About

Anna is Senior Reporter, covering topics affecting SMEs such as grant funding, managing employees and the day-to-day running of a business.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a consulting business

Learn what you need to know about starting a consulting business, from finding a niche to start-up costs, plus the pros and cons

Taking payments as a small business

15 EPoS systems for restaurants and cafés

 

Having the right ePoS system in place can boost your business in far more ways than just payments. Here are 15 ePoS systems to check out.

Employing & managing staff

Employment Rights Act 2025 and the changes you need to prepare for

The government has published the timetabled changes that are coming in line with the Employment Rights Act 2025. Here's a rundown

Small Business Banking

Best business bank accounts for sole traders

We’ve rounded up some of the best business bank accounts created with sole traders in mind

Funding your small business

12 of the best digital banking platforms for small business

Considering a digital banking platform over one of the traditional stalwarts? We've picked out 12 of the best for your perusal.

Taking payments as a small business

8 payment systems for festivals, pop-ups and street food markets

Take a look at this rundown of payment systems that are ideal for festivals, street food markets, pop-ups and promotional events

Accounting

Best payroll software for small businesses

News

Pubs to get 15% discount on business rates

Pubs and music venues will have a 15 per cent discount on their business rates from April 2026, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a business

In this guide we’ll be looking at how to start a business, breaking down the vital elements that you need to get going

Accounting

Best accounting software if you’re a sole trader

Here, we explore how to find the right accounting software for you as a sole trader, along with some of the best platforms around

Tax

Submitting your first self-assessment as a new sole trader 

What do you need to know about self-assessment as a new sole trader? We've partnered with Sage to tell you more

Funding your small business

150 UK small business grants to apply for right now

In need of some funding for your small business? These grants should give you a boost, wherever you're based in the UK