Business Plan Help

'How to write the perfect business plan' workshop

The 'How to write the perfect business plan' workshop is ideal for those thinking about, or currently starting a new business. You will get advice from an experienced business angel on how to approach your business plan, what to include and what you need to do to raise finance.

The half-day workshop is being held at the British Library, London in November and December. It costs £40 and you can find out more here.

Specialist insurance for business advisers and consultants

If you give advice to your clients, or provide any type of professional service it’s worthwhile considering business consultants indemnity cover from Markel  

As a specialist insurer with over twenty years experience, Markel understand the many risks facing management consultants and business advisors. Their management and business consultant insurance offers comprehensive cover that can be tailored to the needs of your business. Premiums start at just £5/month.

If you employ staff you must buy employers liability insurance

If your business employs staff you are required by law have employers liability insurance and be insured for at least £5 million. Employers liability insurance will cover the costs of damages and legal fees for employees who are injured or made ill at work through the fault of the employer. If you don’t have employers liability insurance you can be fined up to £2,500 for every day you don’t have cover.

Find out more about employers' liability insurance and get a quote from Direct Line For Business.

Thinking of starting a business? Get free help and advice

If you are thinking of starting a business and could do with some help and advice you should register for NatWest's 'Thinking of Starting a Business Webinar'. The Webinar is running online at 3pm on 16 March and is designed to help you avoid the pitfalls that trap many new businesses.

James Caan, of Dragons’ Den fame will be on the panel to share his experiences and expertise and one lucky winner will also receive a one-hour mentoring session with the former dragon. For full details of the Webinar and how to register click here.

Business Link Start-Up Workshops in the South West

Business Link are running a series of Start-Up Workshops to help new businesses to get the essentials right. The workshops are running in the South West throughout March and are ideally suited to those who are ready to start a business or have just started.

Topics covered on the 3-day workshops include; 'How to write a business plan', 'Getting the basics right', 'Finding and keeping customers', ''Managing money and making a profit, and 'What it takes to run a successful business'. Workshops cost £99 and you can find full details here.

NatWest online banking for business

When you are starting a business you want to spend as much time on the business and as little as possible on unproductive admin. Online banking from NatWest can allow you to pay your bills, manage your accounts and take control of all your finances, and free security tools keep your transactions safe. To find out more about business baninkg that works 24-7 not just 9-5 visit NatWest.

Need a business loan to turn your business plan into reality?

It's been difficult for new start-ups and small businesses to get business bank loans in recent times. So it's good to see NatWest actively promoting small business loans for anything from £1,000 up to £25,000.

The loans are fixed at competitve rates and there are no arrangement or security fees. There's even a quick and relatively painless online application process available if you are in a hurry. Find out more here.

Free support and advice for growing businesses

If you are running a growing business you will want to sign up for the ‘Ready For Growth’ event. The line up of successful UK entrepreneurs will give you a personal insight into the growth strategies they employed and provide practical tips for you to use on your own business expansion plans.

Whether you’re looking to make an acquisition, raise finance for growth or refine your growth strategy, the unique mix of entrepreneurs and business experts will answer all your questions. It’s quick and free to sign up here.

Business planning workshop - November 9

If you need a little guidance to help you write your business plan it's worth having a look at this business planning workshop being held at the British Library on November 9. The course is half a day and is suitable whether you are writing a business plan for a new business or writing a plan to help grow your existing business. You also get a free copy of the Business Plan Pro software package when you attend the business planning workshop.

Finding the right business insurance deal

Depending on the kind of business you are planning, you will need to look at different types of business insurance. If you are employing staff, you are required by law to take out Employers Liability Insurance and if the general public have access to your premises you will also need Public Liability Insurance.

The best way of finding a first rate policy with plenty of protection is to search online. If you need cover quickly you can get a quote and buy your commercial insurance policy online, from a broker such as Staveley Head.

2 Years Free Banking and Free £75 Google AdWords Voucher

NatWest are currently offering new businesses free business banking for 2 years. Plus, as an added bonus, when you apply to open any NatWest business account online you can also get a free £75 Voucher for Google AdWords.

AdWords is a really effective way to promote your business online, so you can use your £75 of free online advertising to give your venture a great kick-start. This offer isn’t being widely publicised so to get the low-down, click on this link and under ‘Special Offers’ click on ‘Find out more’.

Free business planning software

NatWest are currently offering a free business planning software package. The software allows you to produce a professional business plan, and includes a series of checklists and guides - to help you focus on key aspects of the business. You also get 12 months free use of the award winning MyBusiness Essentials software. You can find out more about the business plan software and download it for free here.