Business start-up

Starting up a new business can seem like a minefield. With our extensive experience in working with new businesses we can assure you that our advice will be tailored to meet your specific business goals and objectives.

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Preparing your business plan

Failing to plan is the first step toward planning to fail.

Buying a business

Buying an established business that someone else wishes to sell provides a path that many follow to fulfil the desire to enter into business or expand existing operations.

Choosing your accounting date

The rules still allow businesses a free choice of accounting date. Under the current year basis, the taxable profit for a particular tax year is determined by the accounts that end in that year.

Claiming expenses - it's all or nothing

The rules which determine what expenses can be deducted from profit for tax purposes are essentially the same whether you trade through a limited company or a sole trade or partnership.

Going into the construction industry

There are special tax rules affecting the construction industry, which are designed to ensure that tax is paid by workers in the sector whether they are employed or self employed.

Business deductions

In order to attract a deduction in computing the profits of a trade or business any expenses must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade. Capital expenditure is not an allowable expense (capital allowances are claimed on these costs), and certain other expenses are barred by statute.

Does your business have an e-commerce strategy?

The implications of the recent burgeoning of e-commerce are clear for all businesses, large and small - develop and implement an e-commerce strategy soon, or risk being left behind in the 'new industrial revolution'.

Employed or self employed?

The question as to whether someone is employed or self employed is not as straightforward as it might at first appear. Many people assume they are free to choose, but HM Revenue & Customs emphasises that this is not the case.

Buying a franchise

Are you considering starting a new business, or extending your existing business interests? If so, have you thought about buying a franchise?

'Green' travel arrangements

There are a number of schemes intended to encourage employers to make arrangements for their staff to travel to work by more environmentally beneficial methods.

The hidden competitors

Whatever your business there is always competition. Before you start up a business, make sure you have checked out all the potential competitors.

Initial costs of starting in business

No one business is the same as another even if the product or service is similar. If you are starting in business it is important to avoid the pitfall of underestimating your start up costs.

Insuring your business

Although most business people understand the need for insurance, a surprising number of businesses are uninsured, under-insured, or insured with out-of-date policies.

Starting your business and how we can help

The more forethought you can give to the job of running your business, the more likely you are to succeed. We can help you plan your business and answer some of the questions you should consider before you start.

Why market research is imperative for start-ups

It is easy to become so enthusiastic and wrapped up in your brilliant idea for a new business that you can lose your objectivity. Regardless of how great an idea you and your friends think it is, have you taken into account what potential customers will make of it?

The national minimum wage

An employer must pay their workers a minimum amount per hour as defined by law. This is called the National Minimum Wage. Who is covered by the National Minimum Wage?

Partnership agreements

Did you know that if you have no partnership agreement, then the Partnership Act of 1890 applies. The framework provided by the act is simple and straightforward, but does not deal with the many complications of trading a century after it was passed.

Penalties for late returns

The 2009 Budget introduced wide ranging proposals to reform the penalties regime. This document reviews the reforms.

Proving your credentials to investors

People don't invest in ideas: they invest in other people. You can have the world's best business plan with a truly original idea that is guaranteed to make a fortune, but you could fail to attract investment if the people behind the idea do not inspire confidence.