Anyone can be an entrepreneur - whether it is setting up a small business or topping up income with part-time endeavours. Although it is not without its tribulations, for many it provides a richer, more rewarding life. Here, we speak to people who have changed their lives for the better by becoming their own boss - and looks at the crucial ingredients required to help kick-start a new business.
Pub closures are still making the news. But there is a growing number of entrepreneurs who are not only making a decent living from running pubs, but are thriving on it. Anthony Pender, chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping, says contrary to expectations, now is a good time to enter the industry.
About 49 per cent of firms are found to be 'permanent non-borrowers' - companies that have not borrowed in the past five years and have no plans to do so in the near future.
Almost one in five bosses of firms with ten to 240 staff now describe expansion abroad as their main aim for the business - a huge leap from less than one in 30 just five years ago.
Footwear producer and distributor 33 Joints, which designs shoes for brands including Firetrap, Original Penguin and Blowfish Malibu, uses manufacturers in China and India.
Majorca-based British business man Steve Crompton wants to offload his £150,000 yacht in a bid to help fund his bean bag business, Pouf Daddy, and featured on TV show Posh Pawn. His bean bags, which are made in Spain, start at £35 and for £59, and specially designed ones are also available for your baby or dog.
They are the result of new European rules designed to prevent giant corporations from profiting unfairly by basing themselves in lower-VAT regimes.
The loft, which offers training and advice, plus a co-working space for start-ups, will open on September 10.
Lindley wants a 'totally new way of looking at capitalism in the UK' and has announced his idea for PBCs to The Mail on Sunday. On September 14 Lindley will open the London Stock Exchange with Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F Kennedy Human Rights and the assassinated senator's daughter.
Founder Mike Lawton was one of nine entrepreneurs taking part this month in a trade mission by Government agency Innovate UK to Utah, San Francisco and Los Angeles. A second is planned to take place in Houston this autumn. Innovate UK is aiming for the country's share of the space economy to rise from 7.7 per cent now to 10 per cent by 2030.
The company, which has been based in Bodmin for 30 years, has moved to a new 12,000 sq ft premises in the village of Indian Queens in a deal backed by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
John Longworth believes that after more than 100 days in office since the Conservative government was formed, the Chancellor needs to do something big to boost exports.
After working in business for over 35 years, and as a director of Just Cash Flow PLC, a specialist lender for UK SMEs, I have seen plenty of good business loan applications, but a worrying amount of poor ones
Single-mum of two, Anna-Lee Keeley is just one of thousands of 'mumpreneurs' running small businesses on eBay, adding billions to the UK economy.
A study by website SwitchMyBusiness found 18.4% of firms have been rolled over automatically into new contracts without permission when their old ones expired.
Enterprise Nation has announced 12 'regional champions' as part of its efforts to to extend support to early-stage companies across the UK and 'export the London boom'.
David Caldana and Justin Kowbel have gone without a till from the start at their cooking supplies retailer, Borough Kitchen, in Southwark, South London.
Some independent music shops complain the internet is bad for business but one has turned the tables and transformed its staff into YouTube stars.
Amid the excitement and apprehension over George Osborne's Budget last week, one barrier to the growth potential of businesses in Britain was overlooked: our antiquated business rates system.
London fails to rank in the top 25 UK online retail business hubs. Evidence reveals an online 'Northern Powerhouse', crowning Greater Manchester as the UK's online SME hotspot.
Entrepreneur Wendy has achieved something many celebrities aspire too, she has turned herself into a brand. She is artistic consultant at fashion powerhouse Burberry and an international make-up artist - and now she has launched her own Pure Skin juice range. She reveals her tips and how she came to work with star names like Victoria Beckham, pictured.
The London-based outfit sells vouchers that can be given as gifts for experiences, from Ferrari-driving and hot-air ballooning to wine tasting and hotel stays.
Hynes raised £150,000 through the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, enlisted an army of tasters in Manchester, and set about perfecting her own brand of healthy children's ready meals.
Big companies that are slow paying their bills will be named and shamed by a new Government business Tsar being announced today.
Some small British businesses are missing a trick by not saving surplus funds into a designated account, research by Aldermore shows.
Small business owner Mike Edwards has won a £44,500 payout from HMRC following a two-year battle over whether his Snugglebundl baby-lifting wrap - a shawl with handles for lifting babies and putting them down without waking the child - is exempt from VAT.
