There are many great reasons to start your own business, especially given how difficult it can be to find regular employment nowadays. You get to make your own decisions and the success or failure of the business is completely down to you.

If you're considering starting your own business then below are some of the most important things to consider before you take the plunge.

1. Are you passionate about the industry?

Whatever industry your business is in, it should be one that you're passionate about. It's very easy to underestimate the amount of work that's required in order to get a new business off the ground and keep it going. If you're planning to go into an industry you don't know much about or don't have much passion for then you might want to think carefully before going ahead.

2. Are you going to invest in a premises?

Getting a business premises, whether you're planning to buy or rent, is a huge financial commitment. Because of this you should educate yourself on every aspect of the process, from the location and insurance to the pros and cons of renting vs buying.

3. Do you know what insurance you need?

One of the most important aspects of starting a new business is ensuring that you get the right level of cover. The level of insurance you'll need will depend on the industry you're operating in. If you're running a coffee shop for example, then you'll need cover for your building, cover for employee and public liability claims and cover for cash, stock and tools. If you're running a business in the motor trade then you'll need cover for your building as well as cover that allows you to work on and transport customer vehicles.

4. Are you going to need staff?

If you've never hired employees before then you'll definitely want to educate yourself on the subject of recruitment. Good staff are vital to almost any type of business so you want to be sure you've taken the right steps to find the best employees possible for your business.

5. Where is your business going to be located?

Where your business is going to be located is vital and something you should put a lot of thought into. The location of a business can make or break it, especially for businesses that rely on a high volume of foot traffic. Generally businesses that are in built-up areas where a lot of people pass by are more successful but this is dependent on the industry you're in. It's always a good idea to get outside advice when making a decision as to the location of your business, particularly from other business owners in your industry.