Start-ups: do you really need external finance?
By Melissa Hancock
Lois Cook set up her website Angels’ Den in order to match angel investors with people with a worthy business idea. In her experience, early-stage businesses should seek ways to avoid external funding.

Non-execs give guidance to up-and-coming entrepreneur
By Catherine Woods
Innovantage managing director Matthew Dewstowe takes advantage of the experience of his non-executive directors as he learns what it takes to build his company – a provider of business intelligence about online recruitment advertising.

Advantage, the entrepreneur
By Real Business
John Hutton, James Caan, Richard Lambert, Sir Ronald Cohen and other entrepreneurs take centre stage at the second Real Business/CBI Entrepreneurs' Summit.

Hotelier shows appetite for learning
By Catherine Woods
A former professional dancer, Avril Owton hadn’t a clue about business when she inherited Cloud Hotel in the New Forest. So, she took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about her adopted trade, going to conferences, reading books, networking and speaking to as many people as possible.

Mentors teach entrepreneur to be a businesswoman
By Catherine Woods
Barbara Scandrett didn’t receive any formal business training but instead learnt how to be a businesswoman from some “influential people” she met along the way.

Learn how to work ethically
By A&C Black*
Creating an ethical workplace that works in tandem with your business’s goals can help you become more competitive and also have a measurably positive effect on your finances.

Kids and chemicals don’t mix!?
By Rebecca Burn-Callander
Vickers Laboratories chief exec Julian Driver gets children psyched about chemistry by letting them loose in his Leeds-based factory. But is he creating a generation of wannabe chemists?

Need divine business inspiration this Easter?
By Matthew Rock
For entrepreneurs mulling a new business idea this Easter, this is classic, timeless, unbeatable advice.

"Brit School for entrepreneurs": more details
By Matthew Rock
More details are emerging about the new National Enterprise Academy, launched by Dragons' Den star Peter Jones yesterday.

New National Enterprise Academy: pre-Budget PR stunt?
By Matthew Rock
Prime minister Gordon Brown and Dragons' Den star Peter Jones today launched a new National "Enterprise Academy" to get "the message across that young people can start businesses in the future". Good idea that will foster entrepreneurs? First reactions here.