Supporting the self-employed – since 2004
Skip to content
ByteStart ByteStart

Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company

qdos small business insurance
  • Go Self Employed
  • Tax & HMRC
  • Accounts
  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Protection
  • Pensions
  • News
  • Limited Company
qdos small business insurance

Posts by ByteStart

About ByteStart
ByteStart is one of the most popular growth business sites in the UK. We publish no-nonsense guides and practical help for start-ups and growing businesses, with a focus on the self-employed (sole traders). The site was set up by James Leckie and Emyr Williams in 2004. Over the past 25 years, the team behind ByteStart has also developed some of the most popular business sites in the UK. For more details, see the About ByteStart page.
virgin startup young entrepreneurs

85% of parents would support their child starting a business

August 12, 2026
Most parents would support their children starting a business, while more than a third would rather see them do that than head to university, according to new research.
Read More
register cis subcontractor

How to register for CIS as a subcontractor

August 3, 2026
If you're starting up as a sole trader subcontractor, it is worth registering for CIS early. It means contractors can verify your details before they pay you.
Read More
cis sub contractor self employed

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS): a guide for self-employed subcontractors

August 3, 2026
What is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)? How CIS works, who needs to register, tax deduction rates and how self-employed subcontractors are affected.
Read More
xero sole trader

Can I manage my sole trader business using only Xero?

July 28, 2026
How much of your business can you manage using just Xero? We look at its key features, the pros and cons, and when you might still need an accountant.
Read More
pay salary sole trader

Can I pay myself a salary if I’m a sole trader?

July 28, 2026
Can pay yourself a salary as a sole trader? Learn how drawings work, what HMRC expects, and how to manage tax and NI when you're self-employed.
Read More
mtd deadline 7 august

One in four qualifying business owners still haven’t signed up for MTD

July 28, 2026
With the first quarterly MTD for Income Tax deadline on the horizon, new research suggests that many sole traders are still unprepared for the new rules.
Read More
keep tax records how long

How many years should you keep your tax and accounting records for?

July 27, 2026
How long sole traders, limited companies, employers and CIS businesses must keep tax records, plus the documents you should retain as per HMRC guidelines.
Read More
The first year in business – why survival matters more than speed

The first year in business – why survival matters more than speed

July 17, 2026
Ask most aspiring entrepreneurs what success looks like, and you'll often hear the same answers. Launching quickly. Winning customers. Growing revenue. Hiring staff. Those milestones are important, but they overlook…
Read More
charge vat waiting for registration number

Can you charge VAT while waiting for your VAT number?

July 13, 2026
If you've applied for VAT registration but are still waiting for your VAT number, you may be unsure whether you should start charging VAT. In most cases, the answer is…
Read More
multiple businesses vat sole trader

Can a sole trader have more than one VAT number?

July 10, 2026
Can a sole trader have more than one VAT number? Why most sole traders can only have one VAT registration, even if they run multiple businesses.
Read More

Posts pagination

1 2 3 … 25 Next page
Tide Bank Account – £50 Cashback
Tide business bank account

Free account + £50 cashback via ByteStart

Open a Tide account

Zempler Go Bank Account
Zempler business bank account

Free account – no credit check required

Open a Zempler account

BI Accountancy Accounts

Sole Trader Accounts
From £50 + VAT/month

5/5 Google Rating, Self Assessment, VAT, MTD-ready. ByteStart partner

Visit site
Brand new ByteStart guides
  • 85% of parents would support their child starting a business
  • How to register for CIS as a subcontractor
  • Construction Industry Scheme (CIS): a guide for self-employed subcontractors
bright ideas sole trader accountant



About Us | Cookies | Privacy | Terms | Site Map

©Contract Eye Limited 2004-26 - All rights reserved.
Registered Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ
Scroll to Top