Smart business insights
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 […]
The ULTIMATE guide for startup success – Launch week
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 […]
The ULTIMATE guide for startup success – First things first
Let’s get one thing straight. Starting a business is no walk in the park. Even if you’ve got the best idea in the world, your new venture will struggle to get off the ground if you don’t prepare. We’ll walk you through every step you need to take, before, during and after launch. So you’ll […]
5 reasons why the 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 […]
Tips for choosing a company name
So you’re getting close to choosing a great name for your new company. Remember, this name could represent you and your work for years so it’s worth running it through some checks upfront. Keep it short and memorable The shorter the name the more easily it will be remembered: Don’t choose a name that wouldn’t […]
Top 5 free software for small business owners
There are two things that most small business owners will admit to lacking: time and money. So when it comes to brilliant software options that will make tedious business tasks a breeze, the natural reaction is to groan and ask, “Great, but how much will it cost?” But time-saving tech doesn’t have to be consigned […]
Hate the very thought of accounting?
Here’s a call out to those of you whose days are haunted by an overflowing box of receipts. Consider it a PSA for anyone who quakes when those pesky tax return forms hit the doormat. Some reassurance for the SME owner who puts off doing their books until the very last minute because it just […]
Sole Trader or Limited Company
This is potentially one of the trickiest decisions you’re going to have to make as you embark upon a career of self-employment, not least because of the sheer volume of information you’ll find if you Google ‘sole trader or limited company’. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to either model and once you start researching […]
Do you really need a business account?
Mingling your business and personal finances: it’s a trap that many small business owners fall into, particularly when they’re just starting out. It can seem like such a hassle; searching the high street banks for the best option, the trials of actually opening the account, having to pay banking charges when you’re not even breaking […]
Overlooked essentials for starting a new business
Starting a new business is hard. Regardless of whether you have an innovative new idea or if you are looking to turn your hobby into a money maker, it can be difficult to start and grow your business. Every new venture differs from the next, and each startup has a unique set of challenges to […]