Category

Starting a Business

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.

Can I switch a limited company to sole trader?

Yes you can, says Simon Thomas of Ridgefield Consulting. But you have to follow these steps to wind up your limited company first

Sole trader

Success stories

Meet the startup: Matthew Vamplew, Paranimo

Mental health challenges cost the UK economy nearly £118bn annually, Paranimo aims to democratise workplace access to the right mental health support to create psychologically healthy cultures.

Advice

What we’ve learned from startup founders on the Launch Lessons podcast

Launch Lessons is a podcast from Airwallex, the financial suite which empowers businesses to go global from day one

Sole trader

What is a sole trader? A small business guide

Emily Coltman, chief accountant at FreeAgent, investigates one very popular structure for new business owners: sole tradership

Sole trader

Can two people run a sole trader business?

Can two people run a sole trader business and can you register a newly formed limited company as 'dormant' and start off as a sole trader?

Advice

How microbusinesses take the first steps toward sustainability

Helping the environment can open up the possibility of more revenue, says Ben Law, VP and head of UK and Ireland at GoDaddy

Sole trader

40% of self-employed earn less than £1,000 a month

One third of self-employed struggling with daily living expenses, especially as energy is a major cost for small businesses

Business Ideas & Planning

Starting up your online business

Smallbusiness.co.uk offers some top tips for entrepreneurs looking to set up an online business venture.

Sole trader

40% of self-employed earn less than £1,000 a month

One third of self-employed struggling with daily living expenses, especially as energy is a major cost for small businesses

Business Ideas & Planning

Starting up your online business

Smallbusiness.co.uk offers some top tips for entrepreneurs looking to set up an online business venture.

Starting a Business

Choosing your business ownership structure

It is important to consider every aspect of your business requirements before choosing a business ownership structure, says Stephen Newman of Ramsdens Solicitors

Business Ideas & Planning

Top tips for creating a clear vision for your business

Business coach Tim Rylatt discusses why having a clear business vision matters and shares his top tips for creating one

Setting up a company

8 legal considerations when setting up a business

One of your first legal steps will be to register your business and choose your structure

Business Ideas & Planning

Nine mindset changes that will turn you from employee to entrepreneur

SME specialist business coach Tim Rylatt looks at what needs to happen for an employee to transition into a successful business owner

Business Technology

Future-proof your business communications set-up

Landlines as we know them will be scrapped in 2027 – along with a raft of upcoming business changes. Here's how to ensure your communications set-up is fit for whatever the future brings

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Business Technology

Friendly guide – top tips for small businesses switching to VoIP

With the landline shutdown coming fast, there’s never been a better time to switch to VoIP. Don’t let your small business be left behind!

Export & Import

Avoid delays with exports and imports

Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world