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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.
sell business sole trader self employed

Selling up as a sole trader: tax, valuation and practical steps

October 4, 2025
Step-by-step guide to selling your sole trader business, from working out value and finding a buyer to tax rules and timing your sale.
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critical illness self employed sole trader

Critical illness cover if you’re self-employed

October 3, 2025
Critical Illness Cover pays a lump sum if you’re seriously ill – a key safety net for sole traders and the self-employed.
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raise money new business sole trader limited

How to raise money to start and grow your own business

October 1, 2025
Starting on your own? Explore the main ways to raise money for a new business — from personal savings and bank loans to grants, crowdfunding and investors.
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october 5th self assessment hmrc deadline

What is the October 5th Self Assessment deadline and what happens if you miss it?

September 29, 2025
If you became self employed during the previous tax year, make sure you register for Self Assessment by 5th October to avoid HMRC penalties. What happens if you miss this deadline?
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sole trader vs limited company

Sole trader vs limited company – pros and cons explained

September 24, 2025
Should you run your business as a sole trader or set up a limited company? We explain the pros and cons of each – including setting up, tax and liability.
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gym wellbeing expense claim self employed

Can you claim gym memberships and wellbeing costs as a sole trader?

September 22, 2025
Find out if you can claim gym memberships, yoga or other wellbeing costs. HMRC’s rules on what’s tax deductible - and what is just a personal expense.
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badr sole trader entrepreneurs relief

Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) – was 10%, now 14%, rising to 18%

September 21, 2025
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) reduces your capital gains tax bill if you sell your business. How does BADR works and what are the current rates?
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eye test glasses expenses

Eye tests and glasses for the self-employed: what you can claim

September 18, 2025
Practical guide for sole traders and the self-employed on claiming eye tests and glasses as business expenses. Explains how HMRC’s strict rules work.
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phone broadband expenses sole trader

Phone and internet expenses for sole traders: HMRC rules and allowances

September 17, 2025
Most self-employed people rely on the same phone and broadband for both work and personal use. You can usually claim back part of the cost as a business expense, but…
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tax investigation insurance small business

Does your small business need tax investigation insurance?

September 15, 2025
Tax investigation insurance is a type of policy which provides financial cover in case your small business is subject to an HMRC enquiry.
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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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