Start Your Own Business

An introduction to selling online, whether via marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon and Etsy, or your own e-commerce or general website.

In this episode we speak to online selling expert, Chris Dawson, who talks about the advantages of selling online and guides us through selling via popular marketplace platforms.

Chris is co-founder and editor of Tamebay, leading source of intelligence and news for those who sell on online marketplaces, whether experienced “power sellers” looking to boost their sales or beginners looking for best practice advice. Chris co-founded Tamebay in 2006, but for eight years before that he’d been a full time eBay seller.

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An unmissable introduction to the all-important business of online marketing and digital marketing methods you can use to attract and retain customers.

In this episode we speak to Aggie Meroni to find out all about social media marketing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, search engine marketing, so you stand a better chance of people finding your business via search engines such as Google, and organic and paid online advertising. You’ll also get an introduction to email marketing.

Aggie is the founder and CEO of White Bee Digital, a consultancy that helps start-ups and small businesses to build their online presence, so they can attract and retain more customers.

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Pick up top tips and learn key start-up lessons from the biggest experts of all – those who’ve actually been there and started their own business.

In this episode we speak to Lee DeSanges, founder of Birmingham-based Baked In Brick, a business he launched in 2015 from his garden shed. Soon Lee was cooking and selling BBQ chicken tikka wraps out of a modified Mini Cooper, as well as wood-fired style pizza at events and street markets. More recently, Lee opened his own Baked In Brick restaurant in Birmingham.

Find out what Lee would do differently if he had to start his business again and what his key start-up tips are.

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Why it’s important to spend as little as possible when starting a business, where to get funding and tips on cash flow management and setting prices.

In this episode we speak to Guy Bridge to find out about the pros and cons of various sources of start-up funding. Is it possible to start a business with little or no money? What can you claim for when running your business from home all or some of the time? You can also find out about how to keep your cash flow healthy, which is arguably the most important challenge you face in business.

Guy is the CEO of Finpoint, a business finance platform that makes it easier for SMEs and their advisers to find the right business finance. Finpoint works with the Federation of Small Businesses and many other organisations. Previously, for 25 years, Guy worked in banking for HSBC, RBS and others, so he’s highly experienced when it comes small business funding and finance.

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Why a brand is much more than just colours, fonts or slogans and how to come up with a great business name.

In this episode we speak to Liz Mosley to learn the importance of creating a strong, distinctive brand when starting a business. We hear about the importance of brand values and how to create a distinctive brand identity.

Liz is the host of the popular Building Your Brand podcast, which advises small businesses on a wide variety of subjects linked to their brand and marketing. She also offers training courses for small businesses and she’s a graphic designer with more than 10 years’ experience who creates stunning brand identities for start-ups and small businesses.

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Pick up top tips and learn key start-up lessons from the biggest experts of all – those who’ve actually been there and started their own business.

In this episode we speak to Eve Kekeh, London-based founder of Bundlee, the UK’s first and most popular baby clothing rental subscription service. Eve explains why she started her business and retraces her start-up journey, sharing key lessons that she learned along the way.

Find out what Eve would do differently if she had to start her business again and what her key start-up tips are.

For more great tips on how to start and run a business, sign up to the Ping newsletter.

The pros and cons of the main business formation options and how to legally register your new business.

In this episode, we speak to expert Carl Reader, who talks through the main options for forming a business, how to register and the steps you need to take before reaching that point. He also touches on whether you need to register for VAT, business bank accounts and working with an accountant.

Carl Reader is a serial entrepreneur, a trained accountant and author of business book, Boss It, which is currently in the WHSmith best-seller charts. He regularly appears as a small business tax and finance expert in the national and business media. Carl has helped thousands of owners by enabling them to better understand business and make better choices when faced with challenges related to starting, running and growing a small business.

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If you want to find out how to start your own business and get off to a great start, you’ve come to the right place.

In six episodes of this first eight-part series, a leading expert provides tips on a specific aspect of starting your own business. Many of the basic essentials are covered, including whether to set up as a sole trader, limited company or partnership and how to register.

You can find out about sources of start-up funding and how to keep your cash flow healthy. One episode will tell you how to create a winning brand and come up with a good business. Another provides a basic introduction to marketing. We also explain how to sell online and look after your mental and physical health when running your own business.

Two further episodes enable you learn invaluable start-up lessons from actual business owners – those who’ve been there and done it.

If you’re starting your own business or thinking about it, the Start Your Own Business podcast is unmissable. It could save you lots of time, money and effort.

Visit Start Up Donut for more free information about starting a business and sign up to the Donut newsletter for weekly start-up news, advice and special offers to help you save time and money.

The first series of this podcast is brought to you thanks to the support of the Federation of Small Businesses.

The UK is experiencing a start-up boom. More than 770,000 people started their own business in 2020 – a huge increase on the more usual annual tally of 660,000. 

Starting a business is cheaper, quicker and easier than ever. People of all ages, from all over the UK, from all manner of backgrounds are now starting their own business. They need reliable advice, so they can make good decisions and avoid expensive mistakes. 

For more than 12 years, the Start Up Donut website has provided sound advice to people starting their own business. The site attracts some three-quarters of a million visitors a year and for the very first time the Start Up Donut has launched its own podcast.

With need-to-know advice from small-business experts and tips from those who’ve started their own business, the Start Your Own Business podcast is essential listening if you’re starting your own business (or thinking about it). Set up your new business in the right way and get off to the best possible start.

Visit Start Up Donut for more free information about starting a business and sign up to the Donut newsletter for weekly start-up news, advice and special offers to help you save time and money.

The first series of this podcast is brought to you thanks to the support of the Federation of Small Businesses.