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Start up business ideas

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Skills and wellbeing

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Business planning

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

Start up funding

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Tax and National Insurance

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Business law

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Business premises

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Employees

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

Business IT

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Grow your business

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Tax and National Insurance

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Resource topics

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Ten things you need to know about VAT invoices

It's essential you get your invoicing right, but did you know that you don't need to include the same information for every invoice? Discover ten things you need to know about invoicing.

Make work pay - for small employers too

Rory MccGwire, founder of the UK’s largest small business advice website Start Up Donut, comments on the coming Budget.

What’s the difference between simple assessment and self assessment?

HMRC collects tax in several ways. You might have heard of self assessment, but some taxpayers are sent simple assessment letters instead. Discover the difference and which taxpayers might benefit from simple assessment.

Spring clean your business finances and tax admin

Spring cleaning your business finances and tax affairs can be beneficial. You could cut costs, save time, boost profits and understand business performance better. We share seven spring admin tips.

How will 2024 tax and NIC changes impact you?

The Chancellor announced some changes to National Insurance in his Autumn Statement. We look at what is changing in the realm of tax and National Insurance in 2024.

Six common sole trader tax return mistakes

Sole trader self assessment tax return mistakes are not uncommon. We explore the six most common mistakes and explain how you can avoid them.

How much tax do self-employed workers pay?

Guide to tax for self-employed workers including income tax and National Insurance rates for UK freelancers and sole traders

UK business bank accounts - your options as a non-resident

If you’re doing business in the UK but not a resident, it might still make sense to get a UK bank account to simplify your financial life. Here’s how.

Essential guide to business tax

It helps to understand the taxes likely to affect your business, and have systems to help you comply with your obligations. Read our tax overview.

Essential guide to VAT

Once your sales reach the annual threshold, you must register for VAT. Our guide to when and how to register, and what you need to do once you have.

Essential guide to National Insurance

National Insurance overview for employers to help minimise National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and understand National Insurance rates and allowances.

VAT registration

If you register for VAT with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), you must charge VAT on any goods and services you sell that are subject to VAT.

Q&A: Tax returns

Chartered certified accountant Raphael Coman of Coman & Co answers some key questions about tax returns, including important deadlines.

Setting up your payroll - checklist

If you take on employees, you will need to set up a payroll system to make sure you're fulfilling your legal obligations. Here's where to start.

Essential guide to choosing and using accountants and lawyers

Accountants and lawyers are vital advisers who could save your business a fortune - and rescue you from potential hot water with their expert advice.