This is Innovate UK’s 9th installment of the essential business tips and advice series. This video covers tips on what you need to think about when defining your business model. Your business model will make or break your start-up. The better your model, the more likely you are to succeed. It defines the way you will generate revenue and make a profit, providing the foundations for success and longevity. Here are our essential tips for defining your business model. Tip 1 - Cover all areas of your business Your business idea will be based on providing a solution to a problem, an answer to a need. Your USP sets your product or service apart, but your business model describes how you will create, deliver and capture value from that USP, as well as clearly defining your market. You’ll need to cover all areas of the business – from premises to staffing, and from health and safety to IT infrastructure. Tip 2 - Use templates A great way to ensure you cover all the key elements of a business model is to use a tried and tested template or toolkit. There are several online, including the widely used Business Model Canvas. Templates offer a complete, structured work-through on all areas of your business, enabling you to refine your model and present it clearly. There’s also plenty of online advice for start-ups, covering the key elements you need to consider when shaping your business. For younger entrepreneurs, the Prince’s Trust offers a range of business planning tools and advice. Tip 3 - Validate early Don’t underestimate the importance of validating and testing your ideas. Before launching your business, contact some of your target market and ask them some questions. When you talk to real people (not just friends and family, who are always more likely to be complimentary about your ideas), you can test your idea in the real world. Do your potential customers find it valuable and would they be willing to pay for it. You need to see things from your customers’ perspective. Why would they buy your product or service? Ask them what their biggest issue, obstacle or need is – what you’re offering might be good but it might not solve their problem, or they might have a bigger need that you could help them with. Tip 4 - Continuously refine your model View your business model as a work in progress and refine it continuously, learning from day to day operations. Adapt it to meet changing marketing conditions, customer needs and competitor challenges. View the other videos in our Essentials series for startups here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVskQnAiqnc&list=PLrMOhOrmeR6nlRxAZQTqPXraZ7e7ZavFc Take a look at the Innovate UK success stories here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIOhloXRq2E&list=PLrMOhOrmeR6lMh1j4Qz_csh_3ljSrDZpj Subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest in UK innovation: https://www.youtube.com/user/Innovateuk?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up to date with Innovate UK and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/innovateuk

Putting together the right team can be time consuming and costly, but having the right skills at your disposal could be the difference between success and failure. These tips will keep you on track when searching for talent for your SME. Tip 1 - Be honest about what you can afford Employing a full-time team member is a big commitment and may not be your best option. Many smaller businesses choose to outsource certain tasks to freelancers who have the specific skills they need. Working with freelancers means you can: Use someone with the ideal combination of experience and expertise Tap into their talents without having to put them on the payroll Scale the level of input up or down to meet demand Tip 2 - Hire the skills you really need During periods of rapid growth, it can be tempting to hire people quickly to fill posts. But it’s important to make sure they fit with your company’s culture and values, and that you can offer them the challenges, career path and job satisfaction they’re looking for. Tip 3 - Explore all recruitment channels Where will you go to find your new people? A recruitment agency is an obvious choice, but they may come with high fees. Most people search for jobs online these days, but large career sites often target major organisations and are not always cost effective for start-ups. Tip 4 - Scrutinise your applicants There’s no shortage of guides on how to shortlist candidates, interpret a CV and conduct an interview. But before you ask anyone in to see you, think about the type of person you want in your company. And, just as importantly, think about the type of company you have. Your ‘employer brand’ is a reflection of your culture and, as such, your employees should find it attractive, understand it and identify with it. Find out more about hiring the right team by reading our blog: https://innovateuk.blog.gov.uk/2017/04/10/innovate-uks-essential-business-tips-for-recruiting-the-right-team/ View more videos in our essentials series for startups and SMEs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrMOhOrmeR6nlRxAZQTqPXraZ7e7ZavFc Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Innovateuk?sub_confirmation=1

