Accessibility links

Getting started

Taking the difficult early steps.

Our guide to the difficult early steps when starting up…

Allowable expenses

What can you claim tax relief for?

An introduction to the tax system for the self employed

Key tax issues you need to know about.

A mission statement

Defining your business purpose.

Building a brand

Key tips for developing a memorable image.

Choosing a year end

Be tax efficient when deciding a year end date.

Choosing your accounting date

What is the best date to choose?

Incorporation

Considerations when operating as a company on incorporation.

Insuring your business

Are you sufficiently covered?

Limited liability partnerships

LLPs explained.

Names, trademarks, patents and other registrations

The key legal requirements.

Premises and location

Essential considerations when choosing your base.

Raising finance

Maximise your chances of gaining funding.

Should you buy a franchise?

The pros and cons of buying 'off-the-shelf'.

Which business structure?

Choosing the structure that best suits your needs.

Working from home

Home working do's and don'ts.

Writing a business plan

How to write an effective business plan.

Your business vision

What are your ultimate goals?

23 Apr 2021

HMRC contacting claimants for fourth self-employed grant

The online service for applications for the fourth Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is now open for claims, HMRC has confirmed.

22 Apr 2021

Pension fraud increased to £1.8 million in first quarter of 2021, data reveals

Losses from pension fraud rose to £1.8 million in the first three months of this year, according to figures from Action Fraud.

21 Apr 2021

CBI calls for extension of Kickstart Scheme as jobs market remains subdued

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged the government to extend the Kickstart Scheme to help young people who are bearing the brunt of the subdued job market.