News

Setting up a publishing company

There are several organisations you can turn to for help and guidance when setting up a publishing company, ranging from trade bodies, to those offering courses, to online forums where you can contact others who have been through a similar experience.

News

VAT amnesty for businesses

Firms trading above the VAT threshold but yet to register are being offered the chance to avoid a penalty - providing they sign up by 30 September - under a new scheme launched by HM Customs & Excise.

Business Ideas & Planning

Having the right business plan is key

Would-be entrepreneurs looking to start up their own businesses need to concentrate on producing a top notch business plan, says the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Accounting

Company Director’s Pay – Dividends or Salary

There are numerous ways in which company directors can pay themselves in a tax-effective manner. However, the most topical debate raging at the moment concerns the notion of taking a high proportion of your earnings as a dividend rather than via a salary.

Office & home working

Make the most of your office space

Office space costs money. So whether you are planning to work from home or rent office space, you need to justify every bit you use.

Advice

Are you the right personality to start a business?

Not everyone has what it takes to start a business. If you are thinking of taking the plunge and going it alone, consider the following to see if you are ready.

News

The facts on direct debits and standing orders

There are a few differences between standing orders and direct debits, which are mainly to do with the way the systems are set up and how the money is taken.

News

Preparation is key for start-up businesses

A survey of entrepreneurs has found that over 50% considered themselves inexperienced when they started up their businesses and almost half wished they had been better prepared.

News

Red tape relief for small firms

200,000 small firms are set to benefit from an extension to the flat rate VAT scheme, which will cut their paperwork and compliance costs by up to £1,000 a year.

Government Grants

Grants for technology businesses

There are millions of pounds in funding available for technology and communications companies in the UK from funding providers such as the Government and the European Union.

Marketing

How to use your website to win customers

UK, small businesses are being urged to be cleverer with their websites to give themselves a competitive edge.

Legal advice

Steps to protect your business ideas

If you have thought of an idea on which to base your business, then it is certainly worth trying to protect it with the law, in case someone tries to copy your idea.