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Business guides

A complete look at what it takes to keep your business moving forward with confidence.

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Guides

What is a limited company? A simple guide for UK entrepreneurs

Find out how a limited company can protect your personal assets, provide tax advantages, and enhance your business’s credibility.

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What is a sole trader? A no-nonsense guide to getting started

Thinking of starting a business? Learn how to take full control, manage your taxes, and keep things simple with this straightforward guide to being a sole trader.

How to identify and reach your target audience: a complete guide

Learn how to define, find and market products and services to your target audience using real-world examples and simple steps to grow your small business.

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Guides

Owner of a car repair company at his desk doing paperwork.

VAT returns explained: complete guide for UK small businesses

Learn how to stay compliant with HMRC, file VAT returns accurately, avoid penalties and manage VAT with confidence using this practical guide.

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13 golden rules for managing your small business finances

Discover the key rules for managing your business finances to improve your chances of long-term success.

Business expenses: what you can (and can’t) claim

Discover what counts as a business expense and how claiming such expenses can lower your tax bill.

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Guides

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How to use AI safely and responsibly in your business

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers businesses a range of efficient ways of working, but it’s not entirely risk free.

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Debt financing explained: is it the right choice for your business?

Explore our guide to debt financing for small businesses and whether it’s right for you. Learn about its benefits, drawbacks and top funding sources.

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Debt vs equity financing: key differences for small businesses

Discover the differences between debt and equity financing. This guide outlines pros and cons, helping small businesses choose the best path for growth.

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All business guides

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Who's exempt from Making Tax Digital? Your MTD exemptions guide

Find out if you qualify for a Making Tax Digital exemption. Learn which exemptions apply and how to check whether your situation meets HMRC’s criteria.

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What is qualifying income for MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment?

Learn how to calculate qualifying income for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment and ensure you meet the requirements on time.

Businesswoman working on her tax returns at home.

MTD bridging software: what it is, how it works and how to use it

If you prefer using spreadsheets to manage your business finances, bridging software enables you to stay MTD-compliant without switching to full accounting software.

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Making Tax Digital for VAT explained for small businesses

Everything you need to know about Making Tax Digital for VAT-registered businesses.

Owner of a car maintenace shop at the counter, working on his laptop and calculator.

Can HMRC access my bank accounts? A guide for small businesses

Learn when HMRC can access your bank accounts and the steps you can take to reduce the risk of it happening.

Florist on the phone. In front of him on the counter is his order book, calculator and laptop.

Making Tax Digital penalties: what businesses should know for 2026 and beyond...

Learn how the digital tax system applies fines and penalties, and the steps you can take to avoid unexpected charges.

How to sign up for Making Tax Digital: a simple step-by-step guide

Discover how to sign up for Making Tax Digital with clear steps and key requirements.

Making Tax Digital compatible software: what you need to know

Learn how to choose MTD-ready software and compare options for digital tax reporting using compatible tools.

Making Tax Digital for landlords: your checklist to get MTD-ready

Find out what steps you need to take to prepare for Making Tax Digital and stay compliant.

Interest-free business credit cards: all you need to know

We explain how an interest-free business credit card could benefit your company.

Virtual business credit cards explained: benefits, features and more

Virtual credit cards can help businesses manage spending more efficiently and offer stronger security than physical cards. Here’s what you need to know.

Balance transfer business credit cards: an in-depth UK guide

Discover how a business balance transfer credit card could help you pay off existing debts more quickly.

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What is landlord insurance? A guide for property owners

Landlord insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended due to the risks involved in renting out property. Here’s what you need to know.

A woman in a woolly hat clutches her coat while sitting next to a radiator. She is on the phone calling for help with her broken boiler.

What type of landlord insurance do I need? How to find the right cover

Renting to tenants comes with risks that landlord insurance can help protect against. Here’s what you should know about choosing the right cover.

A couple phone for help as water pours in from their ceiling. The woman is trying to catch the water in a zinc bucket.

What does landlord insurance cover – and not cover?

Landlords face risks from theft to flooding. This guide explains what landlord insurance includes – and what it doesn’t.

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