A reference guide described as a "must have" for start-up companies is being launched by a Brighton-based publishing entrepreneur this week.

Julie Stanford persuaded software giants Microsoft to sponsor the book, called The Essential Business Guide.

The 200-page book was designed by Julie, who is also the vice-president of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, and written by a team of specialists.

It follow the success of The Essential Business Guide - Brighton and Hove, a pilot publication launched at the end of 2003 which sold all 2,500 copies.

The national edition features true stories including that of Elizabeth Galton, who persuaded millionaires on BBC2's Dragon's Den to invest £110,000 in her couture jewellery business.

Moreover the book offers guidance and information on all aspects of setting up and managing a business, from controlling the finances to finding and keeping customers.

Sir Digby Jones, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, wrote the preface to the guide. He said: "Given the huge volume of regulation and red tape facing small business owners today, they need all the help they can get in actually running their business."

Julie, 49, runs her own graphic design company and is "entrepreneur in residence" at the University of Brighton Business School.

She said: "I wanted to put together something that would do the legwork for people, telling them how to start and run their business and direct them to all the good sources of information."

The guide is available for sale via the company's web site www.essentialbusinessguide.co.uk priced at £20.95.

June 14, 2005