Author

Tom West

Community and Social Manager

Bio

Tom West joined Crunch in 2015 following a successful political communications campaign at the Brighton and Hove Green Party. He excels at converting complex jargon into simple, easily-digestible explanations. As Community and Social Manager, he oversees the Crunch Chorus Community - the largest self-employed network in the UK.

A keen creative - Tom has performed in over 20 countries with his punk rock band, and also moonlights as a writer and backstage producer at live entertainment company, RIPTIDE Wrestling. He lives in Sussex with his partner (a self-employed florist) and their Romanian rescue dog.

Accreditations & Qualifications

BA (Hons): Media Writing

Articles, Knowledge and Guides

Posts by Tom West

How can I improve my cash flow, and what should I do in a cash flow emergency?

Understanding and managing your cash flow is a vital part of running a successful business. Here are some helpful tips, plus a handy Cash Flow Forecaster.

How to negotiate a contract

Andrew Farrugia from Lawbite explains what you need to consider when signing a new contract.

Closing a limited company down - what are your options?

Whether you've decided to retire, become an employee, or go back to sole trader, you need to know the tax-efficient ways to close your limited company.

How to combine your freelance business with a life of travel

With freelancing comes great freedom including the ability to work while you are travelling. We take a closer look at so-called digital nomads.

How to become a freelance photographer

This bumper article gives practical tips and advice on how to develop from a freelance newbie into a freelance veteran.

How to become a consultant

As a freelance consultant, you’re now the master of your trade, as well as the master of your own destiny. Here's what you need to know to get started!

How the founder of Freelancer Club built an award-winning startup using only freelancers

Matt Dowling founded the Freelancer Club in 2014 after his own experiences as a freelance photographer highlighted a need for a change.

How much should you give your clients for free?

Do you want to compete for a job, or do you prefer to bow out and leave the gig to your competitors? What do you do?

How famous tax dodgers came unstuck

Welcome to the tax rogues Hall of Shame! featuring Alan Partridge, Vince Cable, Kerry Katona, Bernard Black and Wesley Snipes.

How Crunch Mortgages helped Clair buy a property

Clair Parmenter, a Commercial & Performance specialist and owner of DiaryDo Ltd, approached Crunch Mortgages when her self-employment was causing issues with buying a home.

How do I claim expenses for business telephone calls (and the phone itself)?

To claim tax relief on your mobile phone or landline expenses, a contract needs to be set up between your limited company and the service provider.

How Crunch Chorus has amplified the Self-Employed Community

‍We are obsessed with doing what we can to ensure everyone is able to love what they do. Crunch want to ensure that people with an entrepreneurial spark do not have to jump through lots of legislative hoops to become their own boss.

Fixing workstation issues for taller people

Does your workstation feel like a torture garden? Jo Blood is an expert in workstation ergonomics and has some tips for very tall desk workers.

Hiring your first employee

Hiring employees can increase your productivity and help you offer more services to your clients. Here's how to decide what to do.

How we're helping IT contractor Ronan Moriarty understand his income

We take a look at how London-based IT Contractor Ronan Moriarty has used our services to keep on top of his bookkeeping and what the future holds for him.

How we help Travel Counsellor Tim Fitzgerald balance work with a young family

How to come up with a great business or company name

To make naming your business or company just a little easier, here are some simple, quick methods for coming up with a company name.

Becoming self-employed - 13 things to consider before going freelance

Thinking about leaving your job and becoming self-employed? Ask yourself these questions first to help you decide if this is the right career move for you.

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.

How to get a raise as a contractor

Our four top tips explore how contractors can get rate rises without jeopardising professional relationships with their clients.

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.

How freelancing gave Clare Devlin her life back

We spoke to interior designer and Crunch client Clare Devlin about how freelancing has given her far greater opportunities than her previous employment.

Freelancing: better to be a specialist or a generalist?

As a freelancer, is it best to gear yourself towards being a generalist, or sell your services as a specialist? We put our tuppence in.

Taking card payments: what's the best option?

Picking the best card reader can be a time-consuming task. Here’s a look at what all the major providers offer.

Free tools and resources to help the self-employed via Crunch Chorus

When you join Crunch Chorus you’ll get access to free business guides, self-employed meetups, an invoice generator, late payment letter templates and more.

Freelancing for free? Sod that, say these freelancers

We’ve all done it, yet most freelancers will have regretted it at some stage. Here's a few who have had enough of being asked to work for free.

How to produce a freelance partnership agreement

Partnership agreements protect your self-employed business if things go sour with clients. We explore what the benefits are and what you should do.

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!

Four ways to improve Universal Credit for the self-employed

Universal Credit combines & simplifies many benefits & tax credits into a single payment - but improvements can be made to the programme.

Five ways to combat loneliness as a lone-worker

Just because you’re a lone-worker, doesn’t mean you have to be a lonely worker. In this article, we take a look at some ways you can combat loneliness.

