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Getting started

Our guide to the difficult early steps when starting up…

A mission statement

Defining your business purpose.

Allowable Expenses

What can you claim tax relief for?

An introduction to the tax system for the self employed

Key tax issues you need to know about.

Building a brand

Key tips for developing a memorable image.

Choosing a year end

Be tax efficient when deciding a year end date.

Incorporation

Considerations when operating as a company on incorporation.

Insuring your business

Are you sufficiently covered?

Limited liability partnerships

LLPs explained.

Names, trademarks, patents and other registrations

The key legal requirements.

Premises and location

Essential considerations when choosing your base.

Raising finance

Maximise your chances of gaining funding.

Should you buy a franchise?

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

Which business structure?

Choosing the structure that best suits your needs.

Working from home

Home working do's and don'ts.

Writing a business plan

How to write an effective business plan.

Your business vision

What are your ultimate goals?

07 May 2026

Long-term borrowing costs reach highest level since 1998

Long-term borrowing costs have reached their highest level since 1998 as a result of the Iran war and ongoing uncertainty over local and national elections.

06 May 2026

Chancellor's tax on EVs 'could create hole in Treasury's finances'

Experts have warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that her pay-per-mile electric vehicle (EV) tax could create a £4.8 billion hole in the Treasury's finances.

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Budget report

Budget report icon

Our summary of the key announcements from the Chancellor's latest Budget .

Read about the budget

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