Buying A Business 
  by David Stokes

Are you considering buying a business? If so, you need to ensure the one you choose is the right one for you.

David Stokes can assist you to do just that. He has spent many years helping new business projects to get off the ground, as well as running a number of small businesses himself. These include a care home, a computing services business and a retail operation. He has also given guidance to people setting up franchises. He knows all the pitfalls.

This book is jargon-free, and easy to read and absorb. It contains a wealth of common-sense advice and tips that can only be gained over years of practical experience in business.

The book offers answers to such questions as:

• What types of business should you consider?
• How can you be first to see the best businesses on offer?
• How do you value a business?
• How do you fully check trading figures and profitability?
• How do you raise the appropriate finance?

Whatever type of business you are buying, David’s practical step-by-step guide will help you to act with confidence and achieve a successful outcome.

   "deals thoroughly with each aspect...Overall, an excellent book"    City Business Magazine

  The Right Way to Start Your Own Business
  by Rodney Willett

This book drives the reader safely past the many pitfalls which lie in front of those who start with such high hopes.

Rodney Willett has been running small businesses - some highly successful - for over 25 years. He has spent over 10 years as a consultant to new businesses, which involved the preparation of strategic and business plans, and in many cases the provision for support during the early years.

It is this most unusual breadth of practical experience which enables him to write a remarkable and very valuable book. He shows how business is about integrity, thought, humour, despair, exultation and self-discipline. It's not just a matter of sales and financial control. It's about people. It's about your customers, your suppliers, your employees and your business contacts. In short, it's about YOU.

  Reading Between the Lines of Company Accounts
  by Stephen Bloomfield

It is vital to understand what Company Accounts really mean, whether you are a shareholder, investment expert, speculator or employee.

We can't all train as accountants. But we can learn to see behind the gloss and analyse what the numbers actually tell us. Such as:

• Are the reported profits corroborated by the cash coming in?
• Do the margins look sufficient?
• Are the borrowings sustainable?
• Is future growth likely or just wishful thinking?
• What might you reasonably predict?
• Are they trying to conceal something?

That "true and fair view", signed off by the auditors, is only so for those who have read "between the lines". Wise up with Stephen Bloomfield's advice before you bet your life's savings on that 'certain' investment, or accept that 'plum' job with the outfit that's about to go under.

  The Astute Private Investor:
 A Share Picker's Guide
  by Kevin Goldstein-Jackson

Here are the tips, techniques and information which help you to decide which shares to buy, and when to sell, and learn how to beat the professionals at their own game.

Some of the reviews which greeted earlier versions:

" . . . much good advice"

Financial Times

"many interesting hints and tips... well worth a read"

The Naked Trader, Robbie Burns

" . . . ideal for taking on the train to work each morning . . . you'll certainly pick up some ideas . . . "

Investors Chronicle

"A must . . . an easy to understand instant reference book"

Daily Star

This new edition of Kevin Goldstein-Jackson's acclaimed book has been thoroughly updated, though, of course, the secrets of investment success are fundamental and timeless for all astute private investors.

  Book-Keeping the Right Way
  by John Whyte-Venables

Revised and with additional material by Shameil Dawood.

This book is for the self-employed, the small businessman and for the treasurer of any club or voluntary organisation.

It explains the principles of correct book-keeping simply and in a logical sequence. It is equally useful for people keeping manual records and for those who will be keeping accounts on a computer. For those in the UK, it explains how to deal with VAT. It shows how to use the figures in your books for estimating future cash flow, and for calculating your overheads, as an aid to costing. It is the essential reference tool for those starting in business on their own account.

  The Right Way  to Write Reports
  by Steve Gravett

Reports should be (but seldom are):

• Clear - easy to understand and unambiguous
• Succinct - with no superfluous words
• Accurate - factually correct and logical
• Fair - with no hint of bias, prejudice or partisanship
• Well crafted - using good grammar and syntax

A good report summarises the facts clearly, draws the correct conclusions, and gives the right recommendations for future action. It also enhances the standing of its writer!

This book explains exactly how you can write a good report.