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News & Insights

The latest news, features and viewpoints from the small business world. If you have a good SME news story, please email us.

mtd deadline 7 august

One in four qualifying business owners still haven’t signed up for MTD

July 28, 2026
With the first quarterly MTD for Income Tax deadline on the horizon, new research suggests that many sole traders are still unprepared for the new rules.
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The first year in business – why survival matters more than speed

The first year in business – why survival matters more than speed

July 17, 2026
Ask most aspiring entrepreneurs what success looks like, and you'll often hear the same answers. Launching quickly. Winning customers. Growing revenue. Hiring staff. Those milestones are important, but they overlook…
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enhanced dbs check self-employed

Self-employed can now get Enhanced DBS checks without an employer

March 25, 2026
Guide to Enhanced DBS checks for self-employed people (since the 2026 legislation change), including eligibility, the application process, and costs.
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mtd income tax accountant

More than 200,000 businesses enter MTD without an accountant

February 24, 2026
A quarter of businesses entering Making Tax Digital for Income Tax are unrepresented, with firms warning of rising fees, according to a TaxCalc survey.
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late payment

UK small businesses still owed £70bn in late payments, says Hiscox report

February 23, 2026
Small firms are owed £70.4bn in late payments, according to Hiscox, with many waiting weeks beyond invoice due dates, causing cash flow issues and stress.
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mtd warning deadline hmrc

864,000 sole traders and landlords face new MTD reporting rules from April 2026

February 5, 2026
HMRC has reminded over 864,000 sole traders and landlords that they have just two months to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.
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anna free mtd for income tax

ANNA Money offers free MTD Income Tax filings ahead of deadline

January 22, 2026
ByteStart partner ANNA Money has announced it will offer free MTD ITSA filings on a permanent basis, with no subscription fees or time limits.
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gen z mettle natwest

Confidence gap is holding back Gen Z entrepreneurs, NatWest research suggests

January 21, 2026
A new study by NatWest and Mettle suggests that while many young people want to start businesses, they are held back by a lack of confidence.
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quickfile small business mtd

How I made digital tax work for my microbusiness via Quickfile | Eddie Adams Nottingham business owner

January 14, 2026
Nottingham business owner Eddie Adams shares how he adapted to MTD for Income Tax, and how he uses accounting software to keep records and file digitally.
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freelance confidence

UK freelancers confident about 2026 despite tax hikes and tough economy

January 12, 2026
Despite the difficult economic climate, higher taxes and new regulations, the UK's freelancers are confident about 2026, according to new research.
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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Can I manage my sole trader business using only Xero?
  • Can I pay myself a salary if I’m a sole trader?
  • One in four qualifying business owners still haven’t signed up for MTD



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