This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more click here.
Knowledge
A selection of great tools, business guides and articles to help make your business a success
Starting out
So you’re ready to go it alone, but what company set up is best for you? What tax implications do you need to be aware of? And just how do you come up with the right name? We’ve got the guidance you need.
Showing 1 - 15 of 307 articles
Starting a limited company
by Calum Morrison and Laura Hughes
Freelancing for beginners
by Nick Chowdrey
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.
Work stress – how to deal with it when self-employed
Sometimes it seems the to-do list is never ending. And a never-ending to-do list often leads to stress. Here's what you can do to help yourself cope with stress as a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner.
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 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, what skills should they have, and how do you become one?
Self-employed National Insurance explained
What is National Insurance and do the self-employed have to pay it? This article explains it all as simply as possible. National Insurance is great. It builds up your state pension entitlement and helps pay for the NHS and other welfare services.
Small business taxes – what you need to know
A quick explanation of each of the small business taxes you’re expected to pay as a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner.
Six utterly bizarre crowdfunding successes
Scared of asking for money? Just remember some guy gained £42k for a potato salad. And that's not the weirdest thing on this list of crowdfunding successes.
How do I set up a Limited Company?
With your own limited company you get to define your brand, own everything you do, and run your business in the most tax-efficient way.
Am I an Employee, a Freelancer or a Worker?
It might sound simple, but being self-employed can lead you to this question when you are working with clients. It's important to know, so we explore.
What are the main advantages of a limited company?
Many take the sole trader route when starting a business, but there are huge benefits associated with setting up a limited company.
Small Businesses: Applying to HMRC for Maternity Pay and Paternity Pay
Small businesses often have to make payments to employees and directors to cover statutory maternity and paternity pay. If you cannot afford to make such payments, you can ask HMRC to provide an advance payment to help your cash flow.
How much should I take as a salary?
One of the differences between being paid by an employer and running your own business is having to sort out your own pay. You can do this by taking a salary from your limited company - in the same way as a regular employee. Here are the benefits of taking a high or a low salary, without the jargon.
Changing from sole trader to limited company
Think you're ready to move from a sole trader to a limited company structure? Here’s a simple explanation of when to make the transition and what you’ll need to keep in mind, without all the jargon.
Self-employed support Facebook group launched by Crunch Chorus
Crunch Chorus unveils Facebook group for friendly freelancers and contractors in the UK to share advice, experience, and make new connections. Join the community today for self-employed support!
What are benefits in kind?
Benefits in kind are benefits that employees or directors receive from their company which aren’t included in their salary or wages. They’re also sometimes called ‘perks’ or ‘fringe benefits’. Not all benefits in kind are treated in the same way by the tax system, so here's what you need to know.
Tools and resources
We've collated a selection of free tools and resources for you to help make running your business a breeze. With everything from software to templates you can work out your take home pay, chase that unpaid invoice and calculate your IR35.
We can help you every step of the way
Join Crunch Chorus
The UK’s leading free micro-business community
50,739 members and counting…
Stay up-to-date with the latest news affecting small businesses, join us at events and network with like-minded people. Access a full range of guides, help articles and videos plus free tools and resources and discounts on Crunch services and products.