If you’ve never had to send an invoice before, you might be wondering what to include, and what to expect. So we put together this essential guide to invoices for UK businesses, to help you get your invoice right first time. What Does a Freelance Invoice Need to Include? There are some things that you…
It’s common for people to confuse psychologists with psychiatrists, and vice versa. Both roles involve studying how certain factors can influence or affect an individual’s mental functioning. But there are key differences between the roles, which means that each role involves a different set of qualifications. In this post we’ll discuss the main differences between…
VAT is value-added tax. It’s applied to the sale of most goods and services, though certain goods and services are either exempt, or charged at a reduced rate. And unlike income tax, it’s collected by the seller. At the time of writing, the standard VAT rate in the UK is 20%. Only the most successful…
You can claim certain business expenses as part of your tax return. Only some expenses are allowable. You can read our complete guide to allowable expenses for self-employed workers. This is why it’s a good idea to keep the receipts for any purchase you make for your business. With receipts to hand, you’ll have a…
If you’re self-employed or a sole trader, do you need a business bank account? After all, you’re your own boss now. You do things on your own time, and on your own terms. So surely you can do business with your own bank account? It’s an issue many who are new to the business world…
When working out your hourly rate for contracting, what you’re really trying to work out is this: How much is your time, your energy, and your talent worth? These are difficult questions for anyone to answer. So instead, when working out your hourly rate, think in more grounded terms. Think about how many hours you…
If you run a business, then you need insurance. You’re legally required to get certain types of business insurance. But even beyond your legal obligations, you should view business insurance as an essential safety net. Insurance guarantees that you’ll be able to bounce back from any crisis, no matter how severe or unexpected. If you…
According to a 2019 report by the Federation of Small Businesses, small businesses fall victim to around 10,000 cyber-attacks every day. Cybercrime is estimated to cost small businesses a staggering £4.5 billion each year, with the average cost of a single attack at £1,300. The latest 2020 Cyber Breach Survey from the government, reported that…
A director’s loan account (DLA) allows directors, or their family members, to take money out of their company. To qualify as a “director’s loan”, this money must not be a salary, a dividend, or an expense repayment. Also, it must not be money you’ve previously paid into or loaned to the company. How Does A…
If you’re thinking about setting up your own business, you’re no doubt aware of the many administrative responsibilities you’ll have to take on. One thing many wonder about is: Do I need a business bank account? Or am I OK to continue using my own personal account? Unfortunately, there’s no short answer to this question….