Expert guides and practical tips to help you run your small business better

Small business tips, guides and resources

Starting your business

All business types

How to start a business in 6 simple steps

Are you dreaming of starting your own business? Take control of your career with our easy-to-follow startup guide.

Sole trader or limited company?

Should you run your business as a sole trader or limited company? Find out which structure is the best fit for you.

How to register a business name in the UK

Learn how to register your business in the UK as a limited company, LLP, sole trader, partnership or overseas company.

Do you need a business bank account?

Find out if you have to use a business bank account to manage your finances.

How many business bank accounts do you need?

Here’s a quick guide to the common types of business bank accounts in the UK to help you decide on the best setup for your business.

5 tips for finding the perfect accountant

Looking to hire an accountant to help with your business finances? Emily Coltman FCA gives her top tips on what to look out for.

Sole traders and partnerships

Legal requirements of becoming a sole trader

Get an overview of the basic legal responsibilities that you must keep on top of in your new life as a sole trader.

The stress-free guide to registering as a sole trader

Here's a quick guide to the simple rules you have to follow when you set out in business as a sole trader.

Accruals basis accounting and cash basis accounting explained

Explore the key differences between accruals basis accounting and cash basis accounting, and the factors to consider when choosing which to use.

Limited companies

10 steps for setting up a limited company

Thinking about forming a limited company but feeling a bit overwhelmed? This guide explains everything you need to do.

Setting your limited company's registered office address

Setting your registered office address is an important step when you run a limited company. Find out how to get it right first time.

Running your business

Does your small business need insurance?

A guide to the most important types of insurance to consider when you run a small business.

A practical guide to cyber security for your small business

Practical advice for small businesses to protect against hacks, ransomware, phishing emails and more.

Don't get burnt by GDPR: data protection for small businesses

Simple measures you can take to keep your business safe, maintain customer trust and comply with laws like GDPR and the Data Protection Act.

5 steps to becoming your accountant's favourite client

Follow these simple tips to get on your accountant's good side and help your relationship blossom into something beautiful.

Essential apps for working from home

Working from home doesn’t have to be hard work! Here are a few different apps that can help make working from home more efficient and enjoyable.

How to make a cashflow forecast

What is a cashflow forecast and why should you make one for your business? Find out in this guide including a free cashflow forecasting template.

How to run more effective meetings

When meetings are done badly they can become a major drain on your time and productivity. Here are a few tips on making meetings work for you.

The value of retrospectives in running a small business

It’s likely that you've developed a business plan and set some key goals to aim for on your road to success – but how are you reviewing progress?

Taking time out from your small business

FreeAgent partner Company Bug on why you need to take time off from your business and how you can organise a well-deserved break.

Growing your business

How to grow your business

Wondering where to take your business next? Our guide to strategies for growth will show you how to turn a small business into a big one.

9 low cost marketing ideas for your small business

Marketing is crucial if you want to reach new customers and grow your small business – but it doesn't have to break the bank.

Small business networking: what’s in it for you?

Networking is a valuable skill for small businesses. Here are our top tips to get ahead.

How to set better business goals for your small business

Are your business goals working for you? Discover how approaching goals from a different angle could make them work better for you.

Customer concentration: everything you need to know

Find out what customer concentration is, what the risks are and how you can address high customer concentration in your business.

Managing your finances

Navigating grants for startups and small businesses

Find out where you can apply for grant funding for your startup or small business, and learn about the application process.

Alternative small business funding: how to secure finance without a bank loan

The traditional route of securing a bank loan is not always all that easy. Here are a few alternative options that you might want to consider.

How to get a mortgage when you're self-employed

Worried that you'll struggle to get a mortgage as a self-employed business owner? Follow this guide to find out how you can improve your chances.

Guide to self-employed sick pay

Find out what help is available from the government and what you can do to prepare your business for periods when you're not fit to work.

Maternity pay for self-employed mothers

Are self-employed mums entitled to maternity pay? Discover what options are available in this guide.

Everything you need to know about pensions when you're self-employed

Our handy guide for the self-employed will help you sort out your pension worries in six easy steps.

Paying back your student loan when you're self-employed

Are you self-employed person with student loan debt? This guide will tell all about the DIY required to pay back that debt.