Sole trader

Helpful tips and advice for sole traders on setting up and managing a small business in the UK, including guides on registration, insurance, tax and vat, plus useful case studies and examples on the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed.

The Questions Most Asked by Small Business Owners

We have compiled a list of the top six questions most frequently put to our panel of business adviser experts.

Sole trader

Is it possible to set up as a sole trader while still being employed full-time?

Sole trader

How to succeed as a sole trader

Setting up as a sole trader can be the easiest, and most cost-effective route for going into business. But you will need more than a spare room and internet connection to make your idea a success.

Sole trader

Can you register twice as a sole trader?

Is it possible for me to have more than one business? I currently operate a small business as a haulier but I would like to commence a separate business as a landscape gardener.

Sole trader

Register as a sole trader

How can you begin to nurture a small business? How do you register as a sole trader and where can you get the necessary forms?

Sole trader

Raising an invoice as a sole trader

When raising an invoice as a sole trader, do I have to raise it in my name or can I use the title I am trading under. For example if I am John Smith t/a JS Associates, can I just use JS Associates?

Sole trader

Employing “zero hours” staff

As a sole trader I want to take on a first employee, but want to guard against a drop in business activity. Is offering a “zero hours” contract a possible answer and what are the implications?

Sole trader

Can sole traders work for just one company?

I am a self-employed sole trader. Is it correct that I can't work for one company all of the time? If so, is there a percentage of work I must do for other people or companies?

Sole trader

Employing “zero hours” staff

As a sole trader I want to take on a first employee, but want to guard against a drop in business activity. Is offering a “zero hours” contract a possible answer and what are the implications?

Sole trader

Can sole traders work for just one company?

I am a self-employed sole trader. Is it correct that I can't work for one company all of the time? If so, is there a percentage of work I must do for other people or companies?

Accounting

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).