Tag Running a business

What Does Ebay’s Fee-Free Seller Option Mean for Your Business?

How does eBay’s new fee-free seller option impact business sellers? Do you need to make any changes to your products? Find out here.

The Best Free Alternative To Xero Go For Small Businesses

Xero Go has been discontinued, but there’s no reason for sole traders to go it alone with accountancy tools. Choose CrunchOne for a more effective alternative.

How to Choose a Business Address as a Sole Trader

Learn How To Choose The Perfect Business Address As A Sole Trader. Understand Legal Considerations, Budget-Friendly Office Options And More

Self-Employed Mileage Allowance Guide (2024)

What is mileage allowance, who can claim it, and how can self-employed people get the best value from it? Find out in this straightforward guide by Crunch.

Changing Your Sole Trader Business Name: A Straightforward Guide

Discover a clear, step-by-step guide on how to change your sole trader business name, covering legal steps, implementation, and marketing strategies for success.

Do I Need to Register As a Sole Trader with Companies House?

Find out if sole traders need to register with Companies House in this comprehensive guide. Learn about legal requirements, benefits of becoming a limited company.

Can a Sole Trader Employ Staff?

In this guide to employing staff as a sole trader in the UK, we explore the legalities & implications of hiring employees for the first time as a sole trader.

Is Freelance the Same as Being Self-Employed? Understanding the Differences

Explore the nuances between freelancing and self-employment, including legal, tax, and management differences. This guide clarifies misconceptions and aids in making informed career choices for independent professionals.

How to Provide Proof of Income When You’re Self-Employed

Discover how to effectively prove your income as a self-employed individual. Learn top tips and which documents to use for self-employed proof of income..

Self-Employed Bookkeeping: The Ultimate Guide

In this this ultimate guide to self-employed bookkeeping you'll learn about managing transactions, optimising deductions, and establishing a solid financial foundation for your business.

What’s in a name? Choosing the Perfect Sole Trader Business Name

Learn all the best techniques, methods and essential considerations for choosing a name for your sole trader business

Maternity Allowance for Self-employed Women Explained

A detailed explanation of Maternity Allowance for self-employed women in the UK, covering eligibility, calculation, and planning, to ensure financial readiness during maternity.

Sole Trader Liability Insurance Guide

Do I need liability insurance as a sole trader? How do I know which policy to choose? Have all your questions answered in this handy Crunch guide.

How Do I Prepare My Self-Employed Accounts?

Preparing your accounts can seem like a challenging task. Learn how to get your accounts in order with this straightforward Crunch guide to self-employed accounting.

The key Considerations for a Joint Venture

A detailed explanation of the key considerations for joint ventures, including types, pros, cons, legal structures, and expert advice, crucial for successful business collaboration.

The Solo Route: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a Sole Trader

Learn what the key pros and cons of sole trading are, and get clued up on the no frills reality. Essential reading for anyone considering this path to entrepreneurship.

What Is a Commercial Landlord Responsible For?

Learn about the key responsibilities of commercial landlords, including maintenance, insurance, and tenant rights, in this comprehensive guide for small business owners.

Essential Tax Documents You Need To Keep When You’re Self-Employed

Learn what the essential tax documents for self-employed individuals are, with a guide to meeting HMRC requirements and how Crunch's online accounting helps.

How Content Creators Can Stop Losing Out to AI

The AI revolution is marching on. Content creators need to leverage their human advantage, or get left behind. Find out how!

How to Register for the CIS

Find out all you need to know about registering for CIS with this complete and informative guide.

Setting up a partnership? Why you need a partnership agreement

Learn why a partnership agreement is vital for small businesses, covering legal aspects, dispute resolution, and benefits of expert legal assistance

How to Contact HMRC for Self Assessment

Need help with HMRC Self Assessment? Use this guide to contact HMRC to get tips on preparing for your call, finding help when lines are busy and alternatives for tax assistance.

Understanding HMRC Nudge Letters: No Need to Panic

Learn how to respond to HMRC nudge letters calmly and effectively, with expert advice on the benefits of accountant guidance.

SA104 Form: Mastering the Partnership Tax Tango!