Pension investment firm Axa Wealth predicted that more than half a million 'later-life entrepreneurs' could shun retirement in favour of starting up a firm or going into consultancy.
Leading English wine makers hope the reduced supply will drive up Prosecco prices, leading shoppers to try English fizz, which is usually more pricey.
Do you have an idea that could hold the key to transforming the way we live, work and travel?
Chika Russell, the food producer who wowed all five judges in the episode of BBC2's Dragons' Den that was shown last Sunday and accepted an offer from Peter Jones.
Tim Sawyer said: 'If they don't pay we will chase them for the debt. But if they explain they cannot pay, we will put it to one side and come back in say a year.'
Internet-savvy students are turning their backs on corporate life with plans to set up their own firms when they graduate - and in many cases even sooner. The latest figures show that an astonishing 52,000 have set up a company before leaving university. And a new study indicates 15 per cent of undergraduates plan to set up their own firm on graduation. Tom Cridland (pictured) took the plunge and now 007 is wearing his trousers.
3D printing is taking the world by storm. Once securely in the realm of science fiction, printing in three dimensions is well on its way to being a standard household product.
The online business launched in 2004, which backs Olympic shooter Amber Hill (pictured), has shipped timepieces to 100 countries around the world.
Ideas Britain, a new app and broadcast channel providing a way for people with business ideas to 'access opportunity, knowledge, mentors and finance', will launch next month.
New players are emerging online with promises to disrupt the estate agency market, we speak to two that are using different methods to tempt people away from lettings agents.
Small businesses are gearing up once again to compete for the chance to prove their start-up idea is the most innovative in the country - and win a tidy pot of cash.
Alan Halsall, the owner and chairman of the company sold the firm to the Chinese conglomerate Fosun in a deal arranged by Cavendish Corporate Finance.
From the beginning Hannah McIntyre and Amy Harris thought big. CrunchBoards has spread around the world and already opened a new office in Australia.
As well as running the successful business, Chris and Christine Garnett. have been instrumental in setting up a village group to help their High Street ride out the recession. They both come from Yorkshire farming families, and say they are passionate about how and where food is produced. ...read
There are lots of things to think about when it comes to expanding your business overseas. Start-up expert Chris Lamontagne, who recently headed up overseas expansion of his own firm, gives some top tips.
This tends to be a common problem among aspiring start-up entrepreneurs and existing small businesses who often have the creative vision of what they want to do with their company,
If you fail to comply with auto-enrolment you could be fined an initial £400 and then you may face additional, eye-watering, fines every day. An expert explains what you need to know.
As many as 2 million sole traders and small companies are missing out on building their business because they have no online presence. And even those that do have a website aren't necessarily maximising its full potential - which can be just as damaging as not being online at all.
Small businesses starting to grow and trade beyond UK borders or even buying supplies from abroad have to consider how they manage their foreign currency exchange.
We reveal some predictions for 2015 and how you can prepare your business for this year's challenges by Barclays small business expert Rebecca McNeil.
James Dyson said that large German companies had too much power over EU regulations, which meant 'the old guard' was supported over new technology.
The GREAT Ambassadors scheme will be run for one academic year between 2014-2015 by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the University of Sheffield.
While 24-hour technology has given businesses the freedom to work on-the-go, it creates blurry lines.
You might think that the typical image of an entrepreneur is someone cool and trendy; maybe they're involved in technology, have a funky office in London and below the age of 50.
Gone are the days of self-certification mortgages, which required little or no proof of income and allowed business owners or the self-employed to get a loan relatively easily.
They were abused by some in the lead-up to the financial crisis, leading to them being dubbed 'Liar Loans', and are no longer available.
But, with no replacement, many small business owners feel left out in the cold by lenders.
Having worked as an International Trade Adviser at UK Trade & Investment for the past year, along with her role within the Business is GREAT Britain campaign. bring.
Small businesses starting to grow and trade beyond UK borders or even buying supplies from abroad have to consider how they manage their currency exchange.
Monday was the busiest day of the year for interviews, as people hunt for a start-of-year new job. One man who knows all about standing out from the crowd is Ricky Martin, The Apprentice winner who scooped £250k from Lord Sugar for his recruitment firm. He gives us his top tips to perfecting your CV and landing that dream role.
