SCOTLAND BUSINESS GUIDE
Your local guide to setting up and running a successful business.

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BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY

Website names

Your website domain name (web address) does not have to be the same as your business name, but it should contain one of your major keywords, e.g. networking.
Authentic Networking.
(03-09-10)

Understand your costs

There's no point being in business unless you can make money from what you do, so understand all your costs and don't shy away from being honest about the value of your time. When you nail the costs of operating your business, you will gain a greater knowledge of the margins possible.

You don't have to re-invent the wheel, you just need to find the best way of buying and selling one to make a profit!
Ashbourne Colour Print.
(02-09-10)

How to find what IP your business owns

Every business will own some form of intellectual property. It could be the artistic design, shape, technology or brand of your product or process, but do you know how to protect and exploit these intellectual assets?

To find out more why not take a free IP HealthCheck at the following web page.

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/whyuse/business/iphealthcheck.htm

The Intellectual Property Office.
(02-09-10)

Don't rush in to committing to office space.

Office space is expensive and usually requires a long term commitment. If you have the resource, working from home keeps your overheads down and if you need a business address it's worth consideing a Virtual office which will project the right company image without the huge overheads.
voxclever.
(01-09-10)

Banks and Plan

Get a good financial plan / cashflow together and negotiate with your bank to get cheaper bank charges and an overdraft just in case you need it during the first difficult few months
Vince Lavin.
(01-09-10)

Would you like to supply a tip of the day? If so, we would be extremely grateful for your help and will be happy to include a live link to your website with every tip used.
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SYOB Home › Scotland › Scotland Business

SCOTLAND BUSINESS

If you run a business in Scotland or if you are thinking of setting up a new business in Scotland we hope that you will find this site both interesting and useful.

It has been designed to help you find local firms and business support organisations who will be happy to give you friendly advice as well as provide the services that you may need.

Local Firms

Although there are plenty of online business directories, it can sometimes be quite difficult to find LOCAL companies who are genuinely keen to support you. For example if you are based in Scotland, it makes sense to use an accountant, web designer or printer based in Scotland who is prepared to help small businesses or new business start ups.

Business Information

You will find LOCAL business information and useful contacts in these Scotland business pages, but we have also created an extensive library of general business information to help give your business the best chance of success. The answers to 100's of the most frequently asked business questions can be found, including..

Q. Starting A New Business - What are the key considerations before I start?

Q. Starting A New Business - Should I buy an existing business?

Q. Running A Small Business - Why is it important to have a business plan?

Q. Running A Small Business - What is marketing?

Q. Small Business Funding - How can I raise start up capital?

See the Start Your Own Business home page for a full list of subjects covered.

USEFUL SCOTLAND BUSINESS WEBSITES

Business Link Business Link is a free business advice and support service, available online and through local advisers. Businesslink.gov.uk helps your business save time and money by giving you instant access to clear, simple, and trustworthy information. It is developed in partnership with subject experts within government and relevant business-support organisations to help you comply with regulations and improve your performance. Whether you're starting up, already running a business, or looking to grow and develop, Business Link can help you.
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk | 0845 600 9 006

Business Mentoring Scotland. The Business Mentoring programme provides mentors to businesses in Scotland looking for guidance. The programme is delivered across Scotland by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
http://www.bgateway.com | 0845 609 6622

Community Enterprise in Strathclyde. Using our expert knowledge of the social enterprise sector we provide a range of independent and professional business support services for social and community enterprises. As the leading enterprise support agency in Scotland.
http://www.ceis.org.uk | 0141 425 2900

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. 2 Festival Square, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH3 9SU. E-mail: info@edinburghchamber.co.uk
http://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk | 0131 221 2999

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the success of its member companies. Working with a variety of partners and development agencies we deliver a range of support to start and grow successful businesses, including advice and guidance, training, development and e-business.
http://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk | 0131 221 2999

Forward Scotland. Forward Scotland carries out its work through a range of development projects and grant schemes funded by private and public sources. Working with clients, strategic partners and community groups, our activities research key themes and issues of sustainable development to produce innovative and practical solutions. Through the design and delivery of grant schemes we help communities across Scotland improve their local environment and achieve a better and more sustainable quality of life. Forward Scotland's core activities can be separated into three main areas: Ideas – concepts that we are currently working on. Publications – output from out research, conferences and consultations
Grants – delivering grant schemes for community-based projects promoting sustainable development.
http://www.forward-scotland.org.uk | 056000 10 560

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. 30 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1EQ. E-mail: chamber@glasgowchamber.org
http://www.glasgowchamber.org | 0141 204 2121

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has served the business community in the City for over 225 years and offers a comprehensive range of business services, products and expert training, to help business realise its potential. We offer a wide range of services including the provision of: Training & Workforce Development; Events and Networking; Policy and Lobbying.
http://www.glasgowchamberonline.org | 0141 204 2121

If you offer a product or service that can help new business start ups or existing small businesses in Scotland, we would love to hear from you. (Free listing)

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Business advice & information for small business & new business start ups.