This guide provides advice on all aspects of starting a small business. It covers deciding what product or service to offer, raising the necessary finance, deciding what type of business it will be (limited company, sole trader, etc), planning an effective marketing strategy, acquiring suitable premises and coping with accounts and taxation. It also looks at other important topic areas including employing staff, advice sources, choosing a computer system, acquiring patents and exporting goods. This new edition contains sections on VAT, exporting to EU countries, insurance matters, pensions, tackling bad debts and accepting payment by credit and debit cards.