A straightforward guide on SA104 Forms to help you dance through partnership tax with ease. Master the art of tax compliance and avoid penalties!

How To Complete A Sole Trader Self Assessment

Getting ready to submit your first Self Assessment for sole traders? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process, from registration to submission.

3 Key Metrics to Measure Small Businesses Success in 2024

Learn how to calculate and measure the vital metrics of Customer Retention, Customer Acquisition Cost, and Customer Satisfaction for business success in 2024.

Maximising Your Melody: Essential Guide to Tax Refunds and Savings for Musicians

Feel the power-ballard of key tax savings and refunds for UK musicians! Learn about eligibility, deductions, and how to efficiently manage your music-related taxes.

How To Organise And Maintain Your Tax Receipts

Organising and maintaining your business receipts for tax submissions is a critical aspect of self-employment. Find out how to stay on top of your bookkeeping with these simple tips.

What is the OT Tax Code? HMRC’s Tax Alarm Explained

Unravel the mysteries of the 0T tax code: Understand its implications, compare with BR code, and learn how to smoothly transition to the correct code.

Revving Up London's Black Cab Drivers for the Uber Shift

Find out how CrunchONE simplifies accounting for London's black cab drivers joining Uber in 2024, with flexible, easy financial management and expert support.

How To Pay National Insurance When You’re Self-Employed

Salaried workers have their National Insurance contributions deducted from their monthly pay – but how do the self-employed pay National Insurance?

Navigating the Minefield: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying and Dealing with HMRC Scam Letters

A detailed guide on identifying and avoiding HMRC scam letters. Learn to spot fake tax rebates and bank detail changes, and safeguard your finances.

The 4 Most Effective Black Friday Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

Unlock Black Friday success for small businesses with our top four marketing strategies, designed to boost sales and enhance customer engagement effectively.

Small Companies Now Required to File P&L Figures: What You Need to Know

Understand new UK legislation requiring small businesses to file Profit and Loss accounts. Learn what it means for you and how to stay compliant.

3 Top Card Readers for UK Small Businesses in 2023: Takepayments vs Worldpay vs Zettle

Learn about the top card readers for UK small businesses in 2023. Compare features, benefits, and drawbacks of Takeaway, Worldpay, and Zettle to find your perfect fit.

Understanding Your Tax Code as a Self-Employed Individual

Unravel the complexities of self-employment taxes with our comprehensive guide. Learn about UTRs, how they differ from employee tax codes, and manage your tax responsibilities effectively

What Should Be Included in a Loan Agreement?

Uncover the essentials of Loan Agreements for small businesses: their significance, key components, and strategies for tailoring them to your unique requirements

Taxing Times Ahead: How to Navigate HMRC's Crackdown on Side Hustles

Navigate HMRC's 2024 crackdown on side hustles with our expert guide. Learn the new rules and stay tax-compliant without missing out on your earnings.

Memorandums of Understanding – Everything You Need to Know

Explore the complexities of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in business. Learn their uses, benefits, and potential legal pitfalls for informed decision-making.

How to write product descriptions that actually boost sales

Some 98% of shoppers have been dissuaded from completing a purchase because of bad product descriptions. So how do we write them properly?

Hybrid working – how Employers can make it work!

The practical, managerial, and psychological considerations of hybrid working.

How to create an effective business plan in 2023

Learn how to put together a business plan with ease. This jargon-free guide will help you work out whether your business idea is viable and convince potential sources of finance, investors, and partners.

How to set up an employee share option scheme

Creating an employee share option scheme for your business doesn’t need to be complicated. In this article, we'll discuss the essential elements you must consider to offer share options to your employees.

How to scale your business quickly – why franchising is worth considering

In this article, we'll explore how to start a franchise business and the advantages of franchising as a growth strategy.

How to find clients as an electrician

For electricians and other tradespeople whose construction careers often live and die by word-of-mouth, struggling to find work can be especially difficult.

What is crowdfunding and how do you record investment in your company accounts?

What is the best way to account for money you have raised through Crowdfunding? We look at the best ways to account for this type of investment.

How much does it cost to hire an employee?

Deciding whether to hire employees? It’s a big decision, so make an informed choice by learning how much it’ll cost in this Crunch guide.

