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

Trending articles

  1. How to start a cleaning company

    Starting up

    28 February 2020

  2. Going Self-Employed: A Guide

    Starting up

    7 January 2020

  3. How to become a business consultant

    Starting up

    6 November 2023

  4. The Complete Guide to Starting a Business

    Start up advice

    1 December 2018

  5. How to Start a Photography Business

    Starting up

    30 October 2023

How to become a gardener or landscaper

Starting up

4 February 2022

Find out how to start your own business in the gardening industry.

Gardener Bryony Mole at work, holding plants
Small business stories: gardener Bryony Mole

Starting up

27 January 2022

Gardener Bryony Mole talks about running her own small business

Small Business Stories: Faris Aranki

Starting up

30 December 2021

Faris Aranki of Shiageto Consulting shares his advice for small business owners

Meet the 2021 AXA Startup Angel winner: Ben Elderkin-Shute

Starting up

30 August 2021

Meet one winner of AXA's Startup Angel competition 2021: Ben Elderkin-Shute.

Meet the 2021 Startup Angel winner: ABEP

Starting up

26 August 2021

Meet 2021 Startup Angel winner: the Association of Black Event Professionals

woman-walking-dogs
How to start a dog walking business

Starting up

23 June 2021

Follow AXA’s step by step guide to becoming a professional dog walker.

man standing in room looking out of window
Small Business Stories: Dominic

Starting up

16 May 2021

Creative Director Dominic Livingston shares his small business advice.

women-in-green-top-holly-tucker
Meet the AXA Startup Angels: Holly Tucker

Starting up

16 May 2021

Holly Tucker explains why she’s backing AXA Startup Angel.

four-people-in-coloured-squares
Startup advice from AXA’s Startup Angels

Starting up

16 May 2021

The AXA Startup Angels give us their best business advice for entrepreneurs