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 invoice clients with the Countingup app
Say goodbye to manually creating your own invoices. The Countingup app will do it for you! In this guide, you’ll learn how to: Create an invoice with Countingup Add a logo to your invoice templates Match a payment to an invoice Duplicate an invoice Change an invoice’s due date How to create an invoice 1. […]
The ultimate MTD Income Tax guide for sole traders
If you are a contractor, self-employed or running your own limited company, MTD, short for ‘Making Tax Digital’ is going to become more and more important in the coming months. In this article, you’ll learn what it is, how it will affect you and how to register for MTD. What is MTD? MTD is HMRC’s […]
How to register as a sole trader
All you need to know before setting up as a sole trader Running a small business and considering whether to register as a sole trader? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about setting up as a sole trader, including the pros and cons, costs and more. Sole trader definition Sole traders […]
Do I need an accountant for my limited company?
If you are a director of a limited company you are not legally required to appoint an accountant. However, there are many benefits to doing so. In this article, you will learn how an accountant can help improve your business, what accountants don’t do, costs, and how to choose the right one. Let’s start with […]
5 reasons why you need to separate business from personal expenses
Getting organised when it comes to your finances is an important part of running a successful business. However, many self-employed small business owners fall into the trap of using one current account, which means that their personal and business expenses are mixed in together. Although you are not legally required to open a separate business […]
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. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to either model and once you start researching you’ll soon find yourself lost down a rabbit hole of legislation and regulation. While it is an important decision […]