The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business

Turn your idea into income. The dream of starting a business often fades under the weight of uncertainty, unanswered questions, and rookie mistakes that cost both time and money. What if you had a trusted guide that showed you exactly what to do, while also giving you the mindset and confidence to see your vision through? With the right tools and frameworks, your path to entrepreneurship can be clearer, faster, and far less risky. 

• Complete roadmap: Covers idea testing, planning, marketing, finance, legal, and operations so nothing gets missed. 

• Entrepreneurial mindset tools: Builds resilience and decision skills that separate thriving founders from dreamers. 

• Case studies & interviews: Real stories show what works, what fails, and why. 

• Reflective questions: Step-by-step prompts turn theory into your personalised action plan. 

• FT authority: Trusted Financial Times frameworks add credibility when pitching partners, banks, or investors. 

The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business by business mentor Mike Foster is a 400-page practical handbook in print and e-book formats. Backed by the globally respected FT brand, it delivers battle-tested advice for today’s entrepreneurs. 

Structured around the full start-up journey, each chapter blends clear explanations, checklists, and proven models. Friendly yet rigorous, it demystifies marketing, sales, finance, legal choices, and operations while nurturing the mindset essential for success. 

Finish the book with a validated idea, a solid business plan, and the confidence to launch smart, save money, and grow sustainably. 

Ideal for employed professionals, side-hustlers, and early-stage founders who want a complete, credible start-up blueprint.