These sources help you to find out what you really need to start up a business. They’re aimed at potential entrepreneurs and tell how people started:

• The Beermat Entrepreneur: Turn your good idea into a great business by Mike Southon and Chris West. Check out the website.

• Spare Room Start Up: the manual on how to start a business from home by Emma Jones. Her website, Enterprise Nation, is a  comprehensive home business website providinging information and inspiration for home workers.

• Start with a problem, not an idea!  Marty Zwilling has a different take on what can make a successful start up business.

• Anyone can do it: Building Coffee Republic from our Kitchen Table: 57 Real-life laws on Entrepreneurship by Sahar Hashemi and Bobby Hashemi

• Don't see success as a one way street - you need to keep working on what you love. Check out this clip from Richard St John

Check out these websites for help and advice on the different aspects of running a business:

• Business Link has a comprehensive start up section

• Startups is the site of the popular magazine with a wealth of articles and links

• Bytestart: UK small business portal with no-nonsense guides, articles, and tips for start-ups and existing small companies.

• Visit informnorth to download the latest edition of a free magazine with information and support about enterprise.

• Go Wansbeck  is the first port of call if you are looking to grow your business in Wansbeck.