Take your idea from dream to reality.

Startup Advice

There’s a story behind every business. A big idea. A spark of inspiration that ignited a big ambition. Because it takes courage to start a business. It takes a bold step to push on and do things your way. And when it gets tough, it’s your restless determination that keeps it going. We get it. Because we’re restless too.

Our startup advice collects articles from Business Guardian Angel, inspirational guest posts from real entrepreneurs and practical guides on startup essentials.

Business plans

Although they are often part of the funding process, a good business plan can be so much more. Read our guide and use our template to develop a blueprint for your business' growth. (DOCX, 167kb)

How to write a business plan Download our business plan template

Marketing plans

If getting the word out feels like a challenge, our template and guide to developing a marketing plan could get you shouting the right message from the right rooftop. (DOCX, 170kb)

How to write a marketing plan Download our marketing plan template
Business plans

Business plans

Marketing plans

Marketing plans

Business insurance

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Naming your business and protecting it

Starting up

15 September 2022

Once you find a unique business name, you'll want to protect the use of it.

How To Open Your Own Shop

Starting up

4 August 2022

Got an eye for retail? Here’s how to open your own retail business

A cafe owner outside of their shop, wearing an apron.
How to Open a Coffee Shop

Starting up

17 June 2022

Dream of opening a coffee shop? Find out how to get started.

How to Start a Hairdressing Business

Starting up

15 June 2022

Find out how you can join one of the happiest professions in the UK by starting your own hairdressing business.

Helen Tamblyn-Saville is an AXA customer and the owner of Wonderland Bookshop
Small business stories: Wonderland Books

Starting up

13 June 2022

Helen Tamblyn-Saville on how her love of books led to owning a small business

BOSH! Founders, Ian & Henry. Judges for Start Up Angel 2022
Chatting with the Startup Angels: BOSH!

Starting up

9 June 2022

Henry Firth of BOSH! talks about AXA Startup Angel 2022

Raphael Sofoluke, Judge for Start Up Angel 2022
Chat with Startup Angel Raphael Sofoluke

Starting up

9 June 2022

Raphael Sofoluke talks about returning as a judge for AXA Startup Angel 2022

Sharmadean Reid MBE, Judge for Start Up Angel 2022
Meet the Startup Angels: Sharmadean Reid

Starting up

9 June 2022

Sharmadean Reid talks about AXA Startup Angel 2022

AXA Customer and Hairdresser, Abigail Butler, applying hairspray to a client's hair
Small business stories: Abigail Butler, Strictly Xtended

Starting up

21 April 2022

Abigail talks about customer loyalty and taking your time to build a business.