The growth of Scotland’s small business sector is vital for future economic success and our entrepreneurs have a critical role to play. But in today’s business climate, anyone starting a new business must overcome mounting operational costs and ever increasing levels of debt, in order to avoid failure in the early years of operation.

In the run-up to the Scottish elections, political parties re-stated their aims to improve the situation for businesses, but what can entrepreneurs do today to drive success and sustainable growth? Intrum Justitia, Europe's leading provider of Credit Management Services, has developed a series of practical tips to help Scottish businesses get started and stay on the path to success.