Free UK Business Resources
A comprehensive collection of official and trusted resources for UK sole traders, freelancers and limited companies. All free, all relevant, all genuinely useful.
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10 checklists covering startup steps, legal requirements, GDPR, bookkeeping and more.
Free Sample PDF14 PDFs plus 3 interactive browser-based tools for running your business day to day.
Free Sample PDF7 guides covering marketing, UK GDPR, legal documents, compliance and business insurance.
Free Sample PDFStarting a Business
Set up a business (GOV.UK)
The official government guide to setting up as a sole trader, partnership or limited company. The right starting point for anyone new to running a business.
Register as a sole trader (GOV.UK)
How to register as self-employed with HMRC, what records you need to keep, and what tax you will owe.
Form a limited company (GOV.UK)
Step-by-step guide to registering a limited company with Companies House, including what documents you need.
Companies House
Register your company, file your annual accounts and confirmation statement, search the register, and update company details.
Sole trader and partnership expenses (GOV.UK)
HMRC guidance on which business expenses you can and cannot claim as a sole trader or in a partnership.
British Business Bank
Government-backed bank providing funding and finance options for UK startups and growing businesses. Includes Start Up Loans and growth finance.
Startup Donut
Practical UK startup advice covering business plans, funding, legal requirements, marketing and more. Particularly useful for first-time business owners.
Business finance and support finder (GOV.UK)
Search tool to find government-backed finance, grants and support schemes available for your business type and location.
Register a trade mark (GOV.UK)
How to protect your business name, logo or brand by registering a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office.
Intellectual Property Office
Register and protect UK trade marks, patents and designs. Also provides free guidance on copyright and intellectual property rights.
Choosing a legal structure (GOV.UK)
Compare sole trader, limited company, partnership and other business structures to decide which is right for your situation.
Working for yourself (GOV.UK)
Overview of your responsibilities when you start working for yourself, covering tax, National Insurance, and what to tell HMRC.
Tax and HMRC
Self Assessment tax returns (GOV.UK)
Complete guide to Self Assessment including who needs to file, deadlines, what to include, and how to pay your tax bill.
VAT registration (GOV.UK)
When you must register for VAT, how to register, how to file VAT returns, and what the current registration threshold is.
Self-employed allowable expenses (GOV.UK)
The full list of business expenses you can claim to reduce your tax bill if you are self-employed or running as a sole trader.
Check employment status for tax / IR35 (GOV.UK)
HMRC's official CEST tool for checking whether IR35 applies to a contract or engagement. Essential for contractors and freelancers.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (GOV.UK)
What Making Tax Digital means for sole traders earning over £50,000, and how to prepare for the mandatory requirements.
National Insurance for the self-employed (GOV.UK)
Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions explained, including current rates, thresholds and how to pay.
HMRC free webinars and guides
Free live and recorded webinars from HMRC covering Self Assessment, VAT, payroll, tax for the self-employed and more.
Capital allowances (GOV.UK)
How to claim tax relief on equipment, machinery, vehicles and other business assets through capital allowances.
Tax relief for employees (GOV.UK)
Claim tax relief on work expenses including equipment, uniforms, travel, professional subscriptions and working from home.
Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG)
Free, independent tax guidance written in plain English for people on lower incomes, the self-employed and those new to tax.
Corporation Tax overview (GOV.UK)
Everything limited companies need to know about Corporation Tax, including rates, deadlines and how to file a return.
Mileage allowance relief (GOV.UK)
How to claim tax relief on business mileage using HMRC approved mileage rates for cars, motorbikes and cycles.
Legal and Compliance
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
The UK's data protection regulator. Register with the ICO, understand your UK GDPR obligations, and access free guidance for businesses.
ICO small business advice
Data protection guidance written specifically for small businesses, sole traders and micro-organisations. Covers GDPR, privacy notices and data security.
Selling goods and services (GOV.UK)
Consumer rights, contract law, distance selling regulations, refund rights and trading standards obligations for UK businesses.
Advertising and marketing law (GOV.UK)
UK regulations on advertising, marketing, email marketing, cookies, and the rules around promotional offers and competitions.
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
The UK's advertising regulator. Free guidance on what is and is not allowed in UK advertising, with a free copy advice service for new campaigns.
Health and safety at work (GOV.UK)
Your legal obligations as an employer for health and safety, including risk assessments, reporting accidents and what the law requires.
Health and Safety Executive small business hub
Free health and safety guidance for small businesses, including simple risk assessment tools and sector-specific advice.
Employers liability insurance (GOV.UK)
When employers liability insurance is a legal requirement, what it must cover, and the consequences of not having it.
UK GDPR key definitions (GOV.UK)
Official plain-English definitions of key UK GDPR terms including personal data, data controller, data processor and lawful basis.
