Small Business Advice

Your Making Tax Digital Questions Answered

You may have heard a lot about digital tax recently, as the government’s ‘Making Tax Digital’ (MTD) initiative ramped up at the start of the new financial year. Eventually, business owners across the UK will be affected by MTD but many are still unsure about what digital tax really means and how it will affect them.

Startup Story with Rachel Hugh and Neil Potts, owners of The Vurger Co

Neil and Rachel With nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram and coming in at 84 in the UK’s Top Startups Index 2018 (the only restaurant to do so), plant-based burger restaurant, The Vurger Co, are a force to be reckoned with. Loyal fans and a crowdfunding success have helped their Shoreditch branch become something of a vegan 'fast-food' constitution, so much so that they've recently opened their doors to another branch in Canary Wharf.

How to start your own architecture firm: a practical guide

The likes of Foster & Partners and BDP might dominate the industry press, but it’s actually thousands of sole practitioner and boutique studios dotted across the country that form the bedrock of the UK’s architectural profession.

Starting a personal training business? Here’s how to thrive online

You’re an advisor, problem solver, a motivator and a confidante — all rolled into one. Success as a personal trainer comes from your ability to gain trust and build relationships: something that applies just as much to your online presence as it does to your sessions on the gym floor.

The top 5 mistakes to avoid when creating your construction company

The construction industry is booming — with almost one in five of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses operating in the sector.

If you’re a freelance graphic designer, here’s why you should incorporate a limited company

The benefits of life as a freelance graphic designer are plain to see. You get to work on your own terms, on a schedule that suits you, and claim better pay for your projects than if you were to operate through an agency.

Startup Story with Jesseca Stewart, owner and graphic designer behind Lola Design Company

Always dreamed of starting your own business? Jesseca Stewart did - and in August 2018 she finally took the plunge and quit the 9-5 to take her design company full-time.

Starting a property rental business: is it worth it?

In recent years, it’s been tougher for property rental businesses in the UK. Lending criteria has been tightened, regulations have become less generous and rental yields have fallen — but can lessors still have good earning opportunities despite these challenges?

Our practical guide to starting your home florist business

Few businesses are more rewarding for your creativity than arranging stunning bouquets. Best of all, floristry is the kind of small business you can easily run online, from the comfort of your own home.

I’m starting a property development company; what legislation do I need to know about?

Breaking into the property development industry can be a rewarding enterprise, but you’ll likely face a number of challenges on the way. Aside from being great at selling, developers must excel at marketing, project management, property market analysis, and most importantly, understanding what buyers want and need.

So, you want to register a company name without actually forming a company?

A common question for our Customer Services team is whether they can reserve a company without forming a company. The short answer is no.

From tax to formation, here’s how to start your online jewellery business from home

Setting up your own online jewellery shop is very doable, but it does require some homework to ensure you start on the right foot. Beyond making your designs a reality, creating a website and setting up social media accounts, you’ll need to make sure you handle the more formal side of things.