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
Directors – be aware of new Companies House rules in 2024
Companies House is implementing sweeping reforms to clamp down on financial crime and improve corporate transparency. How are limited companies affected?
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How much has the April 2023 Corporation Tax rise cost you?
How does the post-April 2023 Corporation Tax (CT) regime work, and how much more tax small limited companies now pay as a result of the tax rise?
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Why you need a cash flow forecast, how to produce one + downloadable templates
One of the most useful pieces of advice that established entrepreneurs give to people starting their own businesses is, ‘ Cash is king.’ It doesn’t matter what business you’re in and how profitable it is; if you run out of cash, your business will struggle to continue. If you can’t pay suppliers, you’ll have nothing ... <a title="Why you need a cash flow forecast, how to produce one + downloadable templates" class="read-more" href="https://www.bytestart.co.uk/self-employed-accounts/cash-flow-forecast-and-templates/" aria-label="Read more about Why you need a cash flow forecast, how to produce one + downloadable templates">Read more</a>
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Starting a business at university: practical tips from a student founder
A real student founder shares practical advice on starting a business at university, using spare time, campus resources, and real-world experience.
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How to successfully manage your time via the OATS method
Do you have trouble getting done the things you need to? Do you sometimes find there are jobs left over at the end of the day? Do you not feel satisfied with what you have achieved? You need to get your OATS The OATS principle is a fundamental approach to time management that is both ... <a title="How to successfully manage your time via the OATS method" class="read-more" href="https://www.bytestart.co.uk/news-insights/how-to-successfully-manage-your-time-via-the-oats-method/" aria-label="Read more about How to successfully manage your time via the OATS method">Read more</a>
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20 tips to make your day more productive as a business owner
Here are Bytestart's 20 productivity tips to help you accomplish more each day. Even if you manage just one or two changes, it could make a difference.
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The power of the ‘pilot’ – 3 reasons to test your business idea before launch
Piloting a business idea lets you test your product or service on a small scale before launch, reducing risk and helping you earn more sustainably.
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Professional indemnity insurance for IT contractors – what to check
Professional indemnity insurance for IT contractors: client requirements, claims-made cover, retroactive dates and what to check before choosing a policy.
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