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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.
What counts as proof of income when you are a sole trader

What counts as proof of income when you are a sole trader

October 22, 2025
How to prove your income if you're self-employed. Which documents to use, how to get your SA302 from HMRC, and how much history you need as a sole trader.
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31st October paper Self Assessment deadline: who it applies to

31st October paper Self Assessment deadline: who it applies to

October 22, 2025
The paper Self Assessment deadline is 31st October. Find out who can still file on paper, what happens if you're late, and how to avoid HMRC penalties.
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autumn budget self employed

2025 Autumn Budget predictions for the self-employed, by a tax expert

October 16, 2025
As the Chancellor prepares the 2025 Autumn Statement, self-employed people need to be prepared for some of the changes that could result from it.
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marco robinson

5 common pitfalls new small UK property investors make – and how to avoid them with Marco Robinson

October 14, 2025
We spoke to Marco Robinson, a veteran UK property mogul, about why property remains a secure small business investment despite market uncertainty.
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New Google AI initiative aims to give UK small businesses back a day a week

New Google AI initiative aims to give UK small businesses back a day a week

October 13, 2025
Google says AI tools like Gemini could give small businesses an extra working day each week. Here’s how the new initiative aims to help owners save time.
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parking tolls congestion expenses

How to claim parking, tolls and congestion charges as travel expenses

October 13, 2025
Learn when sole traders can claim parking, tolls and congestion charges as business travel expenses, and what HMRC won’t allow.
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great british pitch

New ‘Great British Pitch’ to help UK small firms take their products global

October 9, 2025
A new Small Business Britain initiative will help UK small firms expand overseas, offering export training and global pitching opportunities.
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mortgage sole trader limited company

Getting a mortgage as a sole trader vs. limited company director

October 7, 2025
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to prove your income to get a mortgage. Here’s how the process works for sole traders and limited company owners.
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is vat number valid UK or EU

How to check if a UK or EU VAT registration number is valid

October 7, 2025
If you have a new UK or EU customer or supplier, you should check the VAT registration number (VRN) they have supplied is valid. Here are three ways you can do so.
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register twice utr sole trader

What to do if you accidentally register twice with HMRC as a sole trader

October 6, 2025
Accidentally registered twice as a sole trader with HMRC? Learn how to fix duplicate UTRs, avoid penalties, and get your Self Assessment record corrected.
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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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