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
Tax efficient life cover through your own limited company
If you're considering taking out life insurance, you could save up to 50% on your premiums by setting up cover through your own limited company.
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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…
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HMRC’s new ‘tax gap’ report – what it means if you’re self employed
In June 2025, HMRC published new figures on the UK’s tax gap, which show that self employed people…
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Setting up and running payroll: a guide for small limited companies
Learn how to set up and run payroll for your limited company, including PAYE registration, salary strategy, HMRC…
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Corporation Tax guide – CT600, rates & deadlines for small companies
Practical guide to UK Corporation Tax for 2025/26. How limited companies are taxed, key deadlines, rates, file a…
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What responsibilities and duties does a limited company director have?
If you are a limited company director, you have a number of duties as well as legal and…
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Memorandum and Articles of Association – what you need to know
In simple terms, the Memorandum of Association records each initial subscriber's intention to form a new limited company.
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10 common self-employed accidents and injuries to watch for
Self-employed? These are 10 of the most common accidents and injuries you should be aware of – plus…
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Limited company accountants: 10 key things to look for
A good accountant will keep your books in order, help with tax planning, and meet all your tax…
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Professional Indemnity Insurance for limited company directors
Need Professional Indemnity Insurance for your limited company? Learn what PI cover protects, how much to get, and…
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Why your limited company should have a Shareholders’ Agreement
This guide explains what a Shareholder's Agreement does, who should get one, and what should be included in…
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Why Emailmovers is one of the UK’s only providers enhancing email databases with UPRNs
Emailmovers enhances B2B email data with UPRNs for precise targeting, improved accuracy, and better campaign results.
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Self-employed unprepared for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (April 2026 deadline!)
With the April 2026 deadline approaching for MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), new research shows how…
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Can your business claim the £10,500 Employment Allowance?
If you have employees, your business may be eligible to offset up to £10,500 of employers' NICs each…
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Sole trader insurance – what’s required, recommended & worth having?
A clear guide to sole trader insurance – what’s legally required, commonly needed by clients and customers, and…
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