Switching back now to the UK after a series of reports from our US finance correspondent, we’re going to consider how to start a business in the UK. The first part will appear tomorrow and the series will continue through next week.

Britain is generally regards as one of the most enterprising countries in the world, with relatively light regulation for business startups. As if to emphasize that, the UK currently has 4.3 million small businesses. An astonishing 500,000 people each year attempt to go it alone.

We will look at ways of getting started and the means of building a successful business.

Although the basic facts will refer to British conditions, the principles will apply to any country that allows freedom of enterprise.

Next: How to Start a Business: 1. Bootstrapping.