At what point does your small business have to start paying VAT? Should you voluntarily pay VAT?

The costs involved in setting up a business depend on a huge variety of factors, from your location, to the originality of your product and from the state of your industry to the wider state of the economy. For aspiring shop owners, the cost to cover the first year of a retail store’s life are estimated to be, on average, around £172,000 according to research by quotemyenergy.co.uk . Because of the variables at play, it is impossible to say definitively how much it costs t

Get your invoices right from day one with our guide to how to write an invoice for sole traders and limited companies. From one-off freelance jobs to regular contracted work, invoicing is part and parcel of business life and ensuring you get paid on time. When you’ve just launched a new business, finance can seem like the least fun side of your business but knowing how to write a professional invoice correctly means you’ll get paid for all your hard work. What is an invoice?

The UK is ramping up its efforts to go green and get everyone on board; the government has rolled out some pretty great perks for people and businesses willing to make eco-friendly changes. In addition to saving your money (slashing energy costs), these green tax breaks are a win-win for your pocket and the environment. If you’re wondering how investing in sustainability can save you money, this guide breaks it all down in simple terms. What Are Green Tax Breaks?

Finding the right small business funding can be a game-changer, whether you're launching a start-up or scaling an existing business. But with so many options available - grants, investors, crowdfunding, and alternative finance - it’s essential to choose the right funding source for your needs. In this guide, we’ll break down different funding types, explain how to find investors and highlight opportunities such as government grants for businesses. By understanding your option

Great advice from Aldermore Bank on how to ride out the current financial storm and set your business up for a more secure future.

Find out why it pays to be protected if HMRC starts a tax enquiry into your business and discover the comprehensive cover available to...

Always eager to explore new ways to engage and share knowledge with our Individual and Business Members, we're excited to present this webinar from Quilter Financial Advisers. This is the first of many webinars we plan to bring you this year covering a wide range of topics that effect florists. Quilter Financial Advisers is the trusted financial advice partner of the Floristry Trade Club. They are a leading financial business, and their purpose is to help you achieve your asp

If you’ve lost count of how many reminder letters you’ve sent and phone calls you’ve made to chase late payments, learn more about the legal action you can take to recover debts. There is undoubtedly a balance to be struck by businesses between maintaining a good relationship with your clients (ensuring long-term income) and receiving prompt payment for the goods and services provided (preserving short-term cash flow). Whilst payment plans and deferred payments will be the ri

A fuel card is a convenient way to purchase fuel and other related services. It’s commonly used by businesses and fleet operators to simplify managing fuel expenses. Fuel cards offer detailed reporting, cost-saving opportunities, and simplify billing processes. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about fuel cards and the value they bring to both businesses and individuals.

Experienced florist and business owner Karen Barnes offers her advice on managing your florist finances.

Whether you’re just starting out in business or are used to filing your tax return every year, our tax experts from FSB Tax Investigation Protection explain what business expenses you can claim as a sole trader or limited company. What is a business expense? From stock and staffing costs to travel and training courses, there are lots of everyday outgoings when you’re running your own business. Understanding the allowable expenses you can claim can help to reduce your tax bi

Make your tax return less stressful with top tips for filing your self assessment from our specialists at FSB Tax Investigation Protection. Running your own business means you get to do what you’re passionate about every day, but for most people, the thought of finances and filling out tax paperwork fills them with dread. If you’re new to self-employment or want to make the process less daunting,  FSB Tax Investigation Protection  are here to help.  1. Don’t miss the deadline

Ready to register your small business for VAT in the UK? Our guide covers when you need to register, VAT thresholds, and the process to follow to stay compliant. Not sure if you need to register for VAT, or unsure how to go about the process? Don’t worry - our VAT experts from FSB Tax Investigation Protection answer your commonly asked questions about VAT registration for small businesses. As your business grows, you may reach the point where you need to register for VAT wit

Steph Gemson of TaxGem outlines how to calculate your business margins to make sure that you're being paid enough for products and...