Find out where the most profitable buy-to-let locations are for starting a business. We’ve compared the average property costs across the UK’s biggest cities. The best buy-to-let locations for starting a business 15 min read Business Trends Table of Contents Categories Benefits of a buy-to-let limited company The UK’s most profitable buy-to-let hotspots Benefits of these locations What is rental yield? The difference between gross and net rental yield Why rental yield matters for investments What is considered a good rental yield? How to calculate rental yield How to maximise your rental yield What taxes are involved with buy-to-let? How much tax you pay on buy-to-let property income Stamp duty Capital Gains Tax Inheritance tax Real life case study from a property business owner Further costs associated with buy-to-let properties To wrap things up… Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office If you’re looking to take the buy-to-let property market by storm, choosing the right location is crucial. Perhaps you’re looking to expand your property portfolio, or you’re a newcomer to the real estate market. Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to help you make the right decision when choosing buy-to-let locations, to improve your chances of business success. In December 2023, average house prices were estimated to have fallen by 2.1% due to high mortgage rates and the cost of living crisis. But the market will likely pick up again, with 47% of landlords believing the Bank of England’s base rate will fall in 2024 - great news for those starting in the real estate industry. We’ve explored 50 of the biggest cities to uncover the best buy-to-let locations in the UK, looking at average property prices, rental costs and letting agent fees in each city to determine the net yield and potential returns on property investment. We’ve also reached out to current buy-to-let business owners who have shared insight into the property market and current considerations. So, what are you waiting for? Benefits of a buy-to-let limited company If the buy-to-let industry is calling your name, you’ll need to decide if you’d prefer to keep the properties in your name, as a sole trader, or if you’d benefit from forming a limited company . There are several benefits to starting a buy-to-let limited company , especially when it comes to business tax and legal protection. Let’s delve into the benefits of operating as a limited company: Limited liability: Should you face financial difficulties as a limited company, you’ll receive protection in the form of limited liability . This means your business is legally classified as an ‘individual’ and a separate legal entity. So, should you run into financial trouble as a business, the business itself is responsible, not you personally. You wouldn’t be obligated to pay any debts or personally cover any financial losses. Tax efficiency: Operating as a limited company can be more tax-efficient than working as a sole trader. As a limited company, you’ll pay 19-25% Corporation Tax on profits compared to the 20-45% Income Tax you’d pay as a sole trader. Professionalism: Choosing to operate as a limited company may give your professionalism and credibility a boost. Your potential customers are likely to perceive you as more trustworthy and established. The UK’s most profitable buy-to-let hotspots So, where is the best place for buy-to-let? We’ve uncovered the top UK cities for buy-to-let, based on their property prices, monthly rent prices, management fees and best net rental yield. Net yield is the return, or potential return, of a rental property after costs have been deducted such as letting and management fees. The top buy-to-let hotspots in the UK, coming out in joint first place, are Manchester, Glasgow and Aberdeen, all with a net yield of 6.9%. The average buy-to-let property price in Manchester is £251,557, with an average monthly rent of £1,713. Compared to the average UK house price of £290,000 in July 2023, Manchester’s property prices are significantly cheaper than the national average, making them a worthwhile investment for buy-to-let investors. Glasgow and Aberdeen’s average buy-to-let prices also fell significantly below the national average, at £230,619 and £189,633 respectively, making them attractive buy-to-let locations for those looking to invest in property. It seems that opting for cities in the North of England and Scotland are generally better for yields than cities in the South of England and London. This is true for Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham which came out in second place for the most profitable, with net yields of 6.8%. Benefits of these locations These best areas for buy-to-let offer more than just profitability, they’re also prime locations known for their culture scene and business opportunities. As mentioned, Manchester ranked in first place for most profitable buy-to-let hotspots, alongside Glasgow and Aberdeen, and is a bustling city to consider. With an economy worth £62.8 billion , it has firmly cemented itself as a major business hub in the UK. If you’re a music buff, you’ll know what Joy Division, The Smiths and Oasis all have in common - Manchester! It’s renowned for its vibrant music scene and unmissable music venues such as the Warehouse Project. It’s safe to say Manchester is a worthy contender when searching for the best buy-to-let locations in the UK, with its high rental yields and job opportunities, and strong economy. The same can certainly be said for Glasgow, whose average house price in its West End area has risen by 27% since 2019 - great news for property investors. Glasgow is Scotland’s economic powerhouse, generating £19.3 billion GVA per annum . According to Rightmove, Aberdeen is the third cheapest city for first-time buyers , so if you’re new to the buy-to-let world, you could benefit financially from your investment. Local estate agents in Aberdeen have predicted that house prices will rise by 1-2% in 2024 , so you could make a significant profit on your investment should you choose to invest in Aberdeen’s housing market. The city is home to an array of green spaces, beaches and beautiful views, offering an excellent quality of life. Named one of the most affordable cities to own a home, Aberdeen is certainly worth considering, with the average cost of a mortgage, utilities and council tax being only 37% of the median monthly salary . What is rental yield? When starting a property business , there are two ways you can make money - either through an increase in the value of your property, or through the rent you receive as a landlord. When looking for buy-to-let hotspots in the UK, a key deciding factor for investing in property is the rental yield you can expect to receive. Rental yield is a metric used to assess the profitability and potential return of a property investment. It’s usually presented as a percentage. The difference between gross and net rental yield While gross rental yield and net rental yield are both used to assess the potential returns on property investment, they differ in the expenses they use to calculate profit. Gross rental yield takes the annual rental income generated by your property and divides it by its total cost or market value. Net rental yield also takes into account the various expenses that come with owning and maintaining a property, such as property management fees, insurance and maintenance costs. This means net rental yield offers you a comprehensive measure of your property’s profitability, by factoring in all the costs that come with a property, not just the cost of the property itself. Why rental yield matters for investments Rental yield is crucial for you to assess the potential return on your investment, which can help you make informed decisions about the property you choose to invest in. You can use rental yield to calculate the income a property will generate, and the level of risk a property may have. For example, lower rental yields may indicate a higher level of risk, while higher yields may suggest a better return on investment. What is considered a good rental yield? What is considered a good rental yield will depend on factors such as the location of the property, market conditions and whether the property is residential or student accommodation, for example. Generally speaking, a gross rental yield of 5 - 6% is considered ‘good’, while anything over 7% is seen as ‘very good’. How to calculate rental yield Calculating the rental yield of a property should be fairly straightforward once you know how. Here’s the calculation to use: (Annual rent / property value) x 100 = gross rental yield For example, if you purchased a property for £200,000 and charged £1050 per month, your gross rental yield would look something like: £1050 x 12 = £12,600 (£12,600 / £200,000) x 100 = 6.3% How to maximise your rental yield Typically speaking, the higher your rental yield, the stronger your property investment - so it’s often a key goal for landlords. Here are a handful of ways you could look to increase your rental yield: Choose the right buy-to-let location: Choosing a property in a high-demand location could increase your rental income. Consider transport links, business opportunities in the area, schools and local amenities when looking at potential areas. Upgrade the property: Could you add another bathroom or bedroom to the property? If you have a large living space that isn’t necessary, you could turn it into an extra bedroom to boost your cash flow. This may attract more tenants which could increase your profits. Pets: Many landlords say no to pets. After all, you’ve spent significant time and money on the property, you want to prevent damage. But rental properties that allow pets are hard to come by for tenants, so you may be able to increase your rental cost if you say yes to pets (and what harm will a furry friend do really?) What taxes are involved with buy-to-let? Tax can feel like a minefield for a new business owner, but it’s a crucial thing to get right. The last thing you want is to face a hefty fine. Here are some of the taxes involved with buy-to-let for you to consider: Income tax: For the 2023/24 tax year, basic taxpayers pay 20% tax on buy-to-let income. If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, you’ll pay 40%. National Insurance: If your profits are more than £12,570 per year, you’ll need to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions. You’ll pay this through Self Assessment. It’s important to note that you can get buy-to-let tax relief on income tax. This means you’ll pay tax on the profit you make, once your ‘allowable expenses’ have been deducted. These expenses include the money you spend on the day-to-day running of the property such as letting agents’ fees, buildings and contents insurance, accountants’ fees and Council Tax. You can find out more about these allowable expenses on the government’s website. How much tax you pay on buy-to-let property income The income you receive from charging rent on your property is taxable. This means you’ll need to declare any rent you receive to HMRC (once you’ve deducted the expenses or allowances explained above) when filling out your Self Assessment tax return. As mentioned, how much tax you’ll pay will depend on your income tax band (either 20% or 40%). If you make money from other sources, such as employment, your rental profits will be taxed at the same rates as your