Guide to start your own small business
Starting your own small business can be daunting, but with Evri’s simple guide you’ll be set up in no time.
What is a small business?
A small business is an independently owned and operated company with a small number of employees and lower revenue compared to larger corporations.
Small businesses can take many forms, including online shops, freelance services, local retail stores, and home-based businesses. They are a key part of the UK economy and are often built around flexibility, creativity and personal interests.
How to start a small business
If you’re wondering how to start a small business, breaking it down into steps makes the process much more manageable:
1
Choose your idea
Think about your skills, interests and gaps in the market. The best small businesses often solve a problem or fulfil a specific need as well as work alongside an interest or passion.
2
Research your market
Look into your target audience, competitors and pricing. This is especially important when learning how to start a small business in the UK, where local demand and trends vary.
3
Create a business plan
Outline your goals, costs and growth strategy. This doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should give you a direction.
4
Register your business
Decide whether you’ll operate as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, and register with HMRC if required.
5
Organise delivery and shipping
If you will be sending out physical products, decide who you will choose as your courier (Evri, of course!) and set up an account with them.
6
Launch your business
Build your website, set up social media, and start promoting your products or services.
Small business ideas
Looking for some inspiration? Here are some popular small business ideas to get you started:
- Online retail (e.g. clothing or handmade goods)
- Dropshipping businesses
- Freelance services (writing, design)
- Subscription boxes
- Delivery driving and courier services
- Tutoring or online courses
The best idea is to combine your passion with demand in the market.
Small business considerations
Before launching your business, there are several important small business considerations to keep in mind:
Small business finance
Starting a small business often requires some upfront investment, dependent on the type of business you are starting. Consider costs such as buying stock, website setup if you are paying someone to do this for you, marketing and shipping. You may choose to self-fund, apply for a small business loan or explore grants that are available for small businesses.
Small business marketing
Marketing for small businesses can be key to early visibility and success. Marketing will help you attract and retain customers and reach your target audience to grow your business. Some marketing strategies you could think about are; social media marketing, email marketing campaigns, paid advertising and influencer collaborations.
Small business shipping in the UK – How Evri can support you
When you’re starting a small business where you will be sending out physical products, ensuring you have reliable and efficient shipping is a key to your business' success. With Evri, your small business can benefit from:
Competitive parcel delivery prices
With Evri pricing, you’ll be choosing a competitive and affordable delivery service whilst still giving a high standard of care when delivering your parcels.
Flexible drop-off options
Whether you want to drop off your parcels contact-free or get help at a ParcelShop, Evri has a great option for you. Find a local drop-off point near you.
Parcel tracking for peace of mind
When choosing Evri, you’ll get a tracking link included in the price to make sure you and your customers can know where their parcel is and be ready for its arrival.
Parcel cover
Evri includes up to £20 cover for free*. This will give you the peace of mind, that your parcel is safe and can be compensated if something goes wrong. *Excludes Postable parcels.
Frequent Seller Account
Once your business starts to grow and you’re sending more than 40 parcels per month, you can sign up to a Frequent Seller Account giving you up to 50% savings on standard and next day delivery parcels. Find out more about how your small business can benefit from a Frequent Seller Account here.
