pathway for ultimately exiting your business and leaving it in the capable hands of franchisees. Here, we’ll outline ten...

How to set up a cash reserve

Running a successful business is a juggling act between cash coming in and cash going out. If you’ve built up a cash reserve, you’ll be better able to stay in business and handle short-term issues like falling sales. Build a...

Get better deals from your suppliers

Being on good terms with suppliers could translate into special deals or preferential treatment. Your suppliers may also give you greater leeway in the face of a cash shortage or when you need extra time to pay. Build the relationship...

Why it can pay to buy an existing business

If you’re looking impartially and unemotionally at the options ahead when starting your own business, you have to admit simply buying one already in operation is incredibly appealing. Not only do you get experienced staff and an existing customer base,...

Why do I have to pay tax when I made a cash loss?

How can there be a profit if the year’s ended with no cash? It’s quite common for businesses to end the year with little or no cash, only to be told by their accountant that they made a profit and...

Preparing a business plan

Your business plan is a management tool and is designed to suit the structure and needs of your particular business. There is not a one-size-fits-all business plan, or a set formula that you have to follow. This leeway to design...