In reply to a comment on the 'Stocks and Shares' Page a good place to start would be by  finding a broker so that you can start buying and selling shares. 


Owning shares in a company means that you own a percentage of that company, and the shares can be traded on the markets through brokers. I use Natwest Stockbrokers, 


www.natweststockbrokers.co.uk 


although many others are available, charging different rates for dealing. 


Start by opening a 'dummy' account which means you can practice buying and selling without risking your own money. 


One of the most important things with buying shares is to do you own research. Read as much information as you can about the companies you are interested in. 


Some basic rules are: 


1. Never risk more than you can afford to lose. 
2. Buy low, sell High. 
3. Always leave some profit for the next person who buys yours shares when you sell. 
4. Keep records of you dealings for capital gains tax purposes. Hope this helps for starters, more to follow. 


Many thanks