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UK small business knowledge hub

Business guides in plain English.

Practical explanations for starting, running and understanding a UK small business.

GUIDEClosing a sole-trader business: an admin checklistStopping sales does not automatically close every registration or obligation.Open guide →GUIDEWhat does a first employee really cost?Salary is only one part of the budget for employing someone.Open guide →GUIDEVAT invoices: what beginners need to knowA VAT invoice supports the VAT treatment and contains prescribed information.Open guide →GUIDETaking money from a limited company: the beginner basicsCompany money is not automatically personal money, even when you own the company.Open guide →GUIDEBank reconciliation explained for beginnersReconciliation checks that the transactions in your records match the bank.Open guide →GUIDEHow to chase an unpaid business invoiceA consistent process is easier and more professional than waiting until cash becomes urgent.Open guide →GUIDEHow to price your first product or serviceA workable price covers costs, non-billable time, risk and profit—not just the hour spent delivering.Open guide →GUIDEHow to build a simple cash-flow forecastA forecast shows when money may arrive and leave—not whether an invoice has merely been issued.Open guide →GUIDEBusiness bank accounts: what beginners should compareSeparate records and sensible controls matter more than a flashy introductory offer.Open guide →GUIDEChoosing a business name: a practical checklistA name needs to work legally, commercially and online.Open guide →