1 Do your homework

There will be competition and they have a head start. Look at what makes them successful but don’t copy. This is business so you’ll want their clients - ask yourself what you can offer to make them switch.

2 Listen to the experts

Even if you’re going it alone, don’t be isolated. Take advantage of free business advice. The advisers will have seen hundreds of people in your position and can guide you.

3 Cash

There’s no secret pot of money awaiting start-up businesses. There are grants out there and banks will listen to applications for loans but any of these will need a business plan.

4 The Business Plan

Unless you can make the Business Plan work, the business won’t work. It’s as simple as that. Organisations like Business Gateway offer business plan templates, plus workshops to help completing it.

5 Name it

Research your company name. Standing out is important but the name must relate to the business. Have a look at the Companies House website webcheck service, which will let you see instantly whether there is another company with your proposed name. The name will also help in marketing.

6 Own it

Advice (which you’ll have taken by now) will let you know how you should trade - Sole Trader, a Limited Company, or if you’re starting a business with someone else as a Partnership. That will also have an effect on how you pay tax.

7 Premises

Don’t think that renting a swish office and a fancy website will have the customers rolling in. Be frugal in the beginning and look for shared space and sub-lets if you really need a work space.