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Consumer credit
An overview of the rules about consumer credit and whether your business needs a consumer credit licence from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Sign up for the Trader Support Service to move goods into and out of Northern Ireland
Free training and support for businesses for customs processes when moving goods into and out of Northern Ireland.
How to buy a franchise
Check these dos and don'ts before buying a franchise.
Franchise costs and returns
Be aware of initial and ongoing costs of a franchise and potential financial performance.
Assess a franchise opportunity
What to find out when considering buying a franchise - including costs, competition, current success and support.
Franchise agreements for a franchisee
Your franchise agreement should cover franchise length, territory, amount of fees, management service fees and royalties, and restrictions.
Get proof of origin for your goods
Prove the origin of your goods if you’re trading with a country that has a trade agreement with the UK, or is covered by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Check your goods meet the rules of origin
Rules to establish the country of origin of imported and exported goods and to help identify those which qualify for lower or nil Customs Duty.
Trading under WTO rules
How to trade with other countries if there is no UK trade agreement.
UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
Trade agreements with non-EU countries.
Apply to become a registered exporter if you're established in Northern Ireland
Apply to HMRC to become a registered exporter on the Registered Exporter (REX) system.
Buy a franchise
What franchising is, how to find and assess franchise opportunities and how to buy a franchise.
Advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business
An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business.
Buy an existing business
Advantages and disadvantages of buying an existing business including how to assess and value it.
Existing employees when buying a business
Your legal obligations towards staff already working for the new company.
How to calculate the value of a business
How to find out whether the business you want to buy will be profitable and value for money.
Make sure a business is worth buying: due diligence
Research the new business to ensure it is right for you, use solicitors and accountants to help you.
Where to find a business to buy
Newspapers, trade journals, adverts, magazines, websites and word of mouth will help you find businesses for sale.
What type of business should I buy?
How to choose the right business for you.
Business transfer agents and business brokers
A business transfer agent or business broker could also help you to find the right business to buy.