smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Deciding on your financing needs

Last month, we looked at whether the banks really were...
Have your say »

RSS

If you are at the stage in your business development where you can begin to employ staff, there are various issues to consider, including costs of recruitment and establishing the right pay levels for prospective employees.

How to file Employer PAYE Returns

Filing your employer’s PAYE End of Year return online is the quickest and easiest way for small business owners to send HMRC your details before the 19 May deadline. It also pays for small businesses to file online, as those who do will qualify for the scheme’s £150 incentive. Here are some useful tips from SmallBusiness.co.uk and HMRC to help you file yours successfully and hassle-free.

Guide to wages records

Legally, you must keep proper records of all wages paid to employees and this guide will show you exactly what information to record.

PAYE for sole traders

If operating as a sole trader, profits (or losses) will be taxed under Income Tax rules and you can continue working in employment under PAYE (Pay As You Earn).

Employer PAYE returns: common errors

The deadline for filing your 2006-07 Employer PAYE end-of-year returns is 19 May 2007. To make sure you get the best out of online filing, SmallBusiness.co.uk and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have put together this list of common errors to help you avoid making the same mistakes.

Don't Miss

Making sound investments in volatile times

After the recent global economic problems, it’s never been more important to choose your offshore investments carefully.

Tax dilemmas

Every small business should make their business tax as efficient as possible, this guide will help ensure you’re not paying HMRC too much.

Emergency Budget Breakdown

It's generally agreed that SMEs emerged largely unscathed from the Emergency Budget. Here SmallBusiness.co.uk picks out the main points for owner-managers.

Small Business Finance News

Businesses struggle to recruit skilled finance and accounting staff

Top finance and accounting staff hard to come by

Businesses are struggling to recruit skilled finance and accounting employees despite an anticipated growth in headcount, research finds.

Top finance and accounting staff hard to come by

Businesses are struggling to recruit skilled finance and accounting employees despite an anticipated growth in headcount, research finds.

Smaller enterprises suffering more than large ones

More small and medium-sized enterprises have seen a quarterly reduction in sales volumes than large companies, research finds.

Small-caps on the up

Fund manager David Clark is upbeat about the prospects for smaller quoted companies.

Forum shuns insolvency U-turn

The Forum of Private Business has condemned a government announcement that legislation to improve the so-called ‘pre-pack insolvency’ sales process will now not go ahead.

Charting a course

Daniel Bastide, a partner at law firm Thomas Eggar, talks to James Harris about new finance structures and a ship called the Hebridean Princess.

Cash flow pressures ease for small businesses

Late payment improved in the final quarter of 2011 with the biggest difference coming from the largest firms, research finds.

SMEs warned of tax return deadline

UK small business owners could lose £45 million on 1 February by failing to complete their tax returns by the 31st January deadline.

Car tax hike could hit SME owners

A new emissions scale for company car tax could mean hefty increase in charges for many, warns an accountant.

Credit unions now able to lend to SMEs

Small businesses struggling to access funding have been given an alternative option with the introduction of legislation allowing credit unions to lend to them.

Businesses call for VAT reduction

A year after the contentious rise in VAT from 17.5 to 20 per cent, businesses are calling for the rate to be reduced to help their company move forward in 2012.

Events Calendar

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

Regular Small Business newsletters
Access to all our experts in the Q & A forum
Post comments on articles

Wages Questions & Answers

Register or login to ask a question to our panel of experts...

Tax and Finance

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, ACCA

Tax and VAT expert

Clive Lewis, ICAEW

Business funding advice

Mark Endersby, Funding Solutions

16 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Do I have to register for PAYE?
Q: Sick pay - whose responsibility? Q: Employment Rights Act 1996 Q: Employment law 'wage deductions' Q: How much do I pay my staff? Q: National minimum wage Q: Paying holiday pay

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

If you’ve decided to go it alone, we can help you get started.

18 months free* day-to-day business banking
Free Sage Planning for Business software

We can also introduce you to a local business manager who can provide insight and guidance to help you get your business started and find the right finance options to suit your needs. Find out more.

QuickBooks. It’s about time.

Whether you are self-employed, a sole trader or run a small business, Intuit QuickBooks helps you do the expenses faster with no financial experience required. Our easy-to-use accounting software will keep you on top of the books, freeing up more time for you to spend elsewhere. Start your free online trial today.

Blogs

Winners and losers

Ben Lobel 24/01/2012

It seems that despite the government’s assurance that the Olympics will provide a long-lasting economic legacy for the UK, businesses remain unconvinced. Have your say »

Deciding on your financing needs

Small Business Finance 06/12/2011

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, looks at the ramifications of getting a bank loan to fund growth opportunities. Have your say »

Winning new business in 2012

Guest Blogger 02/02/2012

Shaun Thompson, CEO of Sandler Training, explains how growth is possible in frugal times. Have your say »

Wages Resource Centre

Employee rights to pay

This guide contains information about different aspects of employee wage rights.

Understanding the National Minimum Wage

What is the National Minimum Wage, how to make sure you get it and what to do if you have problems? Visit DirectGov for more information.

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) software

You can get Pay As You Earn (PAYE) software from third party software suppliers or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Click here to see what is available.

Learn how to get paid on time

Get Paid OnTime offer training in Credit Control, Arrears Management, Debt Recovery and Telephone collections in towns throughout the UK.

PAYE Income Tax Calculator

A useful toom for working out the the income tax for your staff with this calculator from Listen ToTax Man.

National minimum wage calculator

Most working people in Britain have a right to a minimum level of pay National Minimum Wage. This online calculator helps you see wage amounts for staff in your business.

More Wages Resources

Other Small Business Finance Resources

Polls

Video

Selling on eBay

Ebay trader Chris Dawson gives his tips to selling through the trading website.

Barclays Business Start Up Account

Get everything you'd expect from a Barclays Business account…Free business banking for up to 2 years (Ts&Cs apply). Free day-to-day support from our Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and Mobile Banking, manage your account quickly and easily from a web-enabled phone. Apply online.

A business credit card with 0% interest on purchases for 3 months*

That’s on top of up to 56 days of interest-free credit**. When it comes to supporting your cashflow, it all adds up to a lot of extra breathing space. Also, by separating your business and personal spend it helps you keep track of your costs and identify areas where you can save money. Find out more today. *From date of account opening. **When you pay off your balance in full and on time each month.

Get help with your tax return

The Tax Guide is packed full of information to help you manage your tax affairs, including a guide to completing your tax return. Visit www.taxguide.co.uk to order a copy.

Small Business Insurance - compare quotes

Protect your business from accidents and mistakes. Tailor your cover levels, compare quotes and buy your insurance in minutes. Cover levels: Public and Employer's liability, Professional indemnity, legal expenses, business equipment and many more! Get quotes now

Tailored Quotes for your Business Insurance

Simply Business cover a wide variety of trades and provide tailored insurance quotes. Compare quotes or call 0845 072 3340 for Public Liability and Employers Liability Insurance, and take out optional extras such as tool and plant cover.