Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Accounting
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
UK, small businesses are being urged to be cleverer with their websites to give themselves a competitive edge.
Legal advice
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.
Finding and selling to customers
Many business ideas never get off the ground if that first sale can't be achieved.
Accounting
The legal form of your business is an important decision to make. If you are setting up a business with others, you can choose between partnership, limited company, limited liability partnership or co-operative.
News
Small businesses are leaving it too late to take action over cash flow problems, according to the Better Payment Practice Group (BPPG).