other income. Stamp duty You’ll pay stamp duty on your buy-to-let property if the purchase means you’ll own more than one property and the property is worth more than £40,000. This type of stamp duty is known as the Additional Stamp Duty Rate and is charged as an extra on top of your standard stamp duty bill. So, if your property purchase means you own more than one property, you’ll pay a 3% stamp duty surcharge. Capital Gains Tax You may need to pay Capital Gains Tax if you make a profit when you sell a property that isn’t your home, such as a buy-to-let property. To work out if you’re required to pay Capital Gains Tax, you’ll need to calculate the ‘gain’ you’ve made from selling the property. The Capital Gains Tax rate is 18% for basic rate taxpayers earning up to £50,000 per year. This rate then rises to 28% for higher-rate taxpayers earning more than £50,000 per year. But like income tax, you’re entitled to a tax-free allowance which can reduce your tax bill. Until April 2025, the Capital Gains Tax tax-free allowance is £12,300. Inheritance tax If you’re a landlord or property business owner, you may look to pass on your property to loved ones once you’ve passed away. To do this, you must understand how Inheritance Tax (IHT) works and how it may affect your property portfolio. Should you pass away owning property, your beneficiaries (those in line to receive inheritance from you following your death) may need to pay IHT on your estate. IHT is charged at 40%, but everyone is entitled to the nil-rate-band allowance of £325,000 which they won’t pay tax on. Anything above this threshold is subject to the 40% tax rate. Real life case study from a property business owner We asked Michelle Niziol, estate agent, mortgage broker, property investor and director of IMS Property Group about her experiences with buy-to-let and any key takeaways she can share with new property investors. “The biggest challenge of starting a buy-to-let portfolio is usually the capital to put down as a deposit. You typically need at least 25% deposit of the value of the property. “Then understanding the local property market is critical, you need to be able to identify areas with potential for rental income and property appreciation and this can be challenging, especially for beginners. “You need to be careful with your property selection, ensure that the property you choose aligns with your investment goals, budget, and target tenant market, you need to consider factors such as location, property condition and potential rental yield.” When it comes to long-term success as a buy-to-let business owner, Michelle shared the following tips: “Ensure that you secure a property in the right location, near public transport routes, good schools and ensure that when the tenant moves in, the property is refurbished to a high standard. Make sure you deal with maintenance issues promptly, and enlist a reputable letting agent to fully manage your property.” Further costs associated with buy-to-let properties When investing in property, it’s important to consider any ongoing costs that may affect the returns on your investment. Once you’ve purchased a property, there are several ongoing expenses you’ll need to cover, including: Property maintenance costs: The cost of regular upkeep for your property, including cleaning, gardening and ensuring the property is kept in good working order. Agency fees: If you choose to rent out your property through a letting agent, you’ll need to pay letting agents’ fees. How much this will cost depends on the tasks the letting agent provides. You may choose to pay a one-off fee for a let-only service, which is usually around four weeks’ rent. If you choose full property management, the agent will deal with any day-to-day issues such as damage to the property or a tenant leaving without giving notice. This could cost you up to 20%. Repairs: We’re talking about repairs that go beyond your day-to-day maintenance. Unexpected repairs may crop up occasionally, such as a boiler breaking or something structural that needs fixing. Making sure you have a pot of money set aside for repairs can help. Insurance: You can take out buy-to-let landlord insurance, a more specialised type of home insurance, to protect you against risk when renting out your property. You may find that some home insurance providers won’t cover you if you aren’t living in your property, so make sure you take out the right cover for your needs. Insurance can protect you financially should the unexpected happen, such as a fire or flood, or even a tenant is injured due to a fault in the property and takes legal action. To wrap things up… If you’ve always wanted to start a business, what are you waiting for? Nothing compares to the feeling of being your own boss, and the property industry is a thriving one to be a part of. Now you know the most profitable buy-to-let hotspots, there’s no reason to wait. Form your company with SUAZ today - we’re excited to help kickstart your new venture. Recommended Readings

