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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.
limited company tax calculator

Limited Company Tax Calculator – 2025/26

April 2, 2025
If you're a company owner, this useful calculator will work out your net profits, after allowing for expenses and tax.
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sole trader insurance

Sole trader insurance – what’s required, recommended & worth having?

March 27, 2025
A clear guide to sole trader insurance – what’s legally required, commonly needed by clients and customers, and worth having for peace of mind.
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sole trader bank account

Sole trader bank accounts: what to look for when comparing providers

March 25, 2025
There are several reasons why opening a business bank account and keeping your business and personal finances separate is a good idea for a sole trader.
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sole trader pensions

How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?

March 24, 2025
Starting a pension to save for your retirement is fairly straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about setting up a pension if you’re a sole trader.
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companies house sole trader

Do you have to register with Companies House if you’re a sole trader?

March 21, 2025
Companies House is the UK's registrar of companies and the government agency responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies. If you're setting up as a sole trader (i.e. self employed), do you have to register your business too?
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income protection through your limited company

Do limited company directors need income protection insurance?

March 14, 2025
An executive income protection policy can provide peace of mind, as well as tax efficiency, as the premiums can typically be funded by your limited company.
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expenses allowed limited company

What business expenses can your limited company claim for?

March 10, 2025
Which expenses you can claim via your limited company, and what to consider when deciding whether it's you or your business that should pay for something.
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tax efficient pay limited company

Tax-efficient ways to pay yourself through a limited company

March 1, 2025
We asked a leading accountant to outline the tax-effective ways you can pay yourself via your own limited company. Updated for the 2025/26 tax year.
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keep tax records how long

How long should small businesses keep tax records for?

February 25, 2025
This concise guide explains which tax records small businesses (including self-employed and limited companies) should keep and for how long.
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business loan self employed

Business loans for the self-employed: what banks really look for

February 16, 2025
If you are a small business owner and are thinking of asking your bank for a business loan, here are some of the key factors you must bear in mind.
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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • What is the £120,000 FSCS and does it apply to business bank accounts?
  • Small company owners hit hard by April 2026 dividend tax increase
  • Autumn Budget ’25 – Chancellor hammers small business owners again



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