NatWest - Helpful Banking

Making the decision to start your own business is one of the most exciting things you will ever do.

You'll be joining the ranks of the 400,000 new firms that are set up in the UK every year, making up well over 90% of the UK's total number of businesses, and contributing hugely to the economy.

There are plenty of reasons why people decide to set up new businesses, and before you start planning and preparing the launch of your new enterprise, you need to be clear about your hopes and motivations for becoming an entrepreneur.

• Do you just want to be your own boss?
• Do you have a skill that you want to sell?
• Have you spotted a gap in a market that you think you could fill?
• Do you want more independence?
• Do you want to earn enough money to pay your mortgage, or are you hoping to make some serious money?

Not everyone who wants to set up a business will necessarily have relevant experience already so this course is designed to take you step-by-step through all the processes involved in setting up a business, from developing your idea and deciding whether self-employment is right for you to kick off your first marketing drive and to opening your premises for business.

It's written in jargon-free language, with an emphasis on practical know-how, and it's packed with interactive checklists and task lists so you can measure your progress and plan your next steps.

Useful links:

• Start-up hotline - the support you need when you’re just starting out in business
• Switch to a RBS bank account with the help of our dedicated switching team
• If you’re just starting out in business, two years’ free banking with RBS could be just what you need to get your business on a solid footing
• Help your business get off to a great start with Smarta.com
• We have teamed up with Regus to offer you free businessworld gold membership, giving you access to over 150 business lounges throughout the UK
• At RBS we provide specialist support for women who run their own business through supporting programmes that let women share their knowledge and experience with others

Sign up for the course now>>

Please read this important legal information>>

Retail

Opening a shop is one of the most common routes to business ownership. Find out what you need to think about when starting up in retail.

Manufacturing

Starting up a business in manufacturing can require a particularly high level of investment. Discover what you should consider.

Hospitality

If you have a passion for setting up your own business and a passion for food and entertaining, find out what you need to think about when starting up in hospitality.

Property and construction

Starting up in the Property & Construction sector can have its ups and downs. Learn more about the pros and cons of setting up a business in this sector.

Beauty and wellbeing
Starting your own salon or franchise in the beauty and wellbeing sector may be the next step in your career. Find out what you need to think about when starting up in beauty & wellbeing.

Agricultural

When starting up in an agriculture-based business, there are lots of things to consider including whether to diversify further down the line.

Consulting and freelancing

Lend your expertise to other companies by starting up in consulting or freelancing.

Trade

Self-employment is a popular choice for many people who have skills in areas such as plumbing, carpentry, decorating and electrics. Learn what you should consider when starting out in trade.

Transport

Transport is a diverse sector covering hauliers and taxi firms, couriers and removals companies. Find out more about starting out in the transport sector.

Online or Mail order

Selling goods online or by mail order can be an extremely cost-effective route to starting and running a business. Find out what you need to know when starting up in online or mail order.

From how they plan their diary to what keeps them motivated, successful business owners pass on the tips they've learnt the hard way.

• Marketing
• Customers
• Time management
• Motivation
• Funding
• Personal time
• What to do next

(Anyone can sign up to this course - whether or not you're a NatWest customer.)

Sign up for the course now

Legal information