I always knew I wanted to start my own business but had little idea what shape this business might take. I set off to university to study a Business Enterprise degree to nurture my entrepreneurial vision but jumped ship after a year. I figured 8 hours of lectures a week was a poor return on a mountain of student debt. Verifying Get the latest startup news, straight to your inbox Stay informed on the top business stories with Startups.co.uk’s weekly newsletter Please fill in your name Please fill in your email Subscribe By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our Privacy Pol ..read more

Knowing when it’s time to quit and when to double down, even if the market signals aren’t rewarding your efforts just yet, is a crucial lesson I’ve learned through my entrepreneurial journey. I founded my first business straight out of university, with a History degree and a £2,000 enterprise grant. I had no idea how to even send an invoice, but I dived headfirst into setting up an online coffee business in York. The grant covered some branding, initial stock and a website I built using an early version of Shopify. Despite my efforts, the business ultimately failed due to tight margins and, if ..read more

Opening your first physical store is a seminal, coming-of-age moment for a retailer, particularly in the age of starting businesses online. Many entrepreneurs are enjoying rapid ecommerce success, building burgeoning brands. But opening and running a physical store is a different ball game. It’s a juncture that the vast majority must cross, and one that’s crucial to get right. However, the rising costs of operating a business, especially with a physical location, have made this leap harder than ever. Pop-up stores can bridge that gap. They allow retailers to experiment with in-store operations ..read more

Starting a business from scratch is never easy, especially in a market as crowded as the digital space. When I started Cedarwood Digital back in 2016, I didn’t have any financial backing. That may sound scary, but this was a deliberate choice. I wanted 100% ownership and control over my business. In the past few years, I’ve worked with a number of clients who have taken investment into their own businesses. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly of angel investment and venture capital. I think if you choose this path, you really need the right investor with the right level of involvement. Ei ..read more

This article has been created in collaboration with a sponsoring partner. Every year, hundreds of lifestyle and culture writers pick out the top food and drink trends for the months ahead. In 2024, leaving aside the usual threats of potato milk and buckwheat, a prevailing customer concern will trump every modish ingredient: value. Today’s economy has set a stark table. Rising living costs have turned food receipts into a bitter read for customers. For food businesses desperate to salvage slim profits, dropping prices may seem beyond the pale. Reassuringly, value for money doesn’t necessarily ..read more

Starting an ecommerce business with no experience may sound daunting, but it’s not impossible. My own journey is a testament to this. As a mum wanting to spend more time with my kids, I set up a business called Dotty Fish; a range of leather baby shoes and accessories that are stylish, affordable, and suitable for little feet as they grow and develop. I knew first-hand that finding baby shoes that look good, are practical, and are reasonably priced can be a challenge for parents. After receiving leather baby booties as a gift after my son’s birthday, I was in love but during competitor analysi ..read more

I used to have a view of what a typical founder looked like – and I felt I didn’t fit the profile. But if I’ve learned anything from my own journey, it’s that anyone can start a business, at any age.  Now, I’m the founder of Seep, the million-pound plastic-free and biodegradable household cleaning range that’s helping to curb microplastic pollution and diminish plastic waste. But I didn’t start out on top. I grew up in South Wales and was state school educated.  As a young girl, I was conscientious, competitive and curious – traits which may have been an indication of an entrepreneur ..read more

I was studying engineering at the University of Bristol when my Grandma Pat, who had dementia, was rushed to hospital. She had become severely dehydrated, and my family was told to expect the worst.  Thankfully, after 24 hours on IV fluids, she made a full recovery, but I was shocked that not drinking enough had such a huge impact on her health. Looking into it further, I realised that the situation isn’t uncommon. I wanted to help. I’ve always been driven by innovation. After leaving Bristol, I won a scholarship to study at Imperial College London and The Royal College of Art. Here, I w ..read more

March marks a celebration of female power, with International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, and B Corp Month, offering a fitting opportunity to reflect on my journey as a female leader. In the competitive business landscape, the archetype of a strong leader often evokes images of assertiveness, decisiveness, and unwavering toughness. However, within the realm of female leadership, there is often a lack of recognition that softness can indeed be a formidable strength. From spare room to boardroom Having nurtured The Cheeky Panda from my spare room into an 8-figure turnover business, leading a dive ..read more

Entering the world of entrepreneurship straight from university might seem like a daunting leap, but for me, it was an exciting adventure waiting to unfold. Mad about manis My journey began with a deep passion for nails that started when I was just 16. I found myself spending all my pocket money on nail care and treating myself to manicures. This love for nails stuck with me throughout university, where I decided to take things to the next level by becoming a certified nail technician. Balancing my newfound skill with my studies, I graduated with a first-class degree in Economics. Stepping int ..read more