Which accounting software is best for sole traders in 2026? We compare FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and more, including free options and Making Tax Digital support. bytestart.co.uk/self-employe…

Salary or dividends — what's the most tax-efficient way to pay yourself through a limited company? Our updated guide looks at the 2026/27 tax rules and the options for company directors. bytestart.co.uk/limited-comp…

How much tax will you pay as a sole trader in 2026/27? Our updated guide covers Income Tax, National Insurance, allowable expenses, Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital. bytestart.co.uk/self-employe…

Do you need an accountant if you're self-employed? You don't legally need to hire one, and many sole traders handle their own accounting and tax returns (often with the help of accounting software). But when does it make sense to get professional help? bytestart.co.uk/self-employe…

We recently came across an interesting new website, UKDecides. It brings together UK opinion polls, election results, MP and constituency information, and political research. Worth a look if you follow UK politics. ukdecides.com/

How much should a sole trader pay an accountant? A basic monthly service typically costs £25- £50, while a one-off Self Assessment return usually costs £150- £300. We've compared the fees and what's included at several leading firms. bytestart.co.uk/self-employe…

How to start a coffee shop in the UK - bytestart.co.uk/go-self-empl… So what exactly does it take to start a coffee shop? Here are the main things you'll need to sort out before you open the doors.

How to start an Airbnb business - the basics - bytestart.co.uk/news-insight… If you have a spare room, second home or other property, letting it through Airbnb can provide an extra source of income or become a business in its own right. There's plenty to sort out before you star...

How to start a taxi or private hire business in 2026 - bytestart.co.uk/go-self-empl… Want to become a taxi or private hire driver? Here are the licences, vehicle costs, insurance and other things you'll need to sort out before you start.

How to start a dog walking or pet sitting business - bytestart.co.uk/go-self-empl… Dog walking and pet sitting are increasingly popular ways to earn extra money, and both are relatively cheap and straightforward to get started with.

10 small business ideas for teachers in the UK - bytestart.co.uk/go-self-empl… Looking to earn extra money outside school hours? Here are 10 small business ideas for teachers, from private tutoring and revision sessions to consultancy and online courses.

10 small business ideas for retirees in the UK - bytestart.co.uk/go-self-empl… Looking for ways to earn money after retirement? Here are 10 practical business ideas for retirees, from consultancy and tutoring to gardening and local services.

85% of parents would support their child starting a business - bytestart.co.uk/news-insight… Most parents would support their children starting a business, while more than a third would rather see them do that than head to university, according to new research published ahead of A-...

How to register for CIS as a subcontractor - bytestart.co.uk/uncategorize… If you're starting up as a sole trader subcontractor, it is worth registering for CIS early. It means contractors can verify your details before they pay you.

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS): a guide for self-employed subcontractors - bytestart.co.uk/go-self-empl… What is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)? How CIS works, who needs to register, tax deduction rates and how self-employed subcontractors are affected.

How do sole traders pay themselves? Can you pay yourself a salary? - bytestart.co.uk/self-employe… If you're a sole trader, you don't receive a salary in the same way as an employee or a limited company director.