Anti-money laundering regulations (GOV.UK)
Whether your business needs to register under anti-money laundering regulations and what your obligations are if it does.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
The UK's leading small business organisation, providing legal advice, tax helplines, debt recovery and lobbying on behalf of small businesses.
Running a limited company (GOV.UK)
Your legal obligations as a company director, including filing accounts, reporting changes and what happens if you do not comply.
Finance and Banking
Starling Bank Business Account
Free UK business current account with no monthly fees, instant notifications and built-in bookkeeping tools. Popular with sole traders and limited companies.
Tide Business Banking
Business account with invoicing, expense categories and integrations built in. Free basic account available, with paid plans for additional features.
Monzo Business
Business current account with pots for setting aside tax, free basic plan available, and easy integration with accounting software.
Start Up Loans (GOV.UK)
Government-backed personal loans of up to £25,000 for starting or growing a UK business, with free mentoring included.
British Business Bank Finance Hub
Free tool to help you identify the right type of finance for your business stage and needs, from grants to equity investment.
Business bank account comparison (MoneySavingExpert)
Regularly updated comparison of the best free and low-cost UK business bank accounts. Independent and unsponsored.
Apply for a Start Up Loan (GOV.UK)
Direct application page for the government-backed Start Up Loan scheme, with eligibility guidance and what you need to apply.
Xero free trial
Cloud accounting software used by hundreds of thousands of UK small businesses. 30-day free trial available with no commitment required.
QuickBooks free trial
Online accounting software with invoicing, VAT returns and payroll. Popular with UK sole traders and small limited companies.
HMRC Basic PAYE Tools
Free payroll software from HMRC for small employers with fewer than 10 employees. Calculates tax, NI and submits Real Time Information to HMRC.
HMRC recognised payroll software
The official list of payroll software products that HMRC recognises, including which offer free versions or free trials.
Find an accountant (ICAEW)
Search tool to find a qualified ICAEW chartered accountant near you, with filters for business size, sector and specialism.
Marketing and Online Presence
Google Search Console
Free tool to monitor your website in Google Search, fix indexing issues, submit sitemaps and track which keywords bring visitors to your site.
Google Analytics
Free website analytics. Understand where your visitors come from, what pages they visit, and how they behave on your site.
Google Business Profile
Create a free business listing on Google Maps and Google Search. Essential for any business with a physical location or local customers.
MailerLite
Free email marketing platform for up to 1,000 subscribers with 12,000 monthly sends. One of the most popular choices for UK small businesses.
Canva
Free online design tool for creating social media graphics, presentations, leaflets, business cards and other marketing materials. No design experience needed.
Bing Webmaster Tools
Free equivalent of Google Search Console for Bing. Submit your site, check indexing and track search performance on Microsoft's search engine.
Privacy in direct marketing (GOV.UK)
The rules around email marketing, text marketing and direct mail under PECR and UK GDPR. Essential reading before running any marketing campaign.
Google PageSpeed Insights
Free tool to test your website's loading speed on mobile and desktop, with specific recommendations for improvements.
HubSpot free marketing tools
Free CRM, email marketing, forms and live chat tools. HubSpot's free tier is generous and used by many UK small businesses.
Buffer
Free social media scheduling tool for up to three channels. Plan and schedule posts across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X from one place.
SEMrush free site audit
Free website SEO audit that identifies technical issues affecting your search rankings, with a prioritised list of fixes.
Moz free SEO tools
Free keyword research, link analysis and domain authority checker tools from one of the most trusted names in search engine optimisation.
Hiring and Employment
Employer responsibilities (GOV.UK)
A complete overview of what you must do when you take on your first employee, covering PAYE, right to work checks, contracts and more.
PAYE for employers (GOV.UK)
How to register as an employer, set up PAYE, run payroll, and submit Real Time Information to HMRC every time you pay an employee.
National Minimum Wage rates (GOV.UK)
Current National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates for all age groups. Updated every April.
Right to work checks (GOV.UK)
How to check that a new employee has the legal right to work in the UK, and what documents you need to see and keep on file.
Employment contracts (GOV.UK)
What must be included in a written employment contract or statement of particulars, and when you must provide it.
Workplace pension duties (GOV.UK)
Your legal duties as an employer around auto-enrolment, contribution rates, and choosing a pension scheme for your staff.
The Pensions Regulator for employers
Guidance from the regulator on automatic enrolment duties, compliance, and what to do when you take on your first employee.
Statutory leave entitlements (GOV.UK)
Holiday pay, sick pay, maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory entitlements for employees in the UK.
Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Free and impartial employment relations advice for employers and employees. Templates for employment documents, guidance on dismissal and dispute resolution.
Redundancy payments (GOV.UK)
How to calculate statutory redundancy pay, the consultation process, and your obligations if you need to make staff redundant.
Equality and discrimination law (GOV.UK)
Your obligations as an employer under the Equality Act 2010, covering protected characteristics, reasonable adjustments and equal pay.
