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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 employers liability

Employers’ liability insurance: do sole traders need it?

January 11, 2026
If you are a sole trader with no employees, you don't have to take out employers’ liability cover. But what happens if you employ someone, even temporarily?
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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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business bank charges reduce

How to reduce your business bank charges in 2026 as a sole trader

January 6, 2026
Practical tips for the self-employed on choosing the right bank account, understanding fee structures, and avoiding unnecessary or hidden charges.
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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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salary sacrifice small business

Salary sacrifice explained for limited companies: what’s changing in 2029?

January 4, 2026
Salary sacrifice can reduce tax for employees and employers. Understand the rules, benefits, and major pension changes coming in 2029.
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cyber for self employed

Cybersecurity for the self-employed: What you need to know to keep data safe

December 19, 2025
Self-employment is an important, but often neglected, part of the economy. According to the Office for National Statistics, there are approximately 4.4 million self-employed people in the United Kingdom, representing…
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Qdos self-employed insurance

Qdos self-employed insurance
Public liability from £4.58/month

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

Open a Tide account

Zempler Go Bank Account
Zempler business bank account

Free account – no credit check required

Open a Zempler account

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
  • 864,000 sole traders and landlords face new MTD reporting rules from April 2026
  • The risks of setting up a partnership without an agreement
  • Income protection for sole traders – cover from £26.31 per month



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