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
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 and other small business owners.
Read the guide
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 employers’ or public liability cover.
Read the guide
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 worst affected.
Read the guide
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.
Read the guide
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 be worth having - and what it actually covers.
Read the guide
Do you need business insurance when working from home?
Working from home as a sole trader? Your home insurance probably isn’t enough. Learn what cover you might need, from liability to contents and cyber.
Read the guide
What insurance do I need for part-time work or a side hustle?
If you earn money from part-time work or a side hustle, you might still need business insurance. Find out what cover makes sense and how to get it.
Read the guide
What insurance do I need to sell online (e.g. Etsy, Shopify, eBay)?
If you sell on Etsy, Shopify or eBay, find out what insurance you might need, what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself if something goes wrong.
Read the guide
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: exemptions explained
A clear guide to who must follow MTD for Income Tax, who’s exempt, and the key easements available for sole traders and landlords.
Read the guide
Self-employed? 31st July Payment on Account tax deadline looms
Payment on Account tax is due by 31 July. Learn who it applies to, how to pay, and what happens if you miss the deadline. Includes guides and links.
Read the guide
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.
Read the guide
How to write a quote email – template for sole traders and freelancers
How to respond to client enquiries with a clear quote. Includes a free email template for sole traders, freelancers and small business owners.
Read the guide
What is a dormant limited company?
When a limited company is dormant, what must be filed with Companies House and HMRC, and how to resume trading.
Read the guide
It’s never too late to start saving for a pension if you’re self-employed
Left it late to start a pension? If you’re self-employed, here’s how to catch up, claim tax relief, and build a pot from scratch.
Read the guide
What the 2027 Inheritance Tax changes mean for your pension
If you’re self-employed and saving into a pension, some big changes are coming from April 2027 that could affect what happens to your pension when you die.
Read the guide