Table of Contents
Why become self-employed
There is encouragement from the government for people to become self-employed and at first it seems attractive, especially if you have recently become unemployed or redundant. Although one of the main attractions of becoming self-employed is no longer having to work for somebody else there are several disadvantages you should consider. These include not being certain of having a regular income, having to arrange your own sick pay and pension and probably having to work long hours.
What kind of business
If you are considering self-employment and do not already have an idea of what you want to do, you could consider something which uses your experience or skills or something which you have previously done as a hobby. As well as the organisations listed in this information (see under heading Who can give further advice) you may be able to get ideas by looking at books and leaflets in the local library or job centre.
Training
Training in either practical or management skills may be necessary. Training is available from a variety of sources such as courses run by the organisations listed in this information (see under heading Who can give further advice), evening classes at local colleges, books.
How to trade
If you are considering self-employment, you will need to discuss with one of the organisations listed under heading Who can give further advice the different ways of trading and which would be most appropriate for your business. The business could take one of three legal forms:-
- a sole trader. This is the simplest way of starting a business
- a partnership. This is similar to a sole trader except that two or more people run the business
- a limited company. This gives the business a completely separate identity from the people who run the business. It is more complicated to set up.
In addition to one of the above legal forms, self-employment can also involve one of the following trading practices:-
- a co-operative. This is a business which is collectively owned and controlled by the people who work in it. At least two people must be involved
- a franchise. A franchise is an agreement which allows the person buying the franchise the right to run a branch of a business that someone else has set up.
Finance
As a self-employed person, you will need enough money to live on as well as money to start up the business and keep it going. You may be able to get money from the following sources:-
- family or friends
- grants from charities or trusts
- loans from banks and building societies.
Book-keeping and accounting
It is extremely important that accurate and detailed records of the business are kept. You may be able to keep your own books or employ a bookkeeper or accountant, but if you are trading as a limited company you will need the help of an accountant.
Income tax
As a self-employed person, you will be responsible for paying income tax on your earnings and will usually need the help of an accountant. There are special tax reliefs and allowances which self-employed people can claim. If you are newly self-employed, you should register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by calling the helpline for the Newly Self-Employed. The helpline number is: 08459 154515.
You can get more information about income tax for self-employed people from the HMRC website at: Set up as a sole trader – GOV.uk
Value Added Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax on goods and services which is paid to HM Revenue and Customs. Whether or not a self-employed person has to pay, and in some cases has the right to choose to pay, VAT depends on the type of business and how much the business sells.
You can get more information about VAT from the website of HM Revenue and Customs at: Business tax: VAT – details information – GOV.uk.
Premises
You could consider trading in the following ways:-
- from home. This has the advantage of low costs but you will need to make sure that the tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement or title deeds of the property do not place any restrictions on business use. You may also need to get local authority planning permission
- from premises you have bought or rented. You should consider how much space you need as well as heating, lighting and ventilation requirements. You need to make sure the property has been approved for business use. Planning permission may also be necessary. If you are considering buying or renting premises you should see a solicitor
- from a market stall. The local authority will have details of where and when these are available and how much local markets charge
- at craft fairs. The local authority will be able to give details of where and when these are held.
Business rates
Business rates have to be paid to the local authority on most business premises. These include shops, offices, warehouses and factories. In some cases, for example, in a property which contains a shop and a flat, or if you work from home, you may have to pay both business rates and council tax. Some types of business premises are exempt from rates, for example, agricultural land.
For more information in England, Wales and Scotland about council tax, see Paying Council Tax – Citizens Advice.
Health and safety
As a self-employed person you have a duty to make sure that your business premises and working environment meet health and safety requirements. Further information about health and safety requirements is available from the local health and safety executive or environmental health department of the local authority. In Scotland, local authority refers to the District and Islands Council.
Insurance
Depending on the business and how you trade, you will be required by law to take out certain types of insurance. Other types of insurance are not compulsory but it is important to consider which ones are appropriate. The types of insurance you may need are:-
- employer’s liability insurance. If you employ other people you must have this insurance. It provides cover for claims made by employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their employment
- vehicles insurance. Vehicles used for business purposes must be insured even if already insured for private use
- public liability insurance. This provides cover against claims by members of the public who have been injured or had property damaged as a result of carelessness at work by you or your employees
- premises insurance. Insurance will be necessary for the premises you work from, even if you work from home and there is already a policy. This is because the insurance will usually only cover residential use
- contents, stock and materials insurance. This insurance will be necessary to cover the replacement costs of stock, materials and the contents of the premises even if is work is being done from home and there is already a home contents insurance policy
- health and accident insurance. These will pay a regular income or lump sum if you are unable to work because of an accident or sickness.
Pensions
As a self-employed person you will get state retirement pension if you have met the contribution conditions.
For more information about Retirement Pension, see Pension Credit – Citizens Advice.
You could also consider getting a private personal pension.
Immigration status
Setting up in business may affect your immigration status and you should therefore consult an experienced adviser before doing so. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on Get specialise immigration advice – Citizens Advice.
