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
Do limited company directors need income protection insurance?
An executive income protection policy can provide peace of mind, as well as tax efficiency, as the premiums can typically be funded by your limited company.
Read the guide
Business loans: what banks look for before lending
If you are a small business owner and are thinking of asking your bank for a business loan,…
Read the guide
How many small businesses and limited companies are there in the UK? (2025)
The latest business population statistics have been published. The data reveals some interesting facts and figures about the…
Read the guide
What is IR35? – Guide for UK limited company owners and contractors
IR35 explained for limited company contractors. Find out how the rules work, what the off-payroll reforms mean, and…
Read the guide
Managing your time with Covey’s Matrix – a simple tool for business owners
Use Covey’s Matrix to manage your time more effectively as a small business owner or sole trader. A…
Read the guide
The 7 principles of PRINCE2 Project Management
Editor’s note (July 2025): This guide was originally written for ByteStart by project management expert David Baker. We’ve…
Read the guide
Start Up Idea of the Year Competition offers grants of up to £10,000
Would-be entrepreneurs have a new reason to dream big with the launch of the Start Up Idea of…
Read the guide
2025’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs unveiled by Small Business Britain
Small Business Britain has revealed the 2025 line-up of the UK’s 100 most dynamic female entrepreneurs as part…
Read the guide
Online platforms must provide HMRC with sales reports on ‘side hustle’ businesses
If you make some extra money via a 'side hustle' - by selling online - you should be…
Read the guide
25% of 18-24 year olds want to start a new business in 2025
New research published by Virgin StartUp shows that over a quarter (26%) of 18-24-year-olds are gearing up to…
Read the guide
Small employers concerned about unfair dismissal proposals
A new survey shows that over nine in ten small employers have concerns over unfair dismissal rights contained…
Read the guide
Over 5m yet to file self assessment returns – don’t miss the 31st Jan deadline!
HMRC says that by the start of 2025, over 5 million people had yet to file their self-assessment…
Read the guide
Understanding limited company taxes: what you need to know
If you’re setting up or running a limited company, it’s important to understand your tax responsibilities as a…
Read the guide
What is Small Business Saturday? This year it’s on 7th December
Small Business Saturday is an annual grassroots campaign which highlights the importance of small, independent UK businesses.
Read the guide
Trivial benefits – how to provide tax-free gifts to your employees
Trivial benefits are small perks provided by employers to employees that are exempt from tax and NI, provided…
Read the guide