You may remember the major cyber security attack in 2017 ‘WannaCry’, which affected a huge swathe of individuals and organisations, including the NHS, and had a significant financial impact on all those infected. Since then, there has been a growing awareness heightened of cyber security measures and a strategic view by companies of the measures required to operate safely online.

Here are four key takeaways for small businesses to keep safe online and ensure robust cyber security measures are in place.

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Every trade business is different. Whatever trade you are in, and whether you are looking to maintain your current lifestyle or if your looking to grow your business, it doesn’t have to cost the earth.  Here we set out a few simple techniques that can bring in more business.

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If you’re a small business that employs staff you will need to set up a payroll system to make sure you’re fulfilling your legal obligations and making payroll filings with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

You will therefore need a robust, and ideally online, system in place that stands muster.  Here’s where to start – setting up payroll and your definitive checklist.

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Did you know that the limited company business structure is the most popular setup for businesses in the UK?

If you’re thinking about taking the next step for your business and becoming a limited company, then read further to check you’re making the right decision.  In this article we look at the advantages and disadvantages of a limited company structure.

What is a limited company?

A limited company is a type of company which allows the business owner to keep their own assets and finances separate from the business itself. This means that the business is an entity in its own right.

Compared to other types of business structures, the main difference is that the company’s shareholders are personally protected, so there’s no risk to personal wealth.

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Having a great business idea is just the first step to setting up a viable business and one of the biggest barriers is how to get business finance for your great business idea.

In this article, we provide the main revenue streams to consider to help finance new businesses in the UK as, let’s face it, it won’t be cheap and you may well have to incur a large upfront cost before you even start trading.  Costs could include anything from renting premises to run your business from, buying equipment, marketing and advertising and the unavoidable costs of registering your business with Companies House and HMRC and accounting costs to ensure you work within the law and in the most ta efficient way possible.

How to finance business therefore is one of the main hurdles to overcome to becoming self-employed.

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Have a great business idea?

Having a great business idea is a fantastic start but to help you transform your idea into tangible results and a profitable business, you may be at a loss as to what to do next.  

As with any big challenge you take in life, it’s easier to break it down into smaller goals and work through them methodically, all the while keeping mindful of your ultimate strategic goal.

When starting a business, we suggest starting with this 6 step process to help get you started.   

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When setting up a limited company there are a few things that you need to think about. Firstly, you need to think of a company name with a corresponding website, then you need to register your company at Companies House and at HMRC. You then need to set up a business bank account and take out business insurance…. Continue Reading

As an employer, part of your role is to provide employment references for your employees. You could be in a position of making or breaking their next move. It may be tempting to try to provide a reference that does not reflect your employees in a good light, as a way to holding on to them. Or you may be glad to see the back of them and want to portray this to the new employer.

This blog is intended to guide you in avoiding employment reference traps. … Continue Reading