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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.
sole trader mistakes self assessment

10 self assessment mistakes sole traders make every January (and how to avoid them)

January 14, 2026
Common errors sole traders make at tax return time, from payments on account shocks and late payment penalties to MTD changes in 2026. Be prepared!
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quickfile small business mtd

How I made digital tax work for my microbusiness via Quickfile | Eddie Adams Nottingham business owner

January 14, 2026
Nottingham business owner Eddie Adams shares how he adapted to MTD for Income Tax, and how he uses accounting software to keep records and file digtally.
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freelance confidence

UK freelancers confident about 2026 despite tax hikes and tough economy

January 12, 2026
Despite the difficult economic climate, higher taxes and new regulations, the UK's freelancers are confident about 2026, according to new research.
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zempler bank

Zempler Business Go bank account fees + review (2026)

January 12, 2026
Our Zempler Business Go review covers features, fees, pros and cons, and how it compares with Extra and Pro. A good choice for the self-employed.
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intellectual property ip sole trader small business

Intellectual property (IP) for small businesses: what you need to know

January 10, 2026
A practical guide to intellectual property for small businesses, covering trademarks, copyright, patents and design rights, plus common ownership pitfalls.
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MTD accounting software

Why accounting software is essential for Making Tax Digital (MTD)

January 9, 2026
Making Tax Digital (for Income Tax) starts in April 2026. We explain why accounting software matters and can help you produce and submit digital records.
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tide small business bank account

Tide small business bank account review (2026) – £50 cashback

January 7, 2026
Our 2026 Tide business account review. Tide is used by over 1.5m UK businesses. See how the free account works, who it suits, and how to claim £50 cashback.
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mtd intuit

Sole traders eye ’40 hour’ time saving as MTD countdown begins

January 6, 2026
New research suggests many sole traders hope the shift to digital tax reporting will finally ease the end-of-January Self Assessment crunch.
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do i need accountant self employed sole trader

Do you need an accountant if you’re self-employed (sole trader)?

January 5, 2026
Do you need an accountant when self-employed? Learn when to DIY, when to hire help, and how a good accountant can save you time, stress, and tax.
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become self employed sole trader

15 steps to take when you become self-employed in 2026

January 4, 2026
Thinking of going self-employed? Here are 12 practical steps to help you register, set up, and start trading in 2026 – even while still working.
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Qdos self-employed insurance

Qdos self-employed insurance
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ByteStart’s partner for 15 years • Rated 4.9/5 (exceptional) on Feefo

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Tide Bank Account – £50 Cashback
Tide business bank account

Free account + £50 cashback via ByteStart

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Zempler Go Bank Account
Zempler business bank account

Free account – no credit check required

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Clever Accounts

From £37.50 + VAT/month

Unlimited support, Self Assessment, VAT, MTD-ready.

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Vantage Accounting

From £49 + VAT/month

FreeAgent included, MTD-ready, Self Assessment.

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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • 10 self assessment mistakes sole traders make every January (and how to avoid them)
  • How I made digital tax work for my microbusiness via Quickfile | Eddie Adams Nottingham business owner
  • UK freelancers confident about 2026 despite tax hikes and tough economy



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