FSB Business Lifecycle Hub

Your business journey is unique. We’re supporting small businesses and the self-employed wherever you are in your journey, from starting your venture and managing a team to making plans for the future and beyond.

We know working for yourself isn’t always smooth sailing, so we’ve got resources, downloadable guides and more from our team of experts to help your business grow and thrive. You’ll find advice on alternative business structures like employee ownership, tips on how to avoid overtrading, and guidance on business turnaround if you need further support.

Launching your business

Starting a new business is exciting, but it also comes with lots of questions. Don’t worry – from choosing a business structure to building your brand, we’ll help you get it right from day one.

Article Fri, 18 November 2022

What is a business plan?

Every small business needs a detailed business plan. Find out how your business plan can help your business grow and succeed, why it's so important and how to get started.

Article Fri, 21 October 2022

Legal documents every start-up business needs for success

Learn how to stay compliant as a start-up business. From tax to health and safety, our legal experts share four areas of business where you need to have legal documents in place.

Article Tue, 09 August 2022

How to register a new business

Ready to launch your start-up? Learn how to register a business with our step-by-step guide. It covers different business structures including sole trader, partnership, and limited company.

Employee Ownership

Employee ownership business models are growing in popularity across the UK. Learn about how employee ownership works and how two businesses leveraged it to build their business and engage their workforce.

Article Tue, 05 October 2021

How employee ownership could give your business a boost

Employee ownership is an alternative way that your business can thrive. Learn more about what it is, how it works and the benefits of this type of business structure.

Article Mon, 04 October 2021

Employee Ownership: Joan McCoy, White Ink Architects

We sat down with Joan McCoy, long-time FSB member and Director of White Ink Architects, to learn more about the company’s transition to the first wholly Northern Ireland based employee-owned consultancy.

Article Thu, 30 September 2021

Employee Ownership: Neil Wright, TensCare

How Neil Wright and his company embraced employee ownership and the benefits it brought for both staff and the business.

Preparing for the unexpected

Working for yourself isn’t always smooth sailing. Learn how you can control your cash flow, chase late payments and stay afloat when things seem uncertain.

Article Thu, 28 December 2023

Eight ways to improve your business credit score

Looking to improve your business credit score? Here are eight ways you can keep on top of your score and put yourself in the best position possible for business funding applications.

Article Wed, 23 August 2023

What is the process for debt recovery?

Client not paying? Learn about the debt recovery process and the steps you can take to recover money owed to your small business.

Article Fri, 17 September 2021

How to create a business continuity plan

Learn how to create a business continuity plan with FSB Insurance Service's step-by-step guide, including practical tips for contingency planning and business recovery.

The future and beyond

Whether you’re retiring, selling your business or just fancy a new challenge, find out what you need to consider when stepping back from your business and planning your exit strategy.

Article Fri, 30 September 2022

How to sell your business

Parting ways with your business? We’ve broken down the essential steps you need to take when selling your business as a sole trader, partnership or limited company, including finalising your taxes and updating your team.

Article Fri, 09 September 2022

How to close a business

Making the decision to close your business isn’t easy. Our experts from FSB Legal Hub explain the steps you need to take to close a small business in the UK.