Glossary of business terms

Business jargon can often be complicated, especially if you're just getting started. Here's a simple glossary of business / accounting terms.

Generate leads for your small business - the ultimate checklist

Even self-employed veterans can struggle to generate small business leads. Here's a checklist of how small business can get in front of the right people.

Free press release template and writing tips

Discover how a press release is set out, and what information the recipient is expecting to get out of it. Copy and edit our free press release template!

Find out the legal needs of your business - free consultation

All visitors from Crunch who complete the free online legal health check will get access to unlimited free legal documents from Lawbite for eight weeks.

Five signs it's time to switch accountants (and how to do it!)

Is your accountant better at invoicing you than looking after your accounts? Here are the top five signs you need a new accountant.

Finding work as a new consultant

How do you find work to get the ball rolling as a consultant, and continue to get the kind of clients that will keep inviting you back?

Financial forecasting through Crunch

Our integration with Brixx gives Crunch subscription users the Brixx free package included. Grow your business with forecasting and simple-to-use reporting.

Executive Income Protection for Freelancers and Contractors

Executive Income Protection- A tax efficient way of protecting your income. Here's what you should know and how to make the most of it.

Failing to take care of legal issues costing UK SMEs £13.6 billion per year

Jo Fortune of Lawbite explains how UK SMEs are struggling due to reluctance to get better legal cover, and how doing this can save your business money.

Why does everyone hate comic sans?

Using the controversial typeface on your small business’ branding may be a faux pas worth avoiding. Here's why so many people hate Comic Sans.

Suggested changes to EPC regulations and what landlords need to know

Explore the upcoming changes to EPC regulations, which could prove costly in property upgrades for UK landlords.

E-Commerce Regulations in the UK - All You Need to Know

An expert’s guide and tips on all of the essential details of e-commerce regulations in the UK. A valuable read for online traders in 2023.

Designers: here's your master list of Lorem Ipsum alternatives

Lorem Ipsum is dummy text used when designers want to have a realistic idea of the size of copy. We look at the funny alternatives to regular Lorem.

Crunch VS a traditional accountant

When starting your own business, it's understandable to be confused about which is the best way to handle your accounting. This is why we've put together an article that explains the differences between online accounting software, like Crunch, and a traditional accountant.

What awards have Crunch won?

Crunch have won awards ever since our inception in 2009 - here's a complete rundown of every award we've won.

What help is available for small businesses, gig workers, and the self-employed affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The government has announced financial measures to support businesses through the Covid-19 emergency. There's support for certain employees, businesses and self-employed.

Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme - guide to the scheme and making a claim

The Coronavirus Business Bounce Back Scheme is designed to provide quick access to cash . We've put together this guide to help you make a claim

Security clearance: a guide for contractors

If you fancy throwing your hat into the ring for certain Government contract jobs, you'll need some form of security clearance. We explain all.

Everything you need to know about contracting abroad

Thinking about contracting in Europe or further afield? Learn all about your tax liabilities and how to maximise your take home pay working abroad.

What is a Confirmation Statement (formerly Annual Return)?

Failure to file a Confirmation Statement is a criminal offence, which can result in directors being fined personally in criminal courts. Here's what to do.

Can’t repay a COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan? Here’s what to do

Professional support is available if repaying a COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan is proving tricky.

A-ha! Six Business Lessons from Alan Partridge

Here are six important lessons from Alan Partridge for small businesses - some funny, some tragic. Oooh, it's a good list...

Can I run a business from a rental property?

Landlord's permission is necessary when you're running a business from a rental property, but they can’t say no without a ‘reasonable’ justification.

Save your bacon with our free business continuity plan template

The chances are slim, but accidents happen. Make sure you're prepared with our free business continuity plan template.

Why working collaboratively is good for your business

Businesses working together to form a bigger power than they could be alone. Here's why you should consider jumping on the bandwagon.

How to build a website for your small business

Building a small business website doesn't have to cost the earth. However you choose to get your business on the internet, it’s important that you do.

A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Dropshipping Business

A thorough and informative guide on starting a dropshipping business. This article leaves no stone uncovered! With all the essential points addressed.

