10 top tips for a successful start-up business

cutting-ribbon.jpg

Starting a business is a daunting process, with so much to think about and action to get it off the ground. The to-do list can be so vast – simply deciding where to start can be a challenge.

Simon Diggle, Director at Pierce has devised their top 10 tips as a handy guide for budding start-up entrepreneurs aspiring for business success.

Fresh ideas The first thing to question when you come up with a business idea is - does it solve a problem, fulfil a need or offer something that the market wants? If yes, you’re off to a good start.

Research the market – Is there a gap in the market and a demand for your proposed business? Always make sure your business has a USP so it stands out from the crowd and attracts customers.

Planning is key - To give your business the greatest chances of success, planning is essential. Map out what you want to achieve as well as the steps that you will take to make it a reality. Of course, the plan will develop over time as the business expands, but by drafting an initial outline, you can break your vision down into manageable chunks. Plans are essential if you’re seeking financial investment, as experts will want to see them to provide constructive feedback.

Compliance check – Being compliant with HM Revenue & Customs and other regulatory requirements is essential and not being compliant could lead to hefty fines. We offer a free check to help businesses ensure they align with all relevant regulations, giving business owners peace of mind they won’t receive any unwelcome penalties.

Select a structure – There are many business structure options ranging right the way through from sole trader to PLC. Selecting the correct one for your business is vital from the outset in order to ensure tax liabilities are mitigated. The correct structure can offer protection for your personal assets against the risks of business. If you’re unsure about which one is best for your business, then seek professional advice.

Name it – Probably one of the hardest parts of setting up a business is picking a name. When you have decided, register it, get a domain name and develop a logo – do some research into colours and pick one that represents your brand.

Financial order – Get your finances in order by opening a business bank account. Do your research and find a bank that suits your business needs while also offering support and advice geared towards start-ups.

Get your accounts in order – Choosing an accounting system is a really important step as it is used to create and manage budgets, set costs, allows you to conduct business with others and files your tax returns. With the introduction of Making Tax Digital, there is a variety of software available to suit the diversity of businesses.

Location, location, location – Choose where you would want to set up your business. With reasonable business rates, an investment into new housing, good transport links and picturesque surroundings – Lancashire is an ideal base. Businesses in Blackburn can receive support from the Hive, which brings together knowledge, networks, passion and determination of organisations and individuals.

Spread the word – Once everything in your back office is in place, promote your business. Joining Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start, they provide a range of practical services, networking and event opportunities, employee development programmes and national business support initiative to help businesses start, grow and succeed. Developing a website and using social media platforms is another essential way to reach your customers.

For more advice on creating a successful start-up business, contact Pierce on 01254 688 100.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Pierce CA Ltd

Latest news

1

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders Ant and Dec and Amy and Chris Cheadle

Preston frozen dough brand has new celebrity shareholders

18 Jul 2025

2

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch Dave Scholes and Malcolm Ireland

Wellbeing focused co-working space with its own pub in Burnley gets ready for launch

18 Jul 2025

3

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed Flying Combat Air Demonstrator

UK's pioneering Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is revealed

17 Jul 2025

4

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company The Printed Cup Company

A fresh brew for The Printed Cup Company

17 Jul 2025

5

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International Joe Diston

Joe Diston from Beever and Struthers appointed to new Global IFRS leader for HLB International

17 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Lancashire Business Day 2025
241122lbvlancashiredaylhp0647web
Networking
27 Nov 2025

Lancashire Business Day 2025

Burnley FC , Burnley, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin