Preparation is everything when you run a business. Find out why in Business Gateway’s free guide for start-ups on common mistakes and how to avoid them.

With sound planning, you could avoid these 7 common mistakes:

• poor or inadequate research
• weak financial planning
• setting sights too high
• taking your eye off the competition
• poor supplier and customer controls
• hiring the wrong people
• poor stock and asset management

Yes, if you are thinking about starting, or already run, a business in Scotland.

This is a free and impartial service.

Any potential start-up or new business based in Scotland.

Set aside 6 minutes now to avoid some common start-up mistakes later.

Around 20% of new businesses fail in the first year. Half fail within the first 3 years. Knowing in advance about common – and avoidable – mistakes can give you a better chance of success.

Visit the Business Gateway website for more advice on common mistakes and how to avoid them when starting a business.