Supporting Britain’s small businesses since 2004
Independent guides, practical advice, news and free calculators for people starting, running and growing a UK business — from sole traders to limited company owners.
Guides for sole traders and the self-employed
Start with the subject you need help with.
01
Getting started
Becoming self-employed, registering with HMRC and setting up your business.
02
Tax & HMRC
Self Assessment, National Insurance, VAT and Making Tax Digital.
03
Accounts & expenses
Bookkeeping, allowable expenses, invoices and getting paid.
04
Business banking
Choosing an account, comparing charges and protecting your money.
05
Business insurance
Public liability, professional indemnity and other business cover.
06
Pensions
SIPPs, pension tax relief and saving for retirement when you work for yourself.
07
Protecting yourself
Income protection, private healthcare and financial protection.
Also
Limited companies
Separate guides for company directors, tax, accounts and Companies House.
Latest ByteStart guides
15 smart questions to ask before choosing an accountant
Thinking of hiring an accountant? Here are 15 smart questions to help sole traders choose the right one - plus tips on fees, software, and switching.
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What payment terms should I use when invoicing clients?
Setting the right payment terms helps you get paid faster. Learn what terms to use, how to handle…
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Chasing unpaid invoices as a sole trader: practical steps and your legal rights
Unpaid invoice? This guide for UK sole traders explains how to chase late payments, what the law says,…
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How the Flat Rate VAT Scheme works (and the Limited Cost Trader rule)
Guide to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme for sole traders and small businesses. How it works, the latest…
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Crackdown on late payments: key changes for small business owners
The government is cracking down on late payments from 2026. Learn what the new rules mean for small…
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When does your business officially start trading?
Unsure when your business officially starts? This guide explains how HMRC defines the start of trading, with examples…
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What is Companies House? Functions, forms and director obligations
Learn what Companies House does, the main forms and filings it requires, and the key responsibilities of limited…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Should you use accounting software or stick with spreadsheets?
Thinking of switching from spreadsheets to accounting software? The pros and cons of both options for sole traders…
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Do you need insurance if you hire subcontractors or freelancers?
If you hire subcontractors or freelancers, your business insurance may need to change. Find out when you need…
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Pensions Commission relaunched as millions of self-employed fall behind
The Government has revived the Pensions Commission to tackle a looming retirement crisis, with self-employed workers among the…
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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…
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Cyber insurance for small businesses – is it worth having?
Think cyber insurance is just for big firms? If you’re self-employed and working online, here’s why it might…
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