Latest Q & A
Bad credit rating
I have been refused a business bank account due to bad credit history. At present I do not have debt other then my mortgage. What should I do?
Information memorandum
I have been asked for an ‘information memorandum’ but am struggling to understand how this differs from the business plan. Could you please advise?
Invoices and receipts
Where the majority of my goods come from there is no invoice or receipt involved. How do I go about keeping the taxman happy?
Using subcontractors
Do I need to keep details of the subcontractors I use to avoid paying tax on their cost?
Reclaiming tax
Can tax be reclaimed from previous years if I have made a loss this year? And if I make a small profit, can I also use my tax-free pay to claim back tax from previous years?
Collection fees
A supplier is threatening legal action for a collection fee added to our account. Do I pay or fight?
Website funding
I have an idea to start a business. How do I find out if I can get help with funding such as to set up the website?
Minority shareholder
How can a minority shareholder get out of a company if the majority shareholders refuse to respond to any communication?
Consultancy work
Please can you advise if I am allowed to work as a standard PAYE employee, but also undertake consultancy work as a sole trader?
Business grants
I run a butcher’s shop and am looking for a small grant in order to print some leaflets and advertise the business. What types are available?
Raising finance
I want to expand my business and need to raise £50,000. What are the avenues available considering the banks will not play ball?
Business rates
I’m selling food from a van and am using my parents’ kitchen to wash and prepare the produce. Do I have to pay business rates on the kitchen?
Deffered VAT payments for small businesses
I heard that the government were helping small business by deferring payment of VAT. Is this true and if so, what is the procedure?
Retiring early due to ill-health
I am 61 and have been self-employed for the last 15 years. What rights do I have if I retire due to ill health?
Struggling to make a wage
Business at our beauty salon has been slow this year. Although we don’t owe money to any creditors, we’re not managing to take a wage ourselves. Is there any help we can get?
