Robert Ashton has started three small businesses and sold two. He has also been instrumental in starting a charity and recently established a social enterprise. Robert works with entrepreneurs of all kinds, advising growing businesses, evolving charities and social enterprises. He is a popular business speaker and a prolific author who also writes regularly for a number of business and consumer magazines. He is increasingly becoming a social activist, challenging convention and encouraging innovation.

About the author Introduction to the second edition Introduction to the first edition How to use this book Part One: Before You Start 1. See your future as an entrepreneur crystal clear 2. How to find your biggest business opportunity 3. How to be really sure your business idea will fly 4. Business type what's possible 5. Business structure - building in room to grow 6. Finding the perfect place business premises 7. Starting up or taking over an existing enterprise Part Two: Planning To Succeed 8. How to write a convincing plan 9. Where to find the money you need 10. Advisers and mentors and why they're important 11. Timing is everything how to decide when to start Part Three: Finding Customers 12. Where to look for the best customers 13. How to develop the right brand and image 14. Marketing in a nutshell 15. Your winning marketing message 16. How to make sure your website's a winner 17. How to get good PR and keep on getting it 18. Ways that anyone can be good at selling 19. Reputation making friends and influencing people Part Four: Managing Your Business 20. How to do your bookkeeping without tears 21. How to make your profits bigger 22. Financial factors to watch as you start to grow 23. How to minimise risk and sleep well at night 24. Your first employee how to take this giant leap Part Five: Growing Your Business 25. Measuring what matters 26. Lifestyle or wealth a chance to reflect and review those goals Index