Best LinkedIn profile tips for freelancers and the self-employed looking for work on LinkedIn

From choosing the best LinkedIn profile picture to nailing your headline, our tips will help freelancers and the self-employed find work on LinkedIn.

Are Tools Better Than Spreadsheets To Build Your Financial Forecasts And Business Plans?

Want to know the best tools to build your financial plans? In this article, you'll read about financial forecasting in business and the 3 top tools better than spreadsheet to create financial forecasts.

An animal is for life, but can you take them to work?

There are laws that employers need to be aware of when it comes to animals in the work place. In this article, we discover the different types of animals in the workplace and the regulations surrounding them.

Going beyond SWOT analysis

SWOT is a very common process used for planning - it's not perfect though. What other methods can you use?

6 Reasons To Integrate Your Budgeting And Accounting Software

Find out 6 reasons to optimise your business budgeting and planning process to get a better overview of your financial position.

10 steps to successfully simplify your small business accounting

Taking care of your small business accounting can be a little daunting for complete newcomers, but the process isn’t as scary as you might think.

3 Hot Trends Small Retail Businesses Need to Know About

The retail industry is allegedly on the verge of a major resurgence. Find out what the hottest trends are so you can take advantage.

Why businesses fail - and how you can avoid it happening to you

Those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it. If you don’t have an understanding of why businesses fail, your startup is doomed.

Why Effective Business Budgeting Creates A More Profitable Company

Budgeting and financial forecasting can be extremely beneficial for growing and planning your business's future. In this article, you'll find out how to budget your business.

What you need to know about the PSC register

Since June 2016, UK companies have been required to maintain a PSC register of decision-makers. We explain what you need to do to stay compliant.

What to do if HMRC ask for proof of your employment (IR35) status

HMRC's recent IR35 email campaign to GSK clients has raised a few eyebrows - but what should you do if HMRC ask for proof of your employment status?

What is public liability insurance and what cover is required?

Public Liability Insurance won’t cover you retrospectively, so you should have it in place as soon as you start to interact with members of the public.

UK GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) After Brexit – Things You Need to Know

GDPR is a term all businesses, large or small should be aware of. Read our jargon-free explanation of what you need to know to ensure you meet the rules.

What is Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 105?

FRS 105 is the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to micro-entities in the UK (issued by the Financial Reporting Council ).

What is Business Asset Disposal Relief when selling shares in your business?

Thinking about selling your limited business? You'll need to know about Business Asset Disposal Relief.

What is an Employment Related Security (ERS) and how does it affect my limited company?

Giving or awarding shares through an Employment Related Securities scheme can be a good way for employers to reward employees. Here's what you need to know.

What is a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)?

If the time has come to close your business, there's a tax efficient method called a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation - or an MVL for short.

What Is a Merchant of Record and Why Are They Important for Ecommerce Brands Selling Internationally?

A thorough and detailed explanation of Merchants of Record (MoRs) and their importance for brands selling internationally.

What business expenses can I claim as a Limited Company?

There are often limited company business expenses that go unclaimed, which means you could end up paying more tax than you need to.

What are unsecured and secured business loans and how do they work?

We take a closer look at the differences between unsecured and secured business loans, to help you decide which may be better suited to your business.

What are the best portfolio sites for freelance writers?

You've spent weeks on a piece of work and you justifiably want to show it off to prospective clients - what's the best way?

VAT Guide for the Self-Employed (2023): Registration & Tips

Dive into our comprehensive guide on VAT for self-employed individuals. Uncover key insights to learn all about registration, benefits, and expert tips for 2023 and beyond.

Unveiling the UK Business Climate Hub - Your Path to Sustainable Success

Learn about what the government’s new UK Business Climate Hub can do for you. How it can offer advice and direction to help your business.

Understanding Statutory Declarations and When They Are Required

Discover the significance of statutory declarations in business transactions. Learn what they are, why they're required, and when you might need to sign one.

Business insurance

Confused about business insurance as a freelancer or startup? Our guide simplifies the process, explaining when it's required, how it impacts IR35, and what coverage is essential for legal compliance.

Trademarking a company: Everything you need to know

How long does trademarking a company last? How much does it cost? What's the difference between trademarking a company & registering one? All this and more.