Starting A Business? Don’t Overlook These 3 Vital Priorities

Anyone who thinks about starting a business and then actually takes the plunge to launch it will no doubt be overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of it all. That’s only natural, after all it’s a real ego boost as well as being personally fulfilling.

Most new entrepreneurs just days away from the big launch will probably have done everything by the book and have begun with the business plan and then moved on to budgeting. You may think you have everything covered – but have you when push comes to shove?

If you are reading this on the cusp of the grand opening of your big capital venture, here are 4 aspects you may want to remind yourself about just be sure you have given them ample consideration:

Premises 

Most businesses can be started off from home – but in all honesty if you have serious ambitions to be the next Branson or Roddick you really do need to think about premises. Whether it is a small workshop or office space, the need for a more suitable base to run your operation may well arrive more quickly than you anticipated meaning you will outgrow your bedroom and sitting room and kitchen very soon. Running a business from home can also play havoc with your family or other personal commitments if the two clash and your business starts to come before others. That may well happen in due course – but at least having the business separate from your home life will make things far more comfortable for everyone concerned.

Networks 

And no this isn’t about networking on social media. That will come later. This is about your computer and online systems because almost all businesses today will rely on some sort of safe and secure system for communications as well as taking payments. It is more than likely that your infrastructure and core business activity will rely on the Internet; therefore it needs to be the best it can be day and night. Names to look out for are Cisco Nexus and ATT&T.

Finances  

It is understandable that all new entrepreneurs simply have eyes for the money that will be coming in, yet this is a huge mistake of focus. If anything your attention needs to be on the money going out – right from the start. It is natural of course that there will be more outgoings initially; they will be built into your start-up and launching costs. But if your expenses continue to outstrip your income for too long, then something is badly wrong. Keep careful eyes on the money going out and that will save you heartache in the future. You also need to remember that there will be money leaving the business at the end of the financial year too in taxes.

I’m sure you have given these points careful consideration…but if not, now’s the time to give them the time.

By Mitch Wicking

A journalist and reporter for many years Mitch enjoys investigating Life's little wonders for Cisco Reseller UK and many other domains and topics. Click here to find out more.

Do I Really Need Travel Insurance for UK Breaks?

Travel Insurance

This question must be asked about a thousand times a day to the travel agents in the UK, despite having the simplest answer possible.

Yes…you very much do.

While the vast majority will not even bat an eyelid at the thought of covering the whole family to nth degree when travelling abroad, there are comparatively few that do the same when holidaying in the UK. Contrary to popular belief however, the moment you step out of the door and begin your trip on home soil you are at the mercy of fate and it’s impossible to rule out a few unpleasant scenarios here and there.

You might have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the NHS is on your side if you need its help and you also don’t need your passport to get home, but this doesn’t mean for one minute that it’s a good idea to flaunt insurance altogether.

Trip Cut Short

Just like with a foreign holiday, you could very easily miss your travel connection or break down en-route, meaning that for whatever reason you’re either stranded or your trip is cut short. Without insurance you might be left to fend for yourself with no chance of a penny by way of refunds, which is a risk that really isn't worth taking – especially when considering the low costs of UK holiday insurance.

Possessions

And then there are all the possessions and gadgets you plan to take with you – your iPhone might be covered at home and in the car, but how about on the beach? If anything gets lost, damaged or stolen while away from home it can be incredibly tricky to arrange any sort of recompense, unless you are fully insured across the board.

Cash and Currency

The above also applies to the cash and currency you carry in terms of money and credit cards – where exactly are you going to turn if you lose your wallet with all your worldly money in it? You might be able to report it missing, but in the meantime you’re completely on your own – unless of course you have a seriously affordable insurance policy in place that covers all such eventualities and so many more besides.

By Lisa Morton

Lisa Morton was converted to the UK way of holidaying after taking a short break to Cornwall and realising exactly what was on her doorstep. She’s now on a one-man mission to open the rest of the UK’s eyes to the beauty of the British Isles.