Search results
Support for protecting your ideas
Get professional help from intellectual property advisers, a patent attorney or a trade mark attorney to protect your intellectual property in an invention
Find manufacturers to build a prototype
Sources of information on product designers and manufacturers who can help you develop your invention
Support for product safety and testing
How to arrange product safety assessment, and where to find testing laboratories, services and product certification in the UK
Support for developing your ideas
Where to get help to develop new product ideas if you're looking to manufacture, market, sell or license your inventions
Grow your business
Browse our key guidance to help you find growth funding in Northern Ireland, and learn how you can scale up your business and grow
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliance
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is applicable to any organisation that stores, transmits or processes cardholder information.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a payment-processing company
Using payment-processing companies to handle online card transactions has advantages, but it is also worthwhile to consider the disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of selling through online marketplaces
Using an online marketplace for your business has many advantages, but it is also worthwhile to consider the disadvantages.
Checklist: applying for an internet merchant account
The requirements you will need to satisfy when applying to a bank for an internet merchant account.
Alterations to rental properties
Issues to consider before you alter your rented business premises, such as planning permission, asbestos, and liability.
Costs when renting commercial property
Financial commitments when renting business premises, including rent, bills and taxes.
Advantages of renting commercial property
The business benefits of renting property can range from better cashflow to having more flexibility if you need to relocate your business in the future.
Commercial property rental agreements
An overview of the types of property rental agreements available to businesses looking to rent premises.
Find commercial property to rent
Your options to find suitable business premises to rent including how to use a commercial agent to search for you.
Banking overseas and UK-based foreign currency accounts
Pros and cons of opening an overseas bank account or a UK-based foreign currency account to hedge your risks
Buying currency options
The pros and cons of buying currency options and how it might help your business hedge foreign exchange risks
Foreign currency transactions and bookkeeping
How making and receiving payments in foreign currencies can affect your accounts
Advantages and disadvantages of using a debt collection agency
Using a debt collection agency could help your business but there are also some possible disadvantages to consider.
Business growth and premises
As your business grows and takes in more staff, you may need to assess your options for larger business premises
Avoid problems during business growth
Common issues that businesses often face during growth, and tips for overcoming these difficulties through proper planning and management.