Investors who commit up to £1million in a scheme in any one tax year receive tax relief up front, as well as when they cash in their investment.
But pensions have some very powerful tax advantages, which small business owners can use to turbocharge their nest egg while also giving their company a cash injection now.
Under the rules, VAT will be charged in the country where the consumer is based, rather than in the country from where the sale is made.
The over-50s are the ones to watch when it comes to start-ups and new pension freedom rules mean an extra opportunity to tap into cash for business ideas. A recent report from the Global
Entrepreneurship Monitor highlighted this age group as being increasingly entrepreneurial. We explain the options and pitfalls of using your pension pot to fund a business.
Pitching your business idea to a prospective investor is tough. Very tough. Hands down, it will be the hardest presentation you are ever likely to do.
There are more free options available than ever before to help entrepreneurs stay connected and keep tabs on what is happening in real time.
In this guide we'll direct you to the sources of finance most likely to help you fund your business.
Here are five top tips for small business owners to consider when structuring their business.
We may have the answer to 'what is your biggest weakness' up our sleeves for an emergency, but what would you say if you were asked how many planes there are in the air? We have compiled 15 of the toughest questions job candidates have been asked at interview, taken from the website glassdoor.co.uk. Here job seekers can share questions they claim to have been asked in interview, tips for the interview process and any other advice when going for a job at a particular employer.
Since March 2011 the Morse family have been battling for a payout from AIG for crucial tools that were stolen from their business - but the insurers wants receipts going back 30 years. Dean Morse believes a claim estimate could be made from business accounts detailing their tool spend over the previous five years.
A whistleblower said he 'felt disgusted' by the policy, which encouraged staff to target charities and small businesses and sell them the most expensive deals possible. Employees (picture top posed by a model) were told they could triple their £14,600 salary through commission if they sold the highest-priced tariffs to enough customers.
This is Money picked our top five UK startups, many of which have gone on to global acclaim, based on their ability to tap into trends even before they happen, lead as pioneering forces in their sector or resonate with millions of people. Do you agree with our choices?
I am going to launch a printing website in the next three months, but would like some advice on making this all legal. I am currently in full-time employment and plan to start the business as a side project at first, and leave within six months to fully focus on my printing business. My question is: what position will this put me in while I am in full-time employment?
I was told recently that due to the small size of my business, I can reclaim much for the cost of her maternity pay, is this true? And if so, how do I go about doing this?
Can I continue to present the goods I offer as personal property and avoid bothering with tax? What are the rules governing online trading like this?
I have a plan for a firm initially run from home, at weekends or in spare time to begin with to fit around current work commitments. How do I get started?
Every penny counts when you are running a small business, particularly for those just starting up. Here's This is Money's four step plan to lowering essential costs to free up more cash to plough back into into your growing company.
Life has got much tougher for the self-employed looking for a mortgage, but it is still possible to get one. We lay out the tricks and traps to help you to get your home.
From iPads to smartphones, personal technology is already streamlining the way we deal with our daily tasks - both in business and at home.
Accounting used to mean a toss-up between Sage or QuickBooks. Now there are a whole host of options out there, but how do you pick which is best?
Many people will offer to tell you the secret of building a great business, but one study claims the recipe lies in a simple philosophy that cuts across all exceptional firms.
An apprenticeship campaigner has asked if it is right to encourage young people to start-up firms that are likely to fail. So should we be pushing for more entrepreneurs?
Writing a business plan is usually simpler than it looks - although it may seem a complex and daunting task, mostly it's just common sense. Here we lay out the practical steps you need to take to come up with a winning business plan formula
Your fledgling business's online presence can be make-or-break for its future, so it's worth doing all you can to make sure you are getting the most out of the world wide web - and drawing in lots of potential customers.
Many business owners start off with side ventures. A fledgling business may not pay the bills, but it can be a great way to get started.
There is no shortage of initiatives to help increase exports, but far too often they are not aimed at small business.
Many dream of starting a business with a small sum of money and turning it into a million pound juggernaut. Every business has to start somewhere. There are many inspirational British entrepreneurs who have built themselves into household names with relatively small amounts, according to a top 25 list compiled by Start Up Loans. We reveal who has made the cut.
