Business start-up

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 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.

People don't invest in ideas: they invest in 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.

If you start working for yourself, you must register with HM Revenue & Customs within the first three full months of self employment.

For a wealth of advice and information on aspects of VAT, including essential tips for VAT planning, and how to survive the VAT inspector's visit, visit our VAT guides.

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.

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.

At one time, investing in buy-to-let properties was seen as a sure fire way to achieve long term growth. Many investors, deterred by the ups and downs of the Stock Market turned to investing in property as a safer investment haven.

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.

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

A marketing audit enables you to review your company's strengths and weaknesses, priorities and market segments, internal make up and personality as a basis for developing a successful marketing strategy for the future.

Suggestions on how to reduce the time taken in accounts preparation.

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?

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'.