Tag Becoming self-employed

I’m Self-Employed: Can I Get a Credit Card?

Can self-employed people get credit cards? Discover the ins and outs of obtaining and managing a credit card for business usage in this guide by Crunch.

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.

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.

What Are The Benefits of Being Self Employed?

Self-employment offers a lot of great benefits for those seeking independence. Find out exactly what they are and how to achieve them.

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.

Top 10 Most Profitable Self-employed Jobs in the UK

If you’re searching for lucrative opportunities outside the rat-race then check out this article for the best paying self-employed jobs in the UK.

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..

Sole Trader vs Self-Employed: What’s The Difference?

Those new to self-employment are often confused by the differences between being a sole trader and being self-employed. Find out how it impacts you in this Crunch guide.

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.

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.

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.

5 Very Good Reasons to Use an Accountant for Your Self Assessment Tax Return

Discover the top 5 reasons to use an accountant for your Self Assessment tax return, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and peace of mind for small business owners.

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.

Tax Code 1257L - What Does It Mean?

Uncover the essentials of tax code 1257L in the UK, including its influence on personal allowances and importance for financial management.

The Essential Contracts Freelancers Need

Discover essential contracts for freelancers: Navigate legalities with ease and protect your freelancing business through crucial agreements and terms.

How to Set Up Your Personal Tax Account With HMRC

Learn the Steps to Set Up Your Personal Tax Account, Manage Income and Stay Compliant as a Freelancer in the UK

What is an SA302? A Guide to Self-Employed Income Verification

Explore the essentials of SA302 forms for self-employed individuals, their role in mortgage applications, and alternatives for financial verification in this detailed guide.

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.

How to start an Amazon FBA business: From setup to sales

Unlock the secrets to a successful Amazon FBA business in the UK with this comprehensive guide covering product selection, sourcing, and effective marketing strategies.

How to Start a Digital Marketing Agency from Scratch

A comprehensive and straightforward guide on the essential steps to starting a digital marketing agency. That aspiring marketing entrepreneurs won’t want to miss!

How to start a business - what do you need to know?

If you're looking to start a business here are all the I’s you'll have to dot, and all the T’s you'll have to cross to give you the best chance of success.|If you're looking to start a business here are all the I’s you'll have to dot, and all the T’s you'll have to cross to give you the best chance of success.

How to Start a Business From Home

Discover how to launch a successful home-based venture without breaking the bank. Dive into our list of great ideas to get you started and stay on track financially with Crunch.

How to Start a Business With No Money: A step-by-step guide

Learn how to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with zero budget. Our step-by-step guide covers viable business ideas, brand building, and smart, cost-effective marketing strategies.

How to set up a small business while working on the side.

Are you interested in a spot of moonlighting alongside your regular job? Our guide gives you the lowdown on how you can go about this and the pros and cons.

How to quit your job

Ready for pastures new? Before you tell the boss exactly where to go, read our top tips on how to quit your job the right way.

How to register as self-employed

Planning on registering yourself as self-employed? Here are the boxes you need to tick to make sure you stay in HMRC’s good books.

How to market yourself as a locum doctor

As a freelance or locum doctor, you are effectively now a business. Discover how to get booked and get the rates you deserve.

How to find your gap in the market

Looking to find your gap in the self-employed market? Here's how do you identify your niche among the self-employed community and stress-test your idea.

How to choose the right business partner

You think you may have found the one - but how do you know whether your new prospective business partner is someone to commit to?

How to become a contractor

Get the answers to your business questions with our beginner's guide to contracting. Learn the financial rules and regulations to grow your successful contracting business.

How to become a freelance writer

Learn the basics of freelance writing with this comprehensive guide. Whether you're just starting out or seeking specialist help, discover how to successfully launch and run your own business.

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 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

Your Guide to Ecommerce Accounting

A step-by-step ecommerce accounting guide covering the basics of ecommerce accounting.

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.

Legal Checklist - six things you must consider when going freelance

Freelancers need all the legal advice they can get. Here are six things you need to know (but might be afraid to ask your lawyer).

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.

Freelancer or agency: what should you call yourself?