'Don't undervalue your Britishness'
Former Hear'Say singer turned fashion entrepreneur Myleene Klass is backing small firms
'Prepare for parental leave or risk being sued':
Businesses warned ahead of new rules coming into effect in April
Five top tips for start-ups:
What you need to know before launching a successful tech business
'Improve our broadband!'
Federation of Small Businesses calls on political leaders to invest
'Our home start-up from Brighton expanded to 34 countries in three months!'
From the beginning Hannah McIntyre and Amy Harris thought big.
Business is sweet!
Back-packing Aussie won latest Apprentice series (without ever having seen it)
Want to save money on letting a home?
Meet easyProperty and Movebubble, the start-ups taking on the high street agents
Fitness start-ups
Five small businesses that promise to whip you into shape in 2015 - and help you get more from your gym spend
EU meddling could cost thousands every year:
A new law, aimed at making internet giants pay more tax, has backfired and hurt small firms selling abroad
'In a game of Russian roulette - is it best to go first or second?'
Fifteen of the toughest (and weirdest) job interview questions
How to put together a presentation and successfully pitch your start-up idea to win over investors
Don't choke!
Over 50 and dream of running your own business? Age can be an asset for entrepreneurs
START-UP EXPERT
Why mentoring matters to start-ups that are in it for the long-term
Expert comment
How can I get funding for my business?
In this guide we'll direct you to the sources of finance most likely to help you fund your business.
How start-ups can tap cash from ordinary people
What is crowdfunding and how does it work?
I've got an interview for a job I really want, how can I make sure I do well?
How can I sell myself? Have your say in Money Morals
Could you make thousands a year from a fancy shed?
Unusual places to stay are all the rage
SIR JAMES DYSON
How to come up with a great invention and then protect your idea from copycat cheats
How to write a business plan to tempt lenders or investors
A practical step-by-step business plan formula
How to conduct market research to make your business idea a winner
It's important not to rush straight in
How to fix your own finances: Five top pension planning tips for the self-employed
Tips on how business owners should build their fund
How to be a big hitter on Twitter: Learn to use social media and grow your business
You don't need to fork out a fortune.
Six tricks to get your business noticed
Charlie Mullins' Pimlico Plumbers has a reputation for being head-and-shoulders above the rest when it comes to marketing
Five of the best current accounts for start-ups with interest, overdrafts and perks
Which banks are offering the lowest fees, in-credit interest and best free perks?
How to protect your small business idea
You've had a great business idea. How do you go about protecting it? Find out in our guide.
What small businesses need to do to avoid pensions pain as auto-enrolment edges closer
This is Money has compiled a checklist
'Don't undervalue your Britishness'
Former Hear'Say singer turned fashion entrepreneur Myleene Klass is backing small firms
'Prepare for parental leave or risk being sued':
Businesses warned ahead of new rules coming into effect in April
Five top tips for start-ups:
What you need to know before launching a successful tech business
'Improve our broadband!'
Federation of Small Businesses calls on political leaders to invest
'Our home start-up from Brighton expanded to 34 countries in three months!'
From the beginning Hannah McIntyre and Amy Harris thought big.
Business is sweet!
Back-packing Aussie won latest Apprentice series (without ever having seen it)
Want to save money on letting a home?
Meet easyProperty and Movebubble, the start-ups taking on the high street agents
Fitness start-ups
Five small businesses that promise to whip you into shape in 2015 - and help you get more from your gym spend
EU meddling could cost thousands every year:
A new law, aimed at making internet giants pay more tax, has backfired and hurt small firms selling abroad
'In a game of Russian roulette - is it best to go first or second?'
Fifteen of the toughest (and weirdest) job interview questions
How to put together a presentation and successfully pitch your start-up idea to win over investors
Don't choke!
Over 50 and dream of running your own business? Age can be an asset for entrepreneurs
START-UP EXPERT
Why mentoring matters to start-ups that are in it for the long-term
Expert comment
How can I get funding for my business?
In this guide we'll direct you to the sources of finance most likely to help you fund your business.
How start-ups can tap cash from ordinary people
What is crowdfunding and how does it work?
I've got an interview for a job I really want, how can I make sure I do well?
How can I sell myself? Have your say in Money Morals
The support group, based in Somerset House, Central London, plans to model the new hub on its recently opened incubator in Barnsley.
The online business launched in 2004, which backs Olympic shooter Amber Hill (pictured), has shipped timepieces to 100 countries around the world.
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