Supporting the self-employed – since 2004
Skip to content
ByteStart ByteStart

Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company

qdos small business insurance
  • Go Self Employed
  • Tax & HMRC
  • Accounts
  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Protection
  • Pensions
  • News & Insights
  • Limited Company
qdos small business insurance

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.
value a small business valuation

What is my business worth? How to value a small business

August 18, 2025
How to value a business, from earnings multiples to asset valuation. Includes guidance for small firms and sole traders, plus factors that influence price.
Read More
personal expenses self assessment hmrc

Business owners warned as HMRC cracks down on personal expense claims

August 15, 2025
HMRC is cracking down on personal expenses claimed as business costs in Self Assessment returns. See what you can claim and the mistakes to avoid.
Read More
set up a limited company

How to set up a limited company in the UK (step-by-step guide)

August 15, 2025
Forming a limited company is simple to do online. Here’s what to prepare and the documents you must file with Companies House.
Read More
simplifed expenses

Simplified expenses – how to claim flat-rate business costs as a sole trader

August 14, 2025
Practical guide to HMRC simplified expenses for sole traders, with flat rates, examples, and links to related tax guides.
Read More
tradesman insurance electrician

Public liability for tradespeople – builders, plumbers, electricians and more

August 11, 2025
Find out why tradespeople like builders, plumbers and electricians need public liability insurance, what it covers, and how much protection to get.
Read More
state pension sole trader gaps

Self-employed and the State Pension – NI rules, rates and gaps explained

August 11, 2025
How the State Pension works if you’re self-employed, including NI rates, qualifying years, how to fill gaps, and why you may need extra retirement savings.
Read More
child benefit high income charge self employed

High Income Child Benefit Charge – what self-employed people need to know

August 8, 2025
Guide to the High Income Child Benefit Charge for self-employed parents. How it works, who it affects, deadlines, NI credits, and planned 2026 changes.
Read More
sole trader tax calculator

Sole trader tax and National Insurance calculator – 2025/26

August 8, 2025
Calculate how much tax you’ll pay as a sole trader in 2025/26, including income tax and National Insurance, based on your business profits after expenses.
Read More
self assessment help

Self assessment tax return help for sole traders

August 8, 2025
Self Assessment guide for sole traders. Covers who must file, deadlines, payments on account, penalties, and how to register with HMRC.
Read More
sole trader invoice vat no vat template

How to invoice as a sole trader – with VAT and non-VAT templates

August 7, 2025
Learn how to write an invoice as a UK sole trader, what to include, and how to handle VAT if needed - plus download free templates to get started.
Read More

Posts pagination

Previous page 1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 21 Next page
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

Get a quick quote

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.

Visit site
Vantage Accounting

From £49 + VAT/month

FreeAgent included, MTD-ready, Self Assessment.

Visit site
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



About Us | Cookies | Privacy | Terms | Site Map

©Contract Eye Limited 2004-25 - All rights reserved.
Registered Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ
Scroll to Top