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?

04 Jul 2025

Pension reforms risk higher prices, fewer jobs and slower growth, FSB warns

Prospective pension reforms could see small firms raise prices, cut jobs or slash profits, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned.

03 Jul 2025

Business confidence rises in June

Business confidence rose in June building on a sharp rebound in May, according to Lloyds Bank's Business Barometer.

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Budget report

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

Read about the budget

Accessibility links

Getting started

Pension reforms risk higher prices, fewer jobs and slower growth, FSB warns

Business confidence rises in June

Register

Budget report

Useful links