Essential video on UK business & start-up grants. Learn why there are over 200 grants available to businesses across the country, and what you can do to qualify. Grants can be an attractive option as they don't always require repayments or equity stakes in return for funding. The eighth in our series of ‘Essential business tips’ looks at how to find the right grant for your business. Tip 1 - Research your grant options Start by looking at the different types of grant available. Gov.uk has a comprehensive list of government grants in the UK, whether you’re a start-up or an established business, and you can view options by industry type. Tip 2 - Make sure you are eligible Once you’ve found the grant you want, it’s important to check that you are eligible. Grant applications usually have conditions to attract specific projects, so make sure you fit the scope before spending time and resources on applying. Tip 3 - Prepare fully before applying Before you seek any start-up funding, it’s vital to have a solid business plan, with realistic sales projections, cash flow and profit and loss forecasts. Tailor your business plan for the specific grant you’re applying for, just as you would tailor your CV for a job application. If you are already trading, you will also be asked for evidence of your financial situation, including business bank account statements. Tip 4 - Explore possible alternatives to grants If a grant isn’t the right option for you, don’t worry – there are lots of alternatives. ‘Soft’ loans, which are similar to grants, are loans with lower interest rates and more generous terms than other lending options. Usually government-backed, they offer loans of up to £25,000 with a low interest rate and access to free business support and mentoring and often only need paying back once you start to make a profit. With the right combination of research, planning and determination, there’s every chance you’ll find a grant or suitable alternative to help you develop your business idea or grow your company. Make sure you check out our essential guide to grants and then view our blog: https://innovateuk.blog.gov.uk/2017/06/27/essential-business-tips-to-grant-funding/ Check out our other essential tips for startups and SMEs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrMOhOrmeR6nlRxAZQTqPXraZ7e7ZavFc Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Innovateuk?sub_confirmation=1 Keep up to date with the latest from Innovate UK and follow our Twitter account: http://twitter.com/innovateuk

This is Innovate UK’s 2nd installment of the essential selection business tips and advice series. This video covers tips on pitching for investment. Whether a start-up, small business or SME make sure you watch the video and subscribe to our channel for more funding advice. The video outlines and explains the most important factors for a business when trying to pitch to investors and includes actionable advice supported by comments from industry experts and investors. The tips are as follows: 1) Target the right investor for you Starting and running a business takes time and resources. It’s vital you are organised and prioritise what needs to be done. In the case of funding, approaching every potential investor you connect with wastes time. Most start-ups have to pitch to many investors before securing the funds they need. You don’t want to be wasting time on someone whose investment isn’t relevant. 2) Prepare an engaging deck You should have a high quality presentation, based on a good business plan and detailed financial projections. We recommend no more than 8-10 slides and it’s a good idea to accompany it with a 2-3 page summary. Your proposal should be visually stimulating; use charts and images to bring your presentation to life and make sure it’s not too wordy. 3) Sell the upside…And yourself Your presentation will tell the story, but you still have work to do. Focus on selling the quick exit or potential returns and getting people excited about your ability to make it happen. Investors are looking for business opportunities that are disruptive, scalable, have huge benefits and potential. It’s your job to make them believe you can deliver. 4) Follow up after your pitch Immediately follow-up on promised actions after the pitch – including sending any relevant documents. Update potential investors on your progress and let them know about any events or big wins. You can also keep in touch using social media such as posting updates on LinkedIn Check out the Essential guide to securing funding here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS3An... Head over to our blog for even more in-depth analysis on securing funding: https://innovateuk.blog.gov.uk/2016/0... Find out if you are eligible to apply for innovation funding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cExDp... Our latest funding competitions are available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/innovation-grants-for-business-apply-for-funding

This is Innovate UK’s essential advice and tips on securing funding. Whether a startup, small business or SME make sure you watch the video and subscribe to our channel for more funding advice. The video outlines and explains the most important factors for a business when trying to secure investment. The tips contains actionable advice and are supported by comments from industry experts from all sides of the funding / investment spectrum. The 5 tips are as follows: 1) Explore all your start-up and SME funding options Most startups start looking for investment without considering all available funding options. There are plenty of different ways to fund your business. Give consideration to all. 2) Ask for the RIGHT amount of money This can be a tough one. Asking for the right amount of money is vital to the success of failure of your funding application. A lot of startups seek the highest amount they possibly can, this is not a wise approach. Tailor your approach to funding around your goals. Where will the investment get you? What is your desired end result? 3) Research – know your numbers and present credible figures It’s hugely important to do your research and know your numbers. If you don’t, you’ll never achieve investment. It’s also crucial to present an accurate and feasible projection. This is all about instilling trust. Can an investor trust you with their money? 4) Present an awesome business plan When it comes to pitching your business, you must make a strong first impression. Stumbling over your figures or presenting out-of-date research will discredit you. You must make your business plan awesome. 5) Plan enough time for fundraising Funding is not an overnight fix. You could have the best proposition and plan but the process will still hit delays. Make sure your business has enough to survive before funding is achieved. Head over to our blog for even more in-depth analysis on securing funding: https://innovateuk.blog.gov.uk/2016/02/02/essential-business-tips-5-tips-to-secure-funding-for-start-ups-and-small-businesses/ Check out more essential tips on how to pitch for investment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS3An... Find out if you are eligible to apply for innovation funding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cExDp... Our latest funding competitions are available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/innovation-grants-for-business-apply-for-funding