Discover the ideal age to launch your dream business with Start Up A-Z. Expert insights on the age to start a business journey. Read more. What Age is Best to Start a Business? 7 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories What the data says Why do so many studies show different ages? At what age can you start a business? Am I too old to start a business? Ready to start your business? What business owners have to say Paddy Moogan - Co-founder and CEO, Aira Digital - founded his first business at the age of 21 Steve Blood - Personal Trainer and Sports Injury Therapist - founded his business at the age of 19 Ben Grace - Founder of Eco-Luxe skincare brand SBTRCT - founded his business at the age of 44 Rebecca Heald - Workplace, Wellbeing and Leadership Consultant - founded More Than Nutrition in her 40s Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Whether you’re a fresh-faced graduate just entering the working world, or you have decades of business experience under your belt, entrepreneurial inspiration can strike when you least expect it. If your gut feeling is telling you to become your own boss, you shouldn’t let your age stand in your way. Wondering what the best age to start a business is? We’ll explore the average age of starting a business and dispel some myths along the way to give you the motivation and confidence to leap into entrepreneurship. What the data says Let’s turn to the data to see what the best age to start a business is. According to Beahurst, certain age demographics are more likely to have launched a successful business in the UK than others. Over 90% of founders in London are within the 20-49 age bracket - a broad range of almost thirty years, but this isn’t to say you shouldn’t start a business once you reach 50. You really can become your own boss at any age - Ray Kroc, the former CEO of McDonalds, was aged 52 when he started his entrepreneurial journey, whereas Mark Zuckerberg was only 19 when he started Facebook. With this in mind, it seems age is just a number when it comes to following your dream. With the mindset to succeed, there’s little stopping you from starting your own business, no matter where you are in life. While the ages of the world's greatest entrepreneurs differ greatly, what they all have in common is determination and perseverance. We know you’ve got what it takes. Another factor to consider is that while you may start your company at a younger age, it may not take off until later in life. Take Jeff Bezos as an example, who was 35 when Amazon began selling more than just books, and 41 when Amazon Prime launched. The most successful businesses have experienced periods of slow growth and challenges along the way - so stay persistent and have patience. Why do so many studies show different ages? You may be wondering why the age to start a business varies widely. This is because there really is no ‘right’ age to make your business dream a reality. We spoke to author, founder and psychotherapist, Eloise Skinner who added; “ I don't think there’s a ‘right age’ to start a business. I think it's completely dependent on the individual, and on the particular circumstances and situation of each founder. Of course, when we're a little younger we might have a higher tolerance for risk, but being older comes with benefits as well - for example, more experience, resources or connections.” Another factor to consider that can affect the age you start your business is gender. It seems that men start their entrepreneurial journey before women, with 40% of men starting businesses before the age of 35 , compared to 33% of women. This may be due to other responsibilities taking priority, which might include caregiving or family commitments. Another consideration is the funds to get the ball rolling. For example, you may have come up with your business idea aged 20, but not have the funds to get started until you’re 30. With this in mind, it’s never too late to become a business owner, especially considering a 60-year-old startup founder is three times more likely to launch a successful startup compared to a 30-year-old startup founder. So, what are you waiting for? At what age can you start a business? Wondering how to start a business as a teen? If you’ve put together a small business idea that could take the world by storm, it’s definitely possible to start a business under the age of 18. But you’re likely to need sign-off from a parent or guardian to make it happen. This is because you’ll need them to co-sign anything that involves a contract, such as legal documents. Those under 18 are considered minors, meaning they can’t open a business bank account, borrow money or have a credit card. This means you’ll need to find alternative ways to fund your new venture. Perhaps you’ll borrow money from a family member, or start your business with an adult who can access business funding . Am I too old to start a business? You’re never too old to start a business! All you need is an idea you’re passionate about and the motivation to get you where you want to be. We spoke to therapist and business coach, Amanda Brenkley , about why entrepreneurs may feel they’re too old to start a business and she responded; “There are several reasons why people might feel they're too old. Many individuals, regardless of age, fear the potential failure of a new business venture and sometimes we’re prepared to tell ourselves any story to stay in our comfort zone. But little worthwhile comes from staying in our comfort zone! Perceived age-related discrimination can be a concern for some people, but again this can also just be an excuse not to do the things you actually want to do. Experience, wisdom, and a strong work ethic can be significant advantages for older entrepreneurs.” In fact, waiting until later in life to start your business may stand you in good stead for the future. Considering that 42 is the average founder age of all S-corporations, C-corporations and partnerships registered in the U.S. between 2007 and 2014, it seems older entrepreneurs aren’t just more common than you may think, they’re more likely to succeed too. The average age of a startup owner as of 2021 is 35 years old , proving that you don’t need to be in your twenties to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Ready to start your business? It’s never too late to fulfil your business dreams. Starting a business can be life-changing, so you shouldn’t let self-doubt