Home › Information Centre › Business Business Whether you are just starting out, or are at the helm of a seasoned business, these guides are intended to provide you with valuable business planning information. Topical information Budget 2014 Details of the Chancellor's Budget Speech on 19 March 2014. Read our Budget 2014 report Starting a new business? Starting a new business can seem like a minefield. What do you need to do? What and who do you need to know? Where and what do you need to register? With our extensive experience in working with new businesses we can assure you that our advice will be tailored to meet your specific business goals and objectives. Limited companies The legal and taxation regime for limited companies continues to change. The main rate of corporation tax commencing 1 April 2014 is 21%, while the small profits rate remains at 20%. Business finance The need to manage finance well lies at the heart of every business. It may be a question of boosting profits, managing costs, ensuring that operations and processes are as efficient as possible, or securing the funds necessary for growth and expansion. Partnerships Even the strongest relationships can suffer in times of adversity. Good planning is an essential part of creating a successful business partnership. Our guides provide information on important aspects of your partnership, such as setting up a formal agreement and planning for the unexpected. It is essential to seek our advice with regard to partnerships matters. Your customers The customer-driven business is a successful business. Here we look at ways of understanding your customers, of keeping them happy and of measuring their value to your business. Your employees No matter how much cash there is in the bank or how large its stock is, a firm's most valuable asset is its employees. Taking care of your staff can make the difference between an ordinary business and a truly successful one. Sales and marketing No business can afford invisibility, which is why the way a business markets itself and how it plans its sales are vital to its development and growth. IT and e-business Information technology and the internet are increasingly central to businesses of every size and of every sector, and are set to become even more important in the future. Business regulations There are a number of rules with which businesses and employers need to comply. This section details the latest regulations to have come into effect. Business and the environment The actions that are being taken by governments to combat climate change will have a significant impact on businesses over the coming years. As well as helping to safeguard the environment, going 'green' can have several other advantages for a firm. Selling your business A strategy to maximise the assets of your business on its sale requires patient, advance planning. Home About Us Services Corporate Finance Sectors Information Centre Business news Video Content Events Careers Contact Us Information Centre Business Business start-up Limited companies Business finance Partnerships Your customers Your employees Sales and marketing IT and e-business Business regulations Business and the environment Selling your business Personal Tax Links Calculators © Whitley Stimpson Ltd Site map Accessibility Statement Terms and Conditions Cookies Copyright Register Login