By the side of your business from the very beginning

Flexibility, financial rewards and independence are just three of the many benefits of starting your own business. Navigating the initial start-up journey can be challenging, so we’ve put together useful guides, resources and products to help you through the process – focusing on planning, setting up and the early running of your operation.

Planning

Key aspects to consider before you launch. From writing a business plan to registering with Companies House.

Planning your business

Setting up

Information on key topics such as financing, a business bank account and setting up your website.

Setting up your business

Up and running

Guidance on cash flow, customer relationships, fraud protection and more for the early stages of your business.

Running your business

Planning

Key aspects to consider before you launch. From writing a business plan to registering with Companies House.

Planning your business

Setting up

Information on key topics such as financing, a business bank account and setting up your website.

Setting up your business

Up and running

Guidance on cash flow, customer relationships, fraud protection and more for the early stages of your business.

Running your business

Step 1: Planning your business

Early preparation for your new venture

Starting a business is an exciting step for any entrepreneur, and one that requires careful consideration before launch. From writing a business plan to understanding your market, this section focuses on some areas you may find useful before putting your plan into action.

Is self-employment right for me?

From the advantages of working for yourself to financial responsibilities, this guide shares key topics you may consider before making the move to self-employment.

More about self-employment

7-step plan before starting your own business

This simple checklist runs through 7 important areas to think about before you start a business.

Read our guide before starting

Write a business plan

A compelling and comprehensive business plan is an important asset for any business. It can also help give lenders and investors the confidence to invest.

How to write a business plan

Create a marketing plan

An effective marketing plan is a key tool for success. Creating it will help you understand your business and your marketplace better.

Creating a marketing plan

Business naming and legal setup

Information on naming your new venture, and the difference between a sole trader and a limited company.

Business name and legal setup

Step 2: Setting up your business

Laying the groundwork for success

So you’ve decided to set up a new business, but what next? These guides and articles will help you navigate the early launch phase by focusing on financing, building your website, taking payments online and being digital ready.

Financing a start-up

The key topics when financing a start-up – including information on business location, financing options and the cost of borrowing.

Financing a start-up

10 steps to creating a business website

A functioning and impactful website is crucial for any business aiming to get off the ground. This guide looks at how you can create an online presence that helps you hit your targets.

Learn how to create a website

Online skills training

A whole host of free resources dedicated to helping you and your business thrive in the digital world.

Access online skills training

Consider a business bank account

Limited companies need to open a business bank account for their new business but there are advantages for sole traders too who want to separate their personal and business finances.

Do I need a business account?
 

A business bank account to get you off the ground

Get free day-to-day UK banking for your first year when you stay in credit. Benefits include:

  • No monthly account fees
  • Free electronic payments
  • Easy banking through our app and online services

After your first year, it’s £7 per month. Apply for an account online. Sole traders can apply within minutes by downloading our app. 

Business account for start-ups

Step 3: Running your new business

Navigating the early stages

Once you’ve launched, your focus can switch to the day-to-day running of the business which will be vital to your success. In this section we look at cash flow, reducing business costs, customer relationships and protecting your business from fraud.

9 ways to improve cash flow

Cash flow management is an integral part of your daily operations. This easy-to-use guide helps you plan ahead to ensure your business is able to perform and grow.

Improving cash flow

Surprising ways to reduce your business costs

Energy usage, travelling, and training budgets are just some of the ways you can save money when running your business.

Reducing business costs

Protect your business from fraud

Information and training on how to protect your business from fraudsters effectively.

Explore our fraud guides

Building customer relationships

Taking care of customers is the bedrock of any business. This guide looks at improving customer service, becoming indispensable and building loyalty.

Build customer relationships

At a different stage of your journey?
Here are other ways we can help your business

How to manage your business

A selection of guides and products to help with the day-to-day running of your operation – focusing on money and tax, insurance, and people.

How to manage your business

Growing your business

A selection of products, case studies and guides to help you look to the future and expand your operations.

How to grow your business

Important legal information

Lloyds Bank is a trading name of Lloyds Bank plc, Bank of Scotland plc, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc and Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH.

Lloyds Bank plc. Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065. Bank of Scotland plc. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Registered in Scotland no. SC327000. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc. Registered office 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 10399850. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278, 169628 and 763256 respectively.

Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH has its registered office at Thurn-und-Taxis Platz 6, 60313 Frankfurt, Germany. The company is registered with the Amtsgericht Frankfurt am Main, HRB 111650. Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH is supervised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht.

Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Please note that due to FSCS and FOS eligibility criteria not all business customers will be covered.

While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is correct, no liability is accepted by Lloyds Bank for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission. This is for information only and should not be relied upon as offering advice for any set of circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought in each instance.