Can sole traders use a PO Box as a business address?
Using a PO Box sounds simple, but it won’t work for everything. Here’s what HMRC, banks and marketplaces require if you're self-employed.
Data protection for the self-employed – what you need to know
Even if you’re self-employed, UK GDPR still applies. We explain what data protection means for sole traders and freelancers, with simple, practical tips.
Can sole traders pay family to help with the business?
It’s something a lot of small business owners end up wondering: “Can I just pay my partner to help with admin?” “Can my teenager help out at the weekend and…
How to choose a name for your UK sole trader business
Here are some business naming tips from the Bytestart team based on our twenty years of experience working with small firms.
Checklist for hiring your first employee (for UK sole traders)
Hiring your first employee in the UK? A step-by-step guide for sole traders and small companies covering legal checks, PAYE, NI, pensions and contracts.
What happens to your business if you die – planning ahead as a sole trader
If you're a sole trader, your business doesn’t automatically continue when you die. This guide explains what happens next – and how to prepare.
Closing down your sole trader business? What to do step by step
Stopping self-employment? Here’s how to close your sole trader business properly, from tax and HMRC to bank accounts and records.
10 self-employed business ideas you can start for under £100
Want to start your own business without spending a fortune? Here are 10 low-cost ideas you can launch for under £100, with tips on how to get started.
Do you have to register with Companies House if you’re a sole trader?
Companies House is the UK's registrar of companies and the government agency responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies. If you're setting up as a sole trader (i.e. self employed), do you have to register your business too?
How to set up in business as a partnership in 2025
How to set up and run a business partnership - including legal considerations, how to choose a name, register the partnership with HMRC and pay taxes.