Ian Ross - Small Business Assistant

I'd like to use this space to help others find useful information when starting up a small business. I've done this and gone through some of the tough times that come with it.

I also run a website that caters for small businesses and will be handing out advice and will help where possible.

Please note that the information contained within this lens is aimed at UK based Small Businesses.

Helping Small Businesses Get Started

These sites give great information on how to start and help run a small business in the UK.

Small Business Websites at Small Business Costs: This is my own site where I can design your small business website for a fraction of the costs that most companies charge.

Due to being a small business, run only by myself and my partner, I've low overheads to keep costs down.

Online marketing is my speciality and after running my own websites for a number of years, I know the pitfalls - and there are many - trust me, I've fallen into them. However, I now don't need to pass them onto my customers.
Business Startups: Startups is a great site for the small business trying to get going. Great ideas, assistance and explanations.

Even if you're not sure what you'd like your business to do but you're keen to start, Startups gives ideas and advice.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) - Britain's Largest Business Support Organisation: FSB, Federation Small Businesses, small business - Britain's Largest Small Business Organisation covering regulations, Lobbying, FSB and other great benefits.
The Dreaded Tax Man: At some point, your small business will need to be speaking with the tax man. This site is the official Inland Revenue and Customs site and it's jam packed with information of how to get started, what forms you need to fill in and... ahem... how to pay your dues.

Loads of quality information but you might have to dig around a bit to find it.

This is the one place to need to be speaking to though when starting your new business. The tax laws are strict but don't fall foul of them. Taxes have to be paid so make sure your budget for them.
VAT Explained: This is a very useful link that will explain whether or not you should register for VAT in the UK and how to go about it.
Help and advice on starting and growing a business from Business Gateway: Business Gateway is a great place to start when planning a new business or if your looking for advice on how to expand.

The Business Gateway covers many topics including, starting up, finance, taxes, employing people, health and safety, premises and sales.

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