Skip to main content
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, where business belongs.

Search

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

12 results shown
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.
Guide to tax for self-employed workers including income tax and National Insurance rates for UK freelancers and sole traders
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.
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.
National Insurance overview for employers to help minimise National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and understand National Insurance rates and allowances.
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.
Chartered certified accountant Raphael Coman of Coman & Co answers some key questions about tax returns, including important deadlines.
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.
Accountants and lawyers are vital advisers who could save your business a fortune - and rescue you from potential hot water with their expert advice.
Generally speaking, it's more tax efficient to own a car personally and charge the company a mileage allowance (eg 45p a mile). Read more.
There are many myths about accounting and taxation, most of them wide of the mark. So what's the reality? Time to dispel these five common myths.
How to find a good accountant in your area and build a strong working relationship with your accountant to ensure your business is run tax-efficiently.