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.

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.

Entrepreneurs out of the box: street food in Brighton

Never to pass up an opportunity to stuff our faces, we have happily munched our way to five of our favourite street food startups in Brighton.|Never to pass up an opportunity to stuff our faces, we have happily munched our way to five of our favourite street food startups in Brighton.

Everything you need to know about Income Protection Insurance

We take a look at Income Protection Insurance and how it can be beneficial for the self-employed in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

The Dragon Economy: How Smaug's death doomed Middle-earth

Ever wondered about Middle-earth economics? What impact would all that gold have on inflation and the cost of living for the average Hobbit?|Ever wondered about Middle-earth economics? What impact would all that gold have on inflation and the cost of living for the average Hobbit?

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.

Defining an entrepreneur: eight essential qualities

What do the world's biggest entrepreneurs have in common? Compare them to yourself with this essential list.

Cycle to work schemes - as easy as riding a bike

The UK is holding out for a hero, and there’s an unlikely one riding over the horizon ready to whip us all into shape - the humble bicycle.

Crunch nominated for four industry awards

Crunch nominated for gongs including Accounting Tech of the Year and Best Customer Service at the UK FinTech Awards / Brighton & Hove Business Awards.

Case Study: How Crunch Collections helped Matilde deal with a non-paying client

When Matilde, owner of a social media consultancy business for SMEs, was faced with a client who wouldn’t pay up, she contacted Crunch Collections for help.

Crunch Events: Masterclasses, Launches, Meetups & More!

Starting or running a business, and need tips? Want to network with fellow self-employed workers? Find out what events are coming up.

Crunch explained in 90secs - Online Accounting, Expert Advice, Real People

At Crunch, our mission is simple: we’re taking the stress out of accounting by reducing both cost & time. Find out more about Crunch with our short video.

Crunch client stories: Software Development Consultant Tadas Tamosauskas

Ditching office politics, spending more time surfing and improved mental health have contributed to Software Development Consultant Tadas Tamosauskas' route to self-employment.

Crunch Coins - What, why, how?

Explore the benefits of Crunch Coins.

Crunch client stories: Web Consultant Nick Lewis

From being made redundant in 2002 to playing a part in the launch of “Boris Bikes”, Nick Lewis gives his insight into becoming a self-employed Web Consultant.

Crunch client stories: Web Consultant Jonathan Cottrell

Leaving a comfortable full-time job to go it alone was the "hardest thing" for Jonathan Cottrell, but four years down the line he has no regrets and is excited for what the future holds.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Ruth Bradshaw, Transformational Energy Coach and Animal Communicator

Transformational energy coach and animal communicator, Ruth Bradshaw, discusses working from a log cabin, appearing on This Morning, and leaving egotistical managers behind.

Crunch client stories: Marketing Director Jonas V. Schürmann

From parting ways with Google to being the maker of his own destiny, Jonas V. Schürmann shares his experience of going it alone in the video games industry.

Crunch client stories: Freelance Medical Copywriter and Healthcare Business Consultant Melissa Holloway

Going freelance has not only given copywriter Melissa Holloway priceless time with her a family, but also opened doors to a variety of work that she always craved.

Crunch client stories: Product Design Consultant John Boyle

Product Design Consultant and Crunch client John Boyle tells of his self-employed journey so far.

Crunch client stories: Freelance Interim Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Toby Osbourn

Toby Osbourn went self-employed in order to take control of his own financial security. Backed by a strong support network, the gamble has paid off Toby and his business Tosbourn Ltd.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Vicki Jakes, Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant

Vicki Jakes – a freelance digital project and marketing consultant – opens up about going self-employed, the challenges she's faced and her future goals.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Explaain founder, Jeremy Evans

The mission at Explaain is to make it 10 times easier to read the news. Here's how Jeremy Evans built the company from the ground up & his top tips for you.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Melissa McClements, Freelance writer

Continuing our Crunch Chorus Stories series, Melissa McClements shares her experiences of running her own freelance writing business.

Crunch Chorus stories: Hannah Searle, Interior Designer

Having a clear plan and building a funnel of potential clients are key to Hannah Searle's approach to making her Interior Designer business a success.

Cracking the recruiter's code: what they say, and what they actually mean

Recruiters aren't exactly renowned for their transparency. Decipher the jargon with this guide.

Has your contractor insurance really got you covered?

This handy checklist will help you understand what to look out for when arranging insurance cover as a contractor.

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.

Why company directors love relevant life insurance

Did you know that you could make a substantial tax saving on your premiums by taking out what is called ‘relevant life insurance’?