stand in your way. Eloise Skinner highlighted “The most important thing is to get clear on your ‘why’ - why do you want to start this business, or pursue this new venture? Once you're certain and clear on your motivations, you might find that energy and determination naturally follows.” If you’re feeling hesitant, our company formation service could be just what you need to restore your confidence. We offer several company formation packages to suit your needs, and can form your company with Companies House on your behalf, so you have less to worry about. Apply to form your company today - we’ve given you one less reason to wait. Still feeling unsure? Read on to hear from other business owners, as they uncover the age they started their businesses and any words of wisdom they have to share. What business owners have to say Paddy Moogan - Co-founder and CEO, Aira Digital - founded his first business at the age of 21 Do you think there were benefits to starting your business at a young age? If so, what were they? Definitely. For me, it was probably being chucked in at the deep end which was really hard, but it forced me to learn a lot of stuff very quickly. When I was young, I had a bit of naivety about me which ultimately meant that I didn’t overthink things like I would now. I just saw a problem or something that needed to be done, then got on with it without worrying too much. Weirdly, I probably had far less fear when I was younger running a business compared to now! What tips/advice would you give to 18-21 year olds considering starting a business? One thing I’d suggest is to get a very good, early grasp on the basic mechanics of how a business works, then apply this to the business that you’re thinking of starting. I started with zero clue about things like taxes, balance sheets, business assets, expenses etc. While I got by because I knew my product and business really well, I’d have almost certainly had an easier time maintaining and growing the business if I had learned the basics of running one. I’d also recommend finding people who you can ask for advice regularly on the aspects of running a business. Most experienced business owners will have no problem helping out a young person, so ask around or think about who you can approach for help and then do it. I didn’t really have anyone at the time and I know that it would have helped a lot if I did. Is there anything you would have done differently? I sold my first business after 12 months of running it and while it was a happy sale in the end, it was partly driven by me running myself into the ground with the hours and days that I worked. I’d never do that again because I know how important mental and physical health are to my own performance. So if I could go back, I’d tell myself the importance of these things and find a better work-life balance. Steve Blood - Personal Trainer and Sports Injury Therapist - founded his business at the age of 19 Do you think there were benefits to starting your business at a young age? If so, what were they? As a personal training and sports injury therapist, starting my own business early has meant that nearly 10 years on I've got a very well-established client base across both sides of my role. It meant that during more testing times to be a business owner, such as during the pandemic, a lot of my clients were more than happy to continue to invest in personal training over Zoom. There's a risk that if I was just starting out, it would have been much easier for clients to disengage. What tips/advice would you give to 18-21 year olds considering starting a business? It's true when they say age is just a number, but when you're just starting out - it's really easy to look at people older than you in your industry and talk yourself out of following your dream. It's important to try and keep imposter syndrome at bay and consider networking and mentoring sessions to broaden your interactions with people who do have more experience. But ultimately, remember you can do this! Is there anything you would have done differently? Looking back at the early years, I set the prices for my services deliberately low in order to try and build a client base - it was great at drumming up interest. But, I probably wasn't quick enough at increasing them when my experience was starting to stack up, or I completed another qualification. There was a period of three years where I sat at the same fees and if I was in an office job, I'd have almost certainly seen an increase or two in my salary over that time period. Ben Grace - Founder of Eco-Luxe skincare brand SBTRCT - founded his business at the age of 44 Do you think there were benefits to starting your business in your 40s? I think anyone who decides to start their own business does so at a time that is right for them. For me that time was in my 40s. It meant I was starting out with an incredible network of people, best in class experience in my industry and a real understanding of what it takes to build a skincare business. For me I needed this experience to give me the confidence to make that leap and go for it. Something I don’t think I was ready for before that point. What is the one key tip or piece of advice would you give to people in their 40s considering starting a business? It’s taking that initial leap that is the hardest part. I was at a point in my career where I felt it was now or never. I imagined myself in my 50s and still not having done it and realised it would be one of my biggest regrets. That’s also when I realised that success is in doing it. It’s not whether you exit or build a multi-million pound business. If you have a business in you, then giving it a shot is the most important thing. Rebecca Heald - Workplace, Wellbeing