Category

Sole trader

Helpful tips and advice for sole traders on setting up and managing a small business in the UK, including guides on registration, insurance, tax and vat, plus useful case studies and examples on the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed.

The Questions Most Asked by Small Business Owners

We have compiled a list of the top six questions most frequently put to our panel of business adviser experts.

Sole trader

Sole trader

Sole trader

Is it possible to set up as a sole trader while still being employed full-time?

Sole trader

How to succeed as a sole trader

Setting up as a sole trader can be the easiest, and most cost-effective route for going into business. But you will need more than a spare room and internet connection to make your idea a success.

Sole trader

Can you register twice as a sole trader?

Is it possible for me to have more than one business? I currently operate a small business as a haulier but I would like to commence a separate business as a landscape gardener.

Sole trader

Register as a sole trader

How can you begin to nurture a small business? How do you register as a sole trader and where can you get the necessary forms?

Sole trader

Raising an invoice as a sole trader

When raising an invoice as a sole trader, do I have to raise it in my name or can I use the title I am trading under. For example if I am John Smith t/a JS Associates, can I just use JS Associates?

Sole trader

Employing “zero hours” staff

As a sole trader I want to take on a first employee, but want to guard against a drop in business activity. Is offering a “zero hours” contract a possible answer and what are the implications?

Sole trader

Can sole traders work for just one company?

I am a self-employed sole trader. Is it correct that I can't work for one company all of the time? If so, is there a percentage of work I must do for other people or companies?

Sole trader

Employing “zero hours” staff

As a sole trader I want to take on a first employee, but want to guard against a drop in business activity. Is offering a “zero hours” contract a possible answer and what are the implications?

Sole trader

Can sole traders work for just one company?

I am a self-employed sole trader. Is it correct that I can't work for one company all of the time? If so, is there a percentage of work I must do for other people or companies?

Accounting

PAYE for sole traders

If operating as a sole trader, profits (or losses) will be taxed under Income Tax rules and you can continue working in employment under PAYE (Pay As You Earn).

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Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.

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16 ways to improve your business cash flow

Read here for 16 tried and tested tips and tricks to improve potential cash flow problems