Be your own boss

Thinking of starting your own business? Join Crunch Chorus and meet people who’ve already ditched the commute

We’ve got all the information and support you need to help make your dreams of running your own business come true. The Crunch Chorus community is designed to help you make a living doing what you love. Oh, and by the way, membership’s free and always will be.

Join Crunch Chorus for free today
  • Jargon-free business guides (download below)
  • Exclusive discounts on business services
  • Invoice software and templates
  • Late payment reminders
  • Friendly, supportive Facebook group
  • Events and networking opportunities

Free support to help you get started

The daily commute to a job that doesn’t let you shine can really bring you down. What about that great idea for a business you’ve been thinking about? Go on, be brave, go for it! Join the ever growing number of people deciding to make the change and become self-employed.

If you’re sick of the commute to a dreary job, perhaps the answer is simpler than you think – maybe it’s time to go self-employed.

Freelancing for beginners (PDF)

The world of freelancing is full of uncertainties. But once you’ve mastered it, freelancing can be the best way to work in the world, giving you the freedom and flexibility to do what you love, whilst living life to the full. This guide will help you to look at the situation objectively, giving practical tips and advice on how to succeed as a freelancing newbie.

Join Crunch Chorus to download

How to write a business plan (PDF)

The mere thought of putting a business plan together can send even the most enthusiastic entrepreneur into a tailspin, but writing one can help you work out whether you actually have a viable business idea on your hands. This jargon-free guide will give you a better idea of how to get the ball rolling.

Join Crunch Chorus to download

Working for yourself gives you flexibility

Work out your take home pay

When you’re self-employed, you get to decide whether you’d like to work as a sole trader, a limited company, or work through an umbrella agency.

There are pros and cons to each approach - one important factor is the effect on your take home pay. We’ve built a handy calculator so you can see your options.

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Hear from Crunch Chorus members about how they started out



Ally Fletcher, Business and Leadership Coach

After being made redundant, I decided I wanted to support other women to start their own business that works around their families. I’m a business and leadership coach and have been about to draw on my background in learning and development and corporate coaching ... I freelance to give me the flexibility to spend more time with my family.

Claire Kerr, Marketing Consultant

“I was contracting and was pregnant. After giving birth, and while on (unpaid) maternity leave, I didn't know what to do. I didn't feel I wanted to go back to work and let someone else look after my child all day. But we couldn't survive without some additional income. I still hadn't decided what to do when a contact asked if I could design a brochure for them. It was the start of a long relationship, and the start of my freelancing career. It's 14 years this year and was the best thing I've ever done.”

Liz Cox, Brill Media

“Enjoying being part of Crunch Chorus – it's great to share self-employment life with like-minded people, together with all its daily fun/challenges. Wouldn't have it any other way though!”

Helen Ball, Founder & Director at Social Know How

Being self-employed means I’ve got the freedom to work on different contracts, with like-minded people on projects that make real social change. But on the flip side it means I haven’t got the benefits of having a regular team around me. In joining the Crunch Chorus Facebook group I've found a place with other freelancers who experience similar highs and lows and understand the freelancers lifestyle. Well done to James and colleagues for getting it off the ground! Thoroughly recommend.

Will you need an accountancy service?

Crunch is built around you, and our combination of easy-to-use online accounting software and unlimited access to experts creates a simple, hassle-free accounting service, perfect for freelancers, contractors and small businesses. Call us on 0333 920 5641 or complete the form to get started with Crunch.

Crunch does a lot of the hard work for you - leaving you more time to get on with running your business. Gone are the days of having to gather up sheets of financial data and taking them to your accountant, or trying to make sense of baffling spreadsheets!