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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 46 - 60 of 190 articles
Starting a limited company
by Calum Morrison and Laura Hughes
Freelancing for beginners
by Nick Chowdrey
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?
Do you call yourself a consultant or a contractor (and why does it matter)?
What the difference between a Consultant or Contractor? It can make a huge impact to your prestige, and your pay. Here's an explanation of the differences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Should you turn your hobby into a career?
"If there's always biscuits in the tin, where’s the fun in biscuits?" Find out if the decision to turn your hobby into a career is the right one for you.
Self-employed support Facebook group launched by Crunch Chorus
Join the Crunch Chorus Facebook group today to share advice, experience, and make new connections. For friendly freelancers, contractors, & the self-employed.
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
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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.