Indeed (free job postings)
Post jobs for free on the UK's largest job site. Sponsored posts available but basic listings are free and reach millions of job seekers.
Pensions and Retirement
Plan your retirement income (GOV.UK)
Overview of retirement income options for self-employed people and business owners, including State Pension, personal pensions and savings.
Check your State Pension forecast (GOV.UK)
See how much State Pension you are on track to receive and when, and find out if you have any gaps in your National Insurance record.
Voluntary National Insurance contributions (GOV.UK)
How self-employed people can fill gaps in their NI record to qualify for the full State Pension, and whether it is worth doing.
Self-employed pensions guide (MoneyHelper)
Plain-English guidance on pension options for self-employed people, including SIPPs, personal pensions and how much you should be saving.
Pension Wise (MoneyHelper)
Free and impartial government-backed guidance for over-50s on their pension options. Includes free telephone and face-to-face appointments.
The Pensions Regulator for individuals
Guidance on your rights as an individual pension saver, how to spot pension scams, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Find a lost pension (GOV.UK)
The government's pension tracing service to find contact details for old workplace or personal pension schemes you may have lost track of.
Pension tax relief explained (MoneyHelper)
How pension tax relief works for self-employed people and business owners, including how to claim it and what the annual allowance is.
ISAs as a retirement savings tool (GOV.UK)
How Stocks and Shares ISAs and Lifetime ISAs can complement a pension for self-employed retirement savings, with current allowances explained.
SIPPs explained (MoneyHelper)
What a Self-Invested Personal Pension is, how it works, who it suits, and the key things to consider before opening one.
Financial Ombudsman Service
Free, independent service for resolving complaints about financial products and services, including pensions, insurance and banking.
MoneyHelper
Free, impartial money and pensions guidance backed by the government. Covers budgeting, debt, savings, pensions and financial decisions at every life stage.
Business Insurance
Employers liability insurance (GOV.UK)
What employers liability insurance is, who must have it by law, the minimum cover required, and the fines for not having it.
Business vehicle insurance (GOV.UK)
Why standard personal car insurance often does not cover business use, and what you need if you drive for work purposes.
Find a broker (British Insurance Brokers Association)
Free tool to find a regulated insurance broker who can search the whole market to find the right business insurance for your needs.
Business insurance guide (ABI)
The Association of British Insurers guide to types of business insurance, what each one covers, and which policies your business might need.
FSB Insurance Service
The Federation of Small Businesses offers a dedicated insurance service for members, covering professional indemnity, public liability and more.
Simply Business
UK insurance broker specialising in small business cover. Compare quotes for public liability, professional indemnity, employers liability and more.
Product liability and safety (GOV.UK)
Your legal obligations if you manufacture, import or sell products, including product safety requirements and product liability insurance.
Insurance complaints (Financial Ombudsman)
How to make a complaint about a business insurance policy or claim that has been handled unfairly. The service is free and independent.
Business insurance overview (GOV.UK)
Government overview of the types of business insurance available, which are legally required, and where to get independent advice.
Protecting your intellectual property (IPO)
Why intellectual property insurance is worth considering and how to protect your ideas, designs and brand from being copied or stolen.
Professional indemnity insurance (GOV.UK)
What professional indemnity insurance covers, which professions are legally required to hold it, and how much cover you might need.
Cyber security for small businesses (GOV.UK)
Government guidance on protecting your business from cyber attacks, including free tools, training and what cyber insurance covers.
Support and Networking
Business Support Helpline (GOV.UK)
Free government advice for businesses in England. Available by phone, webchat and email with advisers who can help with a wide range of issues.
Enterprise Nation
UK small business community with events, advice, mentoring and networking for entrepreneurs at all stages. Free basic membership available.
The Princes Trust
Free business support, mentoring and funding for 18 to 30 year olds starting a business in the UK. One of the most generous support schemes available.
British Chambers of Commerce
Find your local Chamber of Commerce for networking, events, business support and connections with other businesses in your area.
mentorsme.co.uk
Government-backed platform to find a free business mentor. Matched with experienced business people who volunteer their time and expertise.
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Your local council may offer business grants, free workshops, free premises and other support. Find yours and check what is available.
UK Business Forums
Free community forum for UK business owners. Ask questions, share experiences and get practical advice from other small business owners.
Growth Hubs (GOV.UK)
Local Growth Hubs provide free and subsidised business support across England, funded by central and local government.
Women's Enterprise UK
Support, networking and resources specifically for women running or starting a business in the UK. Free membership and regular events.
Disabled Entrepreneurs UK
Resources, support and community for disabled people who run or want to start their own business in the UK.
Help to Grow (GOV.UK)
Government schemes to help small businesses grow, including subsidised management training and discounts on business software.
Find a Grant (GOV.UK)
Official government database of available grants for businesses in the UK. Filter by sector, stage and location to find relevant funding.