Good things are happening in British business
Find out how some of our customers have evolved their businesses in innovative ways.
How to start a business
Useful guides, resources and products to help you take the first steps with your new venture.
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.
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.
Business naming and legal setup
Information on naming your new venture, and the difference between a sole trader and a limited company.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Growing your business
A selection of products, case studies and guides to help you look to the future and expand your operations.
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.