Businesses only succeed if built on solid foundations. So what are the five main building blocks required to kick off your business, help it grow and ensure it’s around for the long-term?

Tailored business banking

Most banks have a full range of business services on offer, so you need to do your homework and compare what each has to offer.

Work out what’s most important to you. Is it keeping costs down? Overdraft facilities? Credit cards? Online banking? Flexibility and features?

It’s important to discuss future needs too, if you’re considering a business loan to expand down the track. Find out how willing the bank is to give ongoing financial support and advice to your business.

An experienced accountant

Many business owners muddle through the initial phases of their start-up all alone. Convinced they can handle the rigours of accounting packages like Quickbooks or Quicken, as well as doing all their own tax and getting on top of complex legal requirements, they often run themselves into the ground before admitting defeat.

The fees you pay for a good accountant will easily balance the productivity and sales wasted faffing about with things you don’t understand.

Get cracking on the real work in hand and let the experts take care of the rest.

Clever telecommunications

The days of the old switchboard are gone. These days you want the best in digital communications, and it’s not hard to find.

A company like eVoice can wrap up your telecommunication needs in one smart package. Consider starting with a local 1300 or toll free 1800 number, which can be added to any existing phone line. Perhaps a smart number or ‘phone word’ of your choosing which is easy for your customers to remember.

Virtual receptionist features are standard with every eVoice plan, including customised greeting, call announce and voice-to-email, providing a complete business solution.

You don’t even need office space, or a dedicated office phone line in order to catching every single call to your business, and handle each one quickly and professionally.

An IT guru

Perhaps you know what technology you want, but need some advice about setting it up and using it to maximum advantage. Or maybe you’re unsure about where to begin when it comes to the mind-boggling range of new digital technology and office equipment now on the market.

Either way, don’t be a hero in the IT department. Get it wrong, and you’re in for a world of pain, lost time and customers, and very expensive troubleshooting when things go pear-shaped.

It pays to get some expert advice right at the start, so you not only make the right choice of device but also learn how to get the most out of it.

So when it comes to choosing and using mobiles and tablets, as well as figuring out how to manage the cloud and fix a crashed system, don’t just rely on instinct. Call the people who know.

Innovative insurance

There are extra considerations when taking out business insurance. Does it cover your entire premises, public liability and interrupted trading? Acts of God or unexpected events which threaten your interests?

Some business insurance packages look comprehensive but they exclude coverage of things like professional liability, commercial vehicles and workers’ compensation in the event of accident and injury to employees.

You need to discuss all inclusions in detail, and work out how each relates to your start-up. You’re really after a smart policy which gives you maximum coverage at minimum price, so shop around for the best offering.

And there you go. You’re so close to making it happen. Just ensure you lay the groundwork carefully before you launch.