Small Business Guides
Find guides and articles to help you do better business, and understand the often weird world of accounting.
What's new
How to read a profit and loss statement: A guide for business owners
Learn what each line on your P&L means and how to use it to run your business better.
Revenue vs turnover vs income: Key definitions for UK businesses
Learn what revenue and turnover mean in the UK, and how they differ from income and profit.
Mileage allowance: HMRC rates and how to claim business travel
Learn about UK mileage allowance rates for 2026/27 and how to claim business travel expenses.
What is an AI agent? A small business owner's guide to JAX and automated accounting
AI agents go beyond chatbots to take action on your behalf. Here's what that means for your accounting.
Emergency tax code: what it is and how to fix it
Learn how to fix an emergency tax code fast, keep more of your pay, and prevent future surprises on your payslip.
How to calculate employee overtime pay in the UK
Overtime pay in the UK depends on the contract. Here's how to work out what you owe your team.
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.
How to file your VAT return online easily with Making Tax Digital
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.
What is a UTR number? Find yours or apply with HMRC
Speed up Self Assessment. Learn who needs a UTR number, when to use it, and how to get yours.
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.