Smart business insights
How do I get a government grant for my small business?
Whether you are starting a new business or have your sights set on growth, chances are at some stage you will need a cash injection to support your business. A business loan might seem an obvious choice. However, before you go down that route, you may benefit from learning about the different government grants on […]
How to start an Etsy store
What is Etsy? Etsy is an online marketplace where independent designers, artists, crafters and collectors can set up shop and sell what they make. It’s an easy and quick way to start a business from home. Etsy is probably best known for selling unique pieces that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. Whether it’s vintage, handmade or […]
How do you start an eCommerce business from home?
In this article you’ll discover: How to start an online business Which e-commerce platform might be right for you Branding and finding your niche Sourcing products Marketing your online business The rise of e-commerce has been nothing short of spectacular, accelerated in no small part by the Coronavirus pandemic. And the beauty of it is, […]
Small business guide to accounting
There’s nothing more exciting in life than chasing after your dreams. For many, that means taking something they love and turning it into a business. Accounting may not be the most thrilling part of that journey, but it certainly becomes one of the most important. It might seem a lot to take in at first. […]
Nailing small business cybersecurity basics
Did you know that 54% of UK organisations have put preventing data breaches and cyberattacks at the top of their IT priority list? But, staggeringly, 43% of small businesses still don’t have any type of cyber security defence plans. Keeping a small business afloat is a big achievement, which is why you don’t want to […]
7 things small business owners need to know about MTD VAT
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the UK government initiative that aims to make it easier for people and businesses to “get their tax right”. HMRC wants to become one of the world’s most digitally advanced tax authorities, and through MTD it’s trying to make tax admin simpler. In this article, you’ll learn: • The essentials […]
A basic guide to starting social media for your small business
Social media is the most popular activity for 65% of all UK internet users according to the Office of National Statistics. If you’re using social media everyday, you may already have an idea of how effective social media could be for your new business. You don’t have to be an expert, though. With the right […]
How do I start my own business?
There are many reasons why you might be thinking of setting up a business. Maybe you’ve had a change in circumstances at work, or you’re finally taking the plunge after years of dreaming about it. There were 5.94 million small businesses in the UK at the start of 2020, and more than five million people […]
3 simple ways to keep track of your business expenses
All businesses have expenses, and while larger companies can rely on their trusty accounts department to handle them, if you’re running your own business this task will be down to you. As there are so many business activities to focus on, tracking expenses often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list for self-employed […]