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Owners of start-up enterprises will no doubt have a lot on their mind as they look to set up a business, but they should not neglect one important aspect of a fully functioning firm: office supplies.
It might be tricky at first to ascertain how much office stationery you need, as this will depend on the size of the business and the number of people employed there. According to Moneymagpie.com, it is sensible to put aside about £200 for your initial outlays, although again, this will change depending on whether employees are office or home-based and whether your enterprise goes down the 'paperless office' route.
Pens and paper might be sniffed at as outdated instruments of communication in a world of email, Twitter and Facebook, but they are still essential for signing forms and printing out invoices. Make sure you stock up on the basics: ballpoint pens, shredders, envelopes, staplers, hole-punches and lever arch files to keep related documents together.
"Our advice is simple. Do not buy your office supplies on the high street because it will almost certainly cost you a lot more than it needs to," the money saving site advised.
"Online suppliers will offer free delivery if you spend over a certain amount, so it's a good idea to buy for the long-term and save even more money."
Small businesses might also find that once they build a relationship with an online supplier, they will avoid "any last-minute envelope crises or stapler emergencies - and most importantly - save time, money and effort in the long run".
As well as stocking up on office supplies, start-up companies should make sure they have a reliable broadband connection in the office, because the internet is a great way of reaching customers at home and abroad, the Federation of Small Businesses has stated.