and Leadership Consultant - founded More Than Nutrition in her 40s Do you think there were benefits to starting your business in your 40s? Starting a business in my 40s had lots of advantages. Firstly, I had a wealth of experience and industry knowledge which has been invaluable. My life experiences have also made me so much better at what I do. I understand myself much better so have been able to see my failures as lessons and have been far more resilient. More than anything, starting a business in my 40s has given me a rekindled confidence and helped me find my voice. I'm now as passionate and enthusiastic as I was at 18, reigniting my entrepreneurial spirit with a fire that's brighter and more purposeful than ever before. What is the one key tip or piece of advice would you give to people in their 40s considering starting a business? Leverage your experience and networks. Your age can be a powerful asset. Use your past work experiences and connections to identify gaps in the market or unique opportunities. Seek mentorship and guidance from those who've been down a similar path. Additionally, don't underestimate the importance of adaptability. Be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn, as the business landscape is constantly evolving. Is there anything you would have done differently? I would’ve listened to my gut and trusted my instincts sooner. I would’ve been bolder and braver with my decisions instead of doubting myself. It's common to be inundated with advice from various business experts and gurus, but ultimately, you are the one who knows your business and its unique challenges best. Trusting your intuition and staying true to your vision can often lead to more authentic and successful outcomes. Recommended Readings

The Companies House register has shrunk for the first time since quarterly reporting began in 2012. Read what it means for future entrepreneurs. Companies House register drops for the first time since 2012 5 min read Company Formations, Business Trends Table of Contents Categories Year-on-Year changes What to do if you’re thinking of starting a business Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office The Companies House register has shrunk for the first time since 2012 - a stark indicator of the economic headwinds facing UK businesses. While various factors contribute to this downturn, it's difficult to ignore the impact of fiscal policies. Rachel Reeves' budget, while aiming to stimulate growth in certain sectors, has introduced measures that may inadvertently be dampening entrepreneurial spirit. For many, the cost and complexity of setting up a business now feels more daunting, especially amidst ongoing economic uncertainty. Moreover, the current economic climate, alongside rising inflation and fluctuating interest rates, is creating a high-risk environment for startups. Potential entrepreneurs are likely weighing the increased costs of borrowing and the challenges of securing initial funding against the backdrop of a potentially shrinking consumer market. A decrease in new company registrations signals a potential slowdown in innovation. Without a steady influx of new businesses, the UK economy risks stagnation, particularly in sectors reliant on entrepreneurial dynamism. How company formation registrations have changed year-on-year: Since the start of the year, there has been close to an even split between businesses starting and businesses closing. And when looking at the first two weeks of March alone, over 34,000 businesses have dissolved. No. of businesses set up from January 1st to 13th March 2025 No. of businesses dissolved from January 1st to 13th March 2025 166,944 164,357 This time a year ago, there were 18% more businesses set up, with fewer dissolving. No. of businesses set up from Jan 1st to 13th March 2024 No. of businesses dissolved from January 1st to 13th March 2024 197,292 138,302 Source: Companies House Looking ahead, this trend could significantly impact business confidence throughout the year. If the government doesn't address the underlying concerns of aspiring entrepreneurs, we may see a continued decline in new formations. This would not only affect the overall economic health but also exacerbate regional disparities, as certain areas may struggle more than others to attract new businesses. What to do if you’re thinking of starting a business If you’re looking to start your own business this year, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of. Following these steps can improve your chances of success and give you peace of mind that you’ve taken care of everything. Forming your company: You’ll need to legally form your company through Companies House which willcost you a £50 registration fee. Here at SUAZ, we can take care of this for free, you’ll just need to decide on your business name. Set up a business bank account: There are a variety of banks that offer great incentives for having a business bank account. We’ve listed a few in our starting a business guide. Choose your business legal structure: From sole trader to private limited company to public limited company, it’s important to understand the right legal structure for your business, with each having its own benefits and challenges. Check out our guide on legal considerations when starting a business. Understand your tax obligations: Every business in the UK, regardless of its size or structure, needs to be registered with HMRC. You’ll need to file annual returns and keep on top of your taxes. Limited companies are required to pay corporation tax on their profits, and you may need to register for VAT if your business turnover exceeds the VAT threshold . Here at SUAZ we’re on hand to help form your company at no