Smart business insights
10 ways to improve cash flow management
To keep your business in good financial health and ride out the turbulence of current global uncertainty, staying on top of your cash flow management is key. Apply these 10 techniques to get started: 1. Be selective Turning down new business is not easy and needs steely resolve, but doing your research and turning down […]
The ULTIMATE guide for startup success – Looking ahead
Looking ahead No one can stop you now. You’ve made it through launch week, and stuff’s just got serious. Here’s how to steer the train, ship, hyperloop pod, or other transport metaphor, in the right direction. Keep an eye on the pennies Most startup failures are due to lack of cash, so cash flow management […]
Startup launch checklist
Launch week You’ve done the reading. You’ve made some big decisions. Your website’s ready to roll. And you’ve finally made it to day one. Here’s what you should do before you get to day seven. Be organised You can’t run a business without being in control of your documents, contacts and schedule. Something like G […]
10 key tips to starting a business in the UK
10 things you need to know before starting a business in the UK Starting a business is no walk in the park. Even if with the best idea in the world, a venture will struggle to get off the ground without adequate preparation. Here are the steps you need to take to starting a business […]
5 reasons why self-employed shouldn’t use a personal account for their business
Time is precious, especially for people running a small business. To save time, many self-employed sole traders and landlords use their personal bank account for their business transactions. By doing this, they are creating problems down the line which costs them even more time. The main reason for using a personal account is that it […]
How to set up a small business with Companies House
Setting up a small business with Companies House involves disclosing key information about your new business, like its name and ownership structure. It’s important to declare this information correctly and keep it up to date as you trade in the future. We’ll walk you through the process of setting up your small business on Companies […]
What are the benefits of entrepreneurship?
Running your own business is not always easy. Fear of failure can stop people from pursuing their vision and becoming entrepreneurs. But being self-employed also comes with many benefits that make it a chance worth taking. What are the benefits of entrepreneurship? We’ve listed eight key advantages that may convince you to take the plunge, […]
How to advertise a small local business
Looking to launch your new business in your local area? Find out how to advertise your small business using a variety of different channels in this guide by Countingup. We’ll walk you through how to emphasise the ‘local’ part of your business’ brand, as well as market online and in-person so you can gain more […]
How to budget for starting a business
From governments to households, budgeting is how people manage their money. If you’re starting a small business, you’ll need a budget that maximises each penny. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some key aspects of budgeting for your small business. Find out: How to budget How to make budgeting effective Risks of not budgeting […]
How to write a business plan
Your business plan is a strategy for your success. Having a realistic and well-developed business plan is critical to getting your business off the ground and making money. If you’re unsure about what business plans are for or how to write one, this guide is for you. Discover: Why planning is important How to write […]
How to get a VAT number for a company
A VAT number is a unique ID that HMRC gives businesses when they register for VAT (value-added tax). In the UK, VAT numbers have nine digits and always start with ‘GB’. VAT numbers for companies in the EU follow a different format, with their own unique country codes. HMRC provides a list of ID formats […]
What is the Government Gateway?
The Government Gateway allows you to access the HMRC online system by verifying your identity. Once logged in, you’ll have full access to your business tax account. What will be covered in this article: Explaining what the Government Gateway is and why it’s important Explaining what GOV.Verify is and why it’s important Something to be […]
Can you learn entrepreneurship?
An ‘entrepreneur’ is defined as ‘a person who manages a business with considerable initiative and risk’. If you own a business, great news – you’re already an entrepreneur! However, the ‘ship’ part in ‘entrepreneurship’ typically means whether or not someone manages their business well. So, what does it take to be a successful entrepreneur? If […]
The best work from home apps for small business owners
Wondering how to stay productive while working from home? Running a business from home is now easier than ever between the powerful office suites, conferencing and productivity tools on offer. However, with so many apps available, which ones do you really need, and which ones are actually helpful? Learn more about the best work from […]