Useful Links (none of these are paid-for advertising nor affiliate links, they are included here only because we believe that they may be useful to our typical client)
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
We
recommend that our clients join the FSB which is the largest organisation
representing small and medium sized businesses in the UK. Membership gives
some very valuable benefits including special rates for business banking and
merchant services, free legal, tax and employment helplines, factsheets and
insurance, discounted telecoms, finance health insurance and many other
benefits. It is well worth the membership fee.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
We are members of, and registered by, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants which is the world's largest and fastest growing professional accountancy body. Their website gives full details of the Association, and also includes details of the professional rules and regulations under which we have to operate and includes contact details should any client feel that they need to contact the Association directly.
Probably the best online small business community, offering advice on advertising, IT, accounting, tax, legal issues, etc. Well worth a look!
Professional Contractors Group (PCG)
We recommend that our clients who are freelancers join the PCG which is a more specialist business organisation offering advice and support to those who may be affected by IR35 and other similar legislation targeted towards personal service companies.
HMRC are responsible for all taxation issues likely to affect small businesses, including income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), national insurance, inheritance tax, import duties, etc. Their website is notoriously difficult to navigate, but does contain all the information you are likely to ever need relating to the taxation implications of your small business, it just might take you a lifetime to find it all!
Companies House are responsible for formation and administration of all UK registered limited companies and limited liability partnerships. You do not need to worry about Companies House if you set up your business as a sole trader or normal partnership.
Information Commissioners' Office
Most small businesses will have to register with the Information Commissioners' Office under the Data Protection Act.