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Getting started

Taking the difficult early steps.

Our guide to the difficult early steps when starting up…

Incorporation

Considerations when operating as a company on incorporation.

An introduction to the tax system for the self employed

Key tax issues you need to know about.

Premises and location

Essential considerations when choosing your base.

Working from home

Home working do's and don'ts.

Insuring your business

Are you sufficiently covered?

Limited liability partnerships

LLPs explained.

Allowable Expenses

What can you claim tax relief for?

Your business vision

What are your ultimate goals?

A mission statement

Defining your business purpose.

Writing a business plan

How to write an effective business plan.

Which business structure?

Choosing the structure that best suits your needs.

Should you buy a franchise?

The pros and cons of buying 'off-the-shelf'.

Choosing a year end

Be tax efficient when deciding a year end date.

Raising finance

Maximise your chances of gaining funding.

Names, trademarks, patents and other registrations

The key legal requirements.

Building a brand

Key tips for developing a memorable image.

Latest News

16 Jan 2026

Cost hikes denting small business confidence

Small businesses are facing a tough start to 2026 as confidence slumps in the face of cost hikes, research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has shown.

15 Jan 2026

UK economy grew by 0.3% in November

The UK economy grew by 0.3% in November after car production rebounded and the services sector got a boost, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

14 Jan 2026

Employment Rights Act 'will deliver £10 billion in benefits'

The Employment Rights Act will help to deliver an estimated £10 billion boost to the UK economy, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has stated.

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