Changing from sole trader to limited company

Changing from a sole trader to a limited company? Here’s a simple explanation of when to make the transition and what you’ll need to keep in mind, without all the jargon.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Phil Hutchins, freelance sound engineer

If you're an aspiring freelance sound engineer, these tips from Phil Hutchins will help you work out where to start and whether the time is right.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Alice Maplesden, owner of Shoreham Pottery

Continuing our Chorus Stories series, Shoreham Pottery owner Alice Maplesden shares her experiences of running her own business.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Jim Callender, web designer and developer

Web consultant and front end developer Jim Callender of CallenderCreates shares his experiences of being self-employed.

Crunch Chorus Stories: Lauren Bravo, Freelance Writer

Freelance writer, digital editor and social media manager Lauren Bravo shares her experiences of being self-employed with us.

Crunch Collections recovers client's debts in just three weeks

Case study: When a design agency was suffering with unpaid invoices it decided to enlist the help of Crunch Collections. Read the full story.

Can musicians make a living off Spotify?

A comprehensive guide on how subscription-based streaming services like Spotify pay artists, and the other alternatives available.

Can you claim glasses as a business expense?

You aren’t able to claim expenses for glasses or contact lens unless they’re prescribed during your time at work, specifically for ‘monitor or screen work’.

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.

Bigamy in business: Why smart entrepreneurs have multiple partners

Strategic business partnerships give small businesses and startups the opportunity to grow their company. We explore multiple partners and the benefits.

How to get the best freelancer portfolio or CV

Talk positively about the great things you've done, and win clients over. Our jargon-free advice on creating a great freelancer portfolio or contractor CV.

Brexit: What The Self-Employed Need To Know And Do

The UK formally left the European Union on 31st of December 2020. Here's what that means for you as a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner.

Going beyond SWOT analysis

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

Managing your accounts as a freelance musician

Whether you have an accountant or are taking on the books yourself, it's important to be organised, especially if you're planning on making expense claims.

Why Siân Fever has "so much love" for Crunch

Now in her third year as a Crunch client, Siân's business finances are looking better than ever. Here's why...

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.

Which company structure is right for my business partnership?

Chosen a business partner (or partners)? It’s time to decide which type of business partnership you’ll be entering into. Here's what you need to know.

When should you get more help with growing your business?

How do you know when you might be needing more assistance and advice? We take a look at the ways in which you can find out if you need more help.

When Terms and Conditions bite back

A look at four bizarre occasions where not paying due attention to their own small print came back to haunt large businesses.

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 is VAT MOSS and does it affect UK businesses after Brexit?

The VAT Mini One Stop Shop (VAT MOSS) scheme is a way of paying VAT if your UK business provides certain digital services to customers in the EU.

What is bookkeeping and why does it matter?

Bookkeeping is the art of recording your financial information so that you can keep track of your incomings and outgoings. It can be a delicate process, but once you've mastered it, you'll have full control of your finances.

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 Earlier Year Update (EYU)?

An EYC enables you to amend (‘update’) any payroll data previously submitted to HMRC for an employee or director of your limited company after 19th April, for the preceding tax year, even if your payroll is closed.

What is Capital Gains Tax?

Capital Gains Tax comes into play when you make a profit from selling something you own. Here's a quick breakdown of what you need to know.

What is arbitration?

Arbitration is a similar process to litigation, just less formal. Lawbite explains how much it costs, how long it takes and much more.

What is a Personal Service Company (PSC)?

Usually refers to a limited company, set up to provide the services of a contractor. Find out how you can set one up, and why you might want to.

What interest can I charge on late or unpaid invoice payments?

Want to know what interest you can charge on late payments when working as a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner? This article explains what the rules are, and a few ways to get your money from difficult clients. Get paid what you’re owed!

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 tax implications of paying into a personal pension?

Whatever your business situation, there are significant tax reliefs for pension contributions available. So you can pay less tax and save for your future!

What are company shares, share value & share capital?

Don’t worry, it’s not as confusing as it seems. Here's what you need to know about share value and capital when setting up a limited company.

Metallica and Napster - were they right all along?

Metallica and Napster have learned to co-exist. But did file-sharing create a race to the bottom for musicians, or liberate them from greedy middle-men?

Webinar: Taxes for Hermes Sole Traders | Crunch

Want to break free(lance)?

Want to break free...lance? Learn about escaping your boring job, breaking free and going freelance with lessons from five Queen bangers.

Webinar - How healthy are your business finances? Top tips for making them better

Need help getting your business finances in shape? Webinar and Q&A with top tips and simple steps to get your business in good financial health.

Universal Credit - will the self-employed lose out?

Changes to the benefits system with the introduction of universal credit will mean that the UK’s self-employed workers could lose out on top-up payments in their leaner months. We take a look at the facts and what it could mean for freelancers and contractors.

Ultimate productivity tips for the self-employed

A compilation of productivity tips that we’ve gathered over the years - for everyone from beginner freelancers to seasoned small business professionals.