Employing other people
If you employ other people you will be responsible for paying wages, tax and national insurance contributions where relevant. You will have to meet the requirements of employment law and health and safety regulations.
For more information on the responsibilities of employers, see Work – Citizens advice.
National insurance contributions
As a self-employed person you may have to pay national insurance contributions for yourself and any employees. Whether you have to pay contributions for yourself, and if so what type, depends on how much you earn. Whether contributions have to be paid for any employees depends on what they earn. The payment of contributions will affect the benefits a person can claim in the future.
You can find more information about national insurance contributions for self-employed people on the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website at Set up as a sole-trader – GOV.uk. HMRC also provides a National Insurance Self-employed Helpline for telephone enquiries on 0845 915 4655.
For more information about national insurance contributions, see National insurance: introduction – GOV.uk.
Benefits and Tax Credits
As a self-employed person you may be able to claim benefits or tax credits, depending on your income and other circumstances.
To check what benefits or tax credits may be available, see Working tax credits – Citizens Advice.
If you are self-employed you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, a Citizens Advice Bureau, for help in working out how much benefit or tax credit you are entitled to. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on Citizens Advice.
Trading names and licences
You need to consider whether you wish to use a trading name for the business. If so, there are restrictions on the names businesses can use. You may also need to get a licence depending on the type of business. For organisations that can advise on trading names and licences see under heading Who can give further advice.
Who can give further advice
Banks
The services offered by banks vary greatly and so do the fees they charge. Some banks have special teams who handle business accounts. They may also have useful information for start-up businesses. It’s a good idea to shop around for business banking services, for example, by using a financial comparison website.
Compare business bank accounts on Money.co.uk
Chambers of Commerce
A Chamber of Commerce is a local network of businesses. It can provide information, advice and training to businesses in your area. Most give free advice to members, but charge for services to non-members. Some Chambers of Commerce serve particular ethnic minorities.
Nibusinessinfo.co.uk (Northern Ireland only)
Nibusinessinfo.co.uk is a free business advice and support service for businesses in Northern Ireland.
Invest NI (Northern Ireland only)
Website: https://www.investni.com/
Invest NI is an economic development agency. It offers a range of services to client companies, including financial assistance to eligible companies with a focus on export potential.
Local enterprise agencies (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
Local enterprise agencies give free general advice and support to small businesses. Training courses are also available, which are often free. Details of local enterprise agencies are available from the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies – see below.
Northern Ireland
Enterprise Northern Ireland
Website: https://workspace.org.uk/
National Enterprise Networking (England and Wales only)
Website: https://nationalenterprisenetwork.org/
Scottish Enterprise
Website: https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/
Firstport (Scotland only)
Firstport offers free support to people who want to set up a business which will have direct social or environmental benefits. It also administers the Scottish Government’s Enterprise Fund.
Website: https://www.firstport.org.uk/
Local authority economic development units
Some local councils have set up units which give advice and help to businesses in their area. Some have bilingual advisers and are intended particularly to help ethnic minority small businesses. They tend to be mainly in inner-city areas. The advisers are employed by the council and will usually have a business background or related skill, such as banking or accountancy.
National Federation of Small Businesses
Website: https://www.fsb.org.uk/
The National Federation of Small Businesses is a pressure group which promotes the interests of all self-employed people. There are a number of regional offices and many local branches. There is a subscription fee.
The Federation publishes a free magazine and runs a legal fees and advisory scheme, which provides 24 hour legal advice, and various insurance schemes.
British Franchise Association
Website: https://www.thebfa.org/
The British Franchise Association (BFA) is the trade association for franchising companies. It was set up to promote franchising and establish standards. To join, franchising companies have to show that their franchise works and they have to agree to abide by a code of ethics designed to protect franchisees.
The BFA produces an information pack for prospective franchisees which includes a list of checks to be made before buying a franchise.
The Prince’s Trust
Website: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
The Prince’s Trust helps young unemployed people aged 16-25 to set up their own businesses. In Scotland the age limit is 18-25 only. The Trust can give loans, on-going business advice and help with marketing. The Trust is particularly interested in helping people from ethnic minorities, disabled people and ex-offenders.
Co-operatives UK
Website: https://www.uk.coop/
Co-operatives UK is the central organisation for co-operative enterprises in the UK. It is member owned and led, and works to represent the interests of its member co-operatives. It provides a wide range of support services to its members.
Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) (England, Wales and Scotland only)
If you are an employer, you can get free advice on employment matters from the Acas website at https://www.acas.org.uk/ and on its telephone helpline, 0300 12 1100. Acas also provides training courses on employment topics that may be useful for small businesses.
Skills Development Scotland (Scotland only)
Website: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/
Skills Development Scotland for business is a service that provides businesses, learning providers and individuals with appropriate training, skills and funding advice.
The Association of Disabled Professionals
Website: https://adp.org.uk/
The ADP provides free confidential information and advice, so that disabled people and people with long term health conditions, employers, and advisors can make informed decisions about impairment-related work issues.