This is Innovate UK’s 3rd installment of the essential selection business tips and advice series. This video covers tips for start-ups who are just starting out. Whether a start-up, small business or SME there may be useful advice that you haven't considered. Make sure you watch the video and subscribe to our channel for more startup and SME advice. The video outlines and explains the most important factors for a business when just starting up, and includes actionable advice supported by comments from industry experts and investors. The tips are as follows: 1) Evaluate your idea objectively If you can’t identify at least one true USP then it might be time to re-think your product or service idea. Don’t just rely on family, friends and your immediate network. Also, listen more than you talk during customer interviews and don’t try to sell your idea. People are generally nice so there’s always a risk they’ll just say what they think you want to hear. The goal is always to find the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. 2) Research your opportunity Fully research your opportunity before you start. Your may have validation that your idea is great. You need to research your market size, audience, competitors, development & execution cost and realistic price points. You don’t always need to get into big data research to do this. There are plenty of free resources and platforms like Google, Facebook and Twitter offering free insights that will all help you assess your opportunities. 3) Plan for execution Action always beats thinking. A start-up begins with a great idea, but all too often, that’s where it ends. Ideas have to be implemented well to turn them into a successful business. Good execution requires a plan and good operational decisions come from good people. You need to assemble a team to execute on your idea. That’s why investors invest in entrepreneurs, rather than ideas. 4) Map your finances Cash is often the root of all failure. In fact, 42% of start-ups fail because they run out of money, so make sure you map out a long term financial plan. By Creating a long-term financial plan this will help you to avoid surprises in the future. Check out the Essential guide to securing funding here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS3An... Head over to our blog for even more in-depth analysis on securing funding: https://innovateuk.blog.gov.uk/2016/0... Find out if you are eligible to apply for innovation funding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cExDp... Our latest funding competitions are available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/innovation-grants-for-business-apply-for-funding

Irene Bejenke Walsh, Director of Messagelab provides tips on how to prepare a pitch for investors, partners or customers. Irene covers what makes a good pitch, how to begin a pitch, how to talk about your product and more. Subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Innovateuk?sub_confirmation=1 for more tips for startups and SMEs and to learn more about achieving Innovate UK funding.

A joint event - The Charity Commission and the Association of Chairs. - Find out more about the events on offer.

Nick Mott Head of Policy Development and Review at the Charity Commission highlights the key points of the Essential Trustee guidance.

How to change your charity structure.

Explains what's involved in completing a charity annual return or update online, for charities with annual incomes under £25,000

CIC webinar recording, 25 April 2019: This is your chance to learn the basics about community interest companies (CICs).

Jo, Chief Executive of Allied Health Professionals, tells us what a Community Interest Company is, and how to become one. This video is part of the Eastern Enterprise Hub e-connect Project, funded by Nominet Trust. For more information go to http://econnect.eehub.co.uk/

Richard Branson speaking with Seth Godin about learning from failure. http://innerpreneuring.com/report/2009/July/27/204/

He's a businessman, investor and is involved in over 400 companies. He takes on big competitors, breaks the rules, and likes to go after world records. He's worth an estimated $4.9 billion. He's Richard Branson and here are his Top 10 Rules for success. * Join my BELIEVE newsletter: http://www.evancarmichael.com/newsletter/ 1. Keep it simple 2. Give it a try 3. Be a leader 4. Don't give up 5. Delegate 6. Treat people well 7. Shake things up 8. People will be skeptical 9. Affect lives positively 10. Do things differently https://youtu.be/SR1hMHNF_gw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9dU7MMT6WY https://youtu.be/VH35Iz9veM0 https://youtu.be/SlPd1i5cGHE https://youtu.be/tDTX5UVoDxQ https://youtu.be/ufPweb-mO70 https://youtu.be/LCZKroJCkH0 https://youtu.be/oRqhoy4AVIM Arlene Dee: Yes and No... If you have the funds why get investors or a bank loan. I would love to see a video on Richard Brandson. ENGAGE * Subscribe to my channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=Modelingthemasters * Leave a comment, thumbs up the video (please!) * Suppport me: http://www.evancarmichael.com/support/ CONNECT * Twitter: https://twitter.com/evancarmichael * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvanCarmichaelcom * Google+: https://plus.google.com/108469771690394737405/posts * Website: http://www.evancarmichael.com EVAN * About: http://www.evancarmichael.com/about/ * Guides: http://www.evancarmichael.com/zhuge/ * Coaching: http://www.evancarmichael.com/movement/ * Speaking: http://www.evancarmichael.com/speaking/ * Gear: http://evancarmichael.com/gear SCHEDULE * Videos every day at 7am and 5pm EST * Weekends - Top 10 Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiZj-Ik9MmM0VWRGYCfuUCdyhKfU733WX * #Entspresso - Weekday mornings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiZj-Ik9MmM0-kQSSs3Ua5wExlz1HwRRs

If you're interested in licensing this or any other Big Think clip for commercial or private use, contact our licensing partner Executive Interviews: https://www.executiveinterviews.biz/rightsholders/bigthink/ Don't miss new Big Think videos! Subscribe by clicking here: http://goo.gl/CPTsV5 Since Branson founded Virgin in 1970, the company has grown from a small record outlet to a global powerhouse. Can the brand continue its success without him? Question: What is your advice for entrepreneurs? Richard Branson:  I think the most important thing about running a company is to remember all the time what a company is.  A company is simply a group of people. And as a leader of people you have to be a great listener and you have to be a great motivator.  You have to be very good at praising and looking for the best in people.  People are no different from flowers.  If you water flowers they flourish, if you praise people they flourish. And that is a critical attribute of a leader. Question: What has been the most difficult part about running Virgin?Richard Branson:  There is a very thin dividing line between success and failure.  Most people who set off in business without financial backing they fail at some times in their lives. I've only just stayed at the right side of that dividing line.  For instance, just after...  You know we had a record company.  I was fed up flying on other people's airlines.  I felt that the experience of flying on other people's airlines was an unpleasant one and I decided to set up an airline.  Well our bank went into a complete panic attack and when I came back from doing the inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic's very, very first flight from London to New York I came back to find the bank manager sitting on my doorstep and informing me that they were going to close Virgin down on the Monday and this was the Friday and that I had two days to effectively pay them off the monies that they'd loaned us and I remember pushing the bank manager out of my house, telling him he wasn't welcome, which is a dangerous thing to do to your bank manager and then spending the weekend ringing around the world to all of the distributors of our music asking if they could give us a temporary loan to get us through the following week, which they were good enough to do and by the end of the week we had changed banks and we actually managed to find a bank that was willing to lend us 30 times the overdraft facility that our bank had lent us and we managed to survive. And I think the moral of that story is actually don't think of your bank as somebody that you're beholden to.  I mean don't...  You know people just don't move from one bank to another.  Sometimes you need to be willing to step up and move your banks in the same way that you should step up and move your doctor on occasions and anyway, I learned from that lesson. Question: Can Virgin continue to be successful without you?Richard Branson: Virgin does work very well without me.  I mean I use myself to build the brand, to build the sort of three or four hundred companies around the world, but I also learned the art of delegation.  I have a fantastic team of people who run the Virgin companies, give them a lot of freedom to run the companies as if they were their own companies.  I give them the freedom to make mistakes and the Virgin brand is now maybe one of the top 20 brands in the world, well respected. And when my balloon bursts Virgin will continue to flourish. And maybe I add the icing on the cake on occasions, maybe they'll have to spend a bit more money on marketing, but fortunately Virgin is in a state where it can live on healthily without me. Recorded September 22, 2010 Interviewed by Victoria Brown

We are building on Hertfordshire’s historic strengths and pioneering spirit to develop a Local Industrial Strategy that can help the county become a UK testbed. Underpinned by Government’s five foundations of productivity, the strategy will help ensure Hertfordshire remains ‘Fit for the Future’. Find out how.

Hertfordshire is a county of contrasts. Although generally perceived as an affluent county, there are pockets of real deprivation, with several areas falling within the top 10 most deprived areas in the UK. The short animation highlights some of the challenges facing Hertfordshire communities

We’re the central point of contact for business support in the county. We work with other support organisations across Hertfordshire, connecting you to specific services and schemes we know will help your business. Watch our video to see us in action.

Video by Charlie Smith