Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company
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.
IR35 explained for limited company contractors. Find out how the rules work, what the off-payroll reforms mean, and how to stay compliant and tax-efficient.
Editor’s note (July 2025): This guide was originally written for ByteStart by project management expert David Baker. We’ve lightly updated it for formatting and added a short section for small…
Would-be entrepreneurs have a new reason to dream big with the launch of the Start Up Idea of the Year competition, which offers grants of up to £10,000.
Small Business Britain has revealed the 2025 line-up of the UK’s 100 most dynamic female entrepreneurs as part of its f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 campaign.
If you make some extra money via a 'side hustle' - by selling online - you should be aware that digital platforms now share information about sellers with HMRC. You might need to pay tax on any profits you make - but it depends!
Learn how umbrella companies work, the pros and cons, and what to look for when choosing a provider. A practical guide for contractors and freelancers.