Mike Foster’s Guide to Starting a Business 

DATE

January 28, 2026

We catch up with Didcot entrepreneur Mike Foster, whose new book offers a blueprint for business success.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, Didcot-based entrepreneur and business coach Mike Foster has you covered.

His new book, The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business, is a comprehensive, practical guide for budding entrepreneurs, offering step-by-step advice on everything from refining your idea to marketing, sales, finance, legal structures, and operations. 

Mike, who has lived in Oxfordshire all his life and in Didcot for 28 years, draws on decades of hands-on experience.

“It’s about understanding what works, fixing what doesn’t, and building a business you deserve.”

– Mike Foster 

Having started, grown, and sold multiple businesses, he knows the challenges, pitfalls, and rewards of entrepreneurship. His approach is practical, grounded, and designed to help business owners build confidence, develop a strong entrepreneurial mindset, and avoid costly mistakes. 

“I wrote this book to give people a blueprint for success,” says Mike. “It’s about understanding what works, fixing what doesn’t, and building a business you deserve.” 

Readers will also find case studies, frameworks, and advice from other entrepreneurs, making this more than just a how-to guide – it’s a mentor in print. 

For locals, Mike is a familiar face in Didcot and part of the Orbit Business Community. He enjoys spending time at Coppa Club and Hilton Garden Inn in Abingdon and values the access Oxfordshire provides to transport links and opportunities. 

Whether you’re taking your first steps in business or looking to sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, Mike Foster’s guide is an invaluable resource for anyone ready to turn ideas into reality. 

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