6 examples of sole traders
What jobs are best if you want to go self-employed? We look at what it takes to become a personal trainer, a gardener, a hairdresser, a private chef, a photographer or a dog walker
Sole trader
Advice on how to start your own business, with guides to help you plan, develop and finance a start-up company, plus recommendations on registering the business, its legal structure and finding financial backing for growth. Whether you are just beginning or have already taken the first steps and want to keep everything on track, our expert articles will give you the knowledge to help lead you to success, whilst maintaining a good work-life balance.
Starting a business can initially seem daunting, but with good support and a strong idea you can quickly pass through the key stages of the setting-up process and be able to launch your company with a solid foundation.
Topics covered include: regulations and requirements for company owners, finding and selecting the professional services you may need (such as banking, insurance, accountancy etc.), legal structure options (self-employed person, sole trader, a partnership or a limited company), business planning, UK start up funding sources and finding your first customers.
What jobs are best if you want to go self-employed? We look at what it takes to become a personal trainer, a gardener, a hairdresser, a private chef, a photographer or a dog walker
Sole trader
Advice
Solicitor Simon Maddox tells you what to look out for when negotiating a commercial lease agreement
Small Business Banking
We’ve rounded up some of the best business bank accounts created with sole traders in mind
Government Grants
Whether you want to install an electric car charging station, replace your old boiler with a heat pump or just replace draughty windows, you can apply for a range of energy grants
Funding your small business
We look at six funding options for growing your business. What is available and which option is right for you? Vicki Taylor explains.
Advice
In this piece, we look at the main considerations when going freelance, from procedural advice to managing your work-life balance.
Starting a Business
Driving a minicab or a taxi has many benefits. You can work the hours you want to and supplement another career, whether you are a creative, a tradesman or even a teacher. But the biggest benefit could be the sense of performing a service for the vulnerable
Business Ideas & Planning
Do you want to become a driving instructor? Here we explain the need-to-knows such as what the tests entail and franchise vs independent.
Starting a Business
Driving a minicab or a taxi has many benefits. You can work the hours you want to and supplement another career, whether you are a creative, a tradesman or even a teacher. But the biggest benefit could be the sense of performing a service for the vulnerable
Business Ideas & Planning
Do you want to become a driving instructor? Here we explain the need-to-knows such as what the tests entail and franchise vs independent.
Business Ideas & Planning
Being self-employed means, you are captain of your own ship. But there are key decisions to make before you quit full-time employment, unless you want your ship to run aground
Accounts & Tax
Whether you pass the VAT threshold or register for VAT voluntarily, we explain everything you need to know about Value Added Tax
Advice
Read our simple 18-item checklist to take you through every step of starting your own business. All your questions answered.
Sole trader
Haydn Rogan explains the tax advantages and disadvantages of status as a limited company and as a sole trader
Finding and selling to customers
Digital ad campaigns aren't just for big businesses. Here's why you should be considering it...
Partner content
Hospitality businesses have faced a number of challenges in the last couple of years. Find out what funding and support is available.
Financing
Here we explore six types of business funding that can help your UK tech company expand and reach its goals.
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.