What's the difference between working as a freelancer or working as an agency worker? And what is best for your small business? We take a look.

Best freelance job sites - 12 that actually pay well

Finding work as a freelancer can be tricky. But there's good work on offer if you know where to look - here are a few of our favourite freelance job sites.

Five things to consider when becoming an IT contractor

Leaving a steady job to become an IT contractor or IT consultant can be hard, but there are steps you can take to make the transition easier.

Does a Sole Trader Need a Business Bank Account?: The Pros and Cons

This article weighs the pros and cons of opening a business bank account as a sole trader. Helping you make an informed choice tailored to your business needs.

Crunch launch simple bookkeeping software for limited companies or sole traders - Crunch Free

Crunch are delighted to announce the launch of our simple, online bookkeeping software for limited companies and sole traders, Crunch Free!

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 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.

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.

Contracting: should you go direct, or through a recruitment agency?

What are your options when you are working as a contractor? We take a look at the pro's and con's of both agency work and finding clients directly.

Do you call yourself a consultant or a contractor (and why does it matter)?

What's the difference between a Consultant or Contractor? It can make a huge impact to your prestige, and pay! Here's an explanation of the differences.

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.

Class 2 NICs for Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed? Read our in-depth guide on Class 2 National Insurance Contributions to learn about eligibility, payment methods, contributions and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amazon FBA: Expectations vs. Reality

Amazon FBA startups are a hot ecommerce trend right now. Many budding online entrepreneurs think they make serious cash. But is it really that easy? Find out what the reality is.

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.

A Guide to Accounting and Bookkeeping on Shopify

A comprehensive guide on accounting and bookkeeping on Shopify from an ecommerce expert. Learn all the essential tips in this article.

Five tips for graduates going self-employed

If you’re an undergraduate and looking at the job market with dread, start taking small steps now to earning an income. Here's how.

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.

5 things you need to know when starting a side hustle

This article explains all your responsibilities when considering going self-employed alongside permanent employment.

15 attributes every business owner should have

In no particular order, here are 15 personality traits that, when properly harnessed, can lead you to business success!

10 ways to stress-test your small business idea

It's important to stress-test your small business idea for fatal flaws before you become self-employed. Here at 10 ways to stress-test your idea.

10 Innovative Online Business Ideas for 2023

10 potentially lucrative online business ideas you’ve probably never thought of. Based on current commercial trends and consumer research.

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.

Where can you go for the best business advice?

We take a good look at the different websites and resources providing useful information to those wanting to go it alone and become self-employed.

Why there's never a perfect time to start your business

They say that if you’re waiting for the perfect time, you’ll be waiting forever, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to starting your own business.

Who am I? Freelancer, contractor, consultant or small business

If you are self-employed, you might think you have a clear answer to this questions. However, it's not as simple as that. We take a look.

What is a sole trader? A great way to start being self-employed.

A sole trader is someone who runs their own business as an individual, and is self-employed. Find out more about how it works in this jargon-free article!

What is a freelance recruitment agency?

What do recruiters do and what are the benefits of joining an agency as a freelancer? We take a look at the pros and cons.

What is a freelancer and how do you become one?

With more people than ever becoming self-employed, we look at freelancers: who are they, what do they do, and what skills should they have?

What are the requirements of a registered office?

When you set up a limited company, you’ll need to provide your registered office, your business address, and your service address.

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.

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.

Ultimate health and wellbeing tips for the self-employed

Health and wellbeing are important for us all, but when you're self-employed, it can sometimes feel difficult to keep on top of.

Land your dream gig with the ultimate contractor CV

Grab our free contractor CV templates and get the day rate your deserve, including tips, tricks and best practice from a professional CV writer!

What is a trivial benefit - how do they affect limited company directors?

Receiving a gift from your employer is a great feeling, but in the workplace the employer needs to be aware of whether or not they need to pay tax on the present. Here are some helpful examples for small businesses.

Working for yourself - top tips on becoming self-employed

Looking to make your passion your business? Hear out these 10 self-employment tips from small business owners and get the ball rolling!

Think you don't need an accountant?

Rather than seeing accountants as an expense, consider them an investment in the financial health of your business and your own personal wealth and wellbeing.