Small Business Guides
Find guides and articles to help you do better business, and understand the often weird world of accounting.
What's new
UK employment law changes in 2025: what small businesses need to know
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces sweeping changes to UK employment law. Here's what you need to know about each phase.
National Insurance changes 2025: small business guide
See how National Insurance changes 2025 could affect your payroll costs and what your business can do next.
What is net zero? A guide for UK small businesses
Learn what net zero means, why it matters for your business, and how to start reducing emissions.
Spring Budget 2025: key points for small businesses
What the Spring Budget 2025 means for your small business, from tax changes to growth forecasts.
Tax year 2025/26: UK tax rates, deadlines and changes
Learn the key tax year 2025/26 dates, rates and business changes, so you can plan ahead.
Starting and growing a business
Your intro to the milestone moments in small business.
How to start your own business in the UK
You’ll need to understand your legal and tax requirements, and do some market research. Download our guide to find out how.
How to start an online business in the UK: practical guide
Learn how to start an online business in the UK, from choosing your idea and registering with HMRC to building your website.
How to finance your business in the UK
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
Business development plan: write yours in 8 easy steps
Are you ready to drop the hammer and take your business to the next level? Let’s look at how to grow.
How to hire employees
Hiring help can improve your business, and your lifestyle. But it’s a big process. Here are the main things to keep in mind.
How to invoice
Looking for help on making and sending invoices and getting them paid? Check out these tips on the art of invoicing.
How to do bookkeeping
Bookkeeping includes everything from basic data entry to tax prep. Let’s look at the core jobs and see how they’re done.
What is bookkeeping?
Whether you’re bookkeeping for a family business, or planning a career in it – this is a good place to start learning.
Guide to inventory
Inventory management is more than just knowing what’s been sold and what you’ve ordered. Find out what else is involved.
VAT Guide For Business
Making a start with VAT? Want to know more about how MTD for VAT impacts you? This guide will help you get sorted.
Payments
Your intro to getting money in from customers, and out to suppliers and employees. See all payments guides
Profitability ratios
Learn what profitability ratios are, how to calculate them, and how to use them in your business.
Direct debit for small business: setup, costs and timing
Direct debit for small business can save you time and support your cash flow. Learn how it works and why it helps.
Money
Your intro to budgeting, cash flow, and what to do when you need more money. See all money guides
What is a business credit score and how to improve yours
Your business credit score affects loan approvals, interest rates and supplier terms. Learn how to check and improve it.
How to improve business efficiency: 12 practical steps
A step-by-step guide to improving business efficiency, from setting goals to automating tasks.
Planning and performance
Your intro to business planning, goal setting, key performance indicators, and financial reporting. See all planning and performance guides
How to write a business plan
Learn how to write a business plan that sets clear goals, attracts investors, and keeps your business on track.
Inventory management system guide for your business
Learn how to build an inventory management system that cuts stockouts, frees up cash, and saves you time.
Leadership
Your intro to building a vision, establishing consensus, and inspiring action. See all leadership guides
Employee retention strategy: a guide for small businesses
Keep your top talent and build a stronger, more productive team.
Accounting and bookkeeping
Your intro to financial admin, taxes, and the technical side of running a business. See all accounting and bookkeeping guides
What does an accountant do for your small business?
Learn what an accountant does, from tax and compliance to growth strategy, and how to find the right one.
Marketing
Your intro to finding and winning new customers, and keeping the old ones. See all marketing guides
How to write a value proposition that sets your small business apart
Learn what a value proposition is, see real examples, and follow proven frameworks to write one for your business.
Upselling techniques: how to boost revenue for your small business
Practical upselling techniques to grow your revenue and strengthen customer relationships.
Ecommerce
Your intro to starting, managing, and making money from an online business. See all ecommerce guides
What is dropshipping? How it works and how to start in the UK
Learn how dropshipping works, UK legal requirements, and how to start selling online without holding stock.
Online reputation management: a guide for small businesses
Learn how to manage your small business's online reputation with practical tips on reviews, monitoring and more.
Tools and reports
Free templates
Download helpful templates for things like quoting, invoicing, reporting and planning.
Calculators
Use accounting calculators to help plan and run your business.
Glossary
Learn the meaning behind all those weird and wonderful accounting terms.