Essential Business logo

The only business book to win both the
Plain English Award and Business Book
of the Year
. Find out why thousands
of business owners keep it on their desk.

It's red all over — by business owners everywhere

Our tongue-in-cheek strapline says it all about our flagship product: Bright red, thousands of copies sold, and yet created by a small, independent company founded by a woman on a mission.

1 What makes this book different?

Essential Business was set up five years ago by Julie Stanford: designer, creative thinker, mid-50s, somewhat stubborn, and an experienced businesswoman who is passionate about straightforward language and clear information. Here's what Julie has to say:

Take a look at a few pages from our Essential Business Guide:
(To turn a page, click on the white arrows on the page edge. To look at the book in full screen, click the middle of either page. Press Esc to return here.)

Like what you see? Buy the Guide »

Buying as a gift or want a signed copy? If you would like a personalised or signed copy of the Guide, or you would like us to include a gift card with the book, simply email us at info@essential-business.co.uk on the day of your order and we'll do the rest. If you'd like us to include a special message, or send it direct to someone else, tell us in the email. We're also happy to gift wrap the book, if you wish.

That's the joy of buying from a small business like ours... you're not just another customer!

 

2 What do other people think?

It's easy for us to say that our books are great, or that we care about business. Don't just take our word for it. Here's what other people say:

» Read written testimonials from our readers, the press and business experts.

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3 Julie's 10 things to think about before starting your business

As we say, Julie has been running her own businesses for over 20 years. Recently, she was invited to record a series of 10 short video tips covering some of the things she believes are important to think about before starting a business. CLICK to to go the YouTube playlist.

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4 What do we care about?

COMMUNITY RADIO

Julie broadcasts Business as Usual on Radio Reverb, 97.2FM. With the same plain speaking as our books, the shows are full of expert opinion about all aspects of small business. Past shows are podcast and available on iTunes, and also posted here on our website. » CLICK to listen to the latest show.

SUPPORTING PEOPLE RUNNING BUSINESSES

We think it can be quite tough to run a business, particularly during times like these, and so we produce other business books and workbooks designed to help busy business owners learn skills more quickly. We work with Chambers of Commerce and Enterprise Agencies who use our materials across the UK and we also produced the Business Link start-up programme materials for the South East.

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

In 2008, Julie met the fantastic Jean Hewitt and decided to spread her wings to join with Jean in the international development arm of the business. Essential Business Action. Find out more about this exciting new development by dropping Jean an email.

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5 What rings our bells? We're impressed by...

  • Best business author: Robert Ashton is an inspiring writer and a lovely guy, too. His business books will inspire and inform you.
  • Best e-newsletter for business owners: The EnterQuest newsletter. Not the most appealing website, granted, but this weekly newsletter is packed with excellent information.
  • Best online resource for business owners: You can't beat the Business Link website for pages and pages of really useful information: www.businesslink.gov.uk
  • Funniest business guru: The first time we heard Geoff Burch talk, Julie couldn't stop laughing. His wry look at business is as refreshing as it is funny. Our favourite? Resistance is Useless, his book on selling (you can find it on our shop pages). Brilliant!

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The Essential Business Guide - get the best small business help

The Essential Business Guide
a great place to get information
about starting and running your
small business.

 

Buy the Essential Business Guide

There are three permanent fixtures on my desk — a PC,
a telephone
and a copy of The Essential Business Guide. It contains really useful information on all aspects of running a small business.

Duane Jackson

Director, KeyOne

 


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