If you have an idea for your new business, are just starting to get the ball rolling, or are up-and-running but still in the early days, we’ll help your dream become reality!

Starting your own business is an exciting journey, but it can also be a bit overwhelming – and that’s exactly where Launching Pad can help you.

We’ve listed many of the key questions that we’re asked below – you can use this as your checklist, and if you’d like guidance on any of these (or anything else for that matter!), that’s exactly where we come in.

At Launching Pad, we bring years of experience in helping new businesses take off, and are here to guide as much or as little as you need to help your new business succeed.

Successful entrepreneurs never stop learning and developing their skills (ourselves included) and by benefiting from the experience of others who have already been there, this can be a great way to turbo-boost your new business.

10 Things For Your To-Do List When Starting A New Business

Here are our 10 essentials for new companies:

1. Company Formation – are you going to be a Limited Company or a Sole Trader (and what on earth do these terms mean?) These are legal terms which have definite obligations. We can talk you through the pros and cons of each and work out which model is going to be best for your business.
2. What are you going to call your business? You need something that will stand the test of time, yet be memorable and reflect your business branding. We’re more than happy to look through your list of options and discuss with you!
3. How do you get a professional website and email address? Your probably going to need a domain name (e.g. www.yourcompany.com), a professional email address (i.e. NOT yourcompany@hotmail.com) and a professional, modern website, that your potential customers can find and which makes it easy for them to contact you? Also how do you avoid the pitfalls of having a website that you don’t actually own!
4. What is GDPR and how does it affect you? All companies must comply with GDPR guidelines around obtaining and storing identifiable information about your customers. Failure to do so can close down your business. We are happy to walk you through all aspects of GDPR regulations and how they impact your business.
5. How will you charge your clients? How will they pay you, and how will you pay your suppliers? When starting a new business, banking and accounts needs some careful consideration to ensure you’re only paying for what you actually need but also ensuring that you’re not over-paying for each transaction (a few percent off EVERY sale, soon adds up!)
6. What do I need to do first? There is so much to think about and do when starting up a business, it can be hard to know what to do first. This is particularly pertinent if, like many entrepreneurs, you’re working a day job at the same time whilst the business gets off the ground. We can work with you to lighten the load and ensure you are focussing your efforts on the tasks that you need to do.
7. Where are you going to launch your business from? Do you need premises? And what about a phone number – do you really want to put your mobile phone number out there for people to call you on 24 hours a day? There are lots of choices available to businesses – ask us what we know!
8. How are you going to pay yourself, and any staff you may take on? Let us talk you through the various options that are available to you.
9. How are you going to let the world know about your new business? A great website is the first step but how will people find your website? And why should they pick you?
10. What social media platforms are you going to be on? Digital marketing is an extremely effective advertising tool if done right. You need to consider which platforms attract your target audience and will best represent your business.

There are so many things to consider, and it can seem very daunting, particularly in the early days.

At Launching Pad, we pride ourselves on helping to lighten the load and let you find your feet, through a combination of mentoring, guidance and hands-on support, balanced to suit your needs. We work at your pace and although we may encourage you to step out of your comfort zone(!) we will never make you do anything you’re not happy with.

Starting your own business can be the most rewarding and enjoyable thing you’ll ever do. To make a success of it you need to be willing to put in the hours – the rest we can help you with. So buckle up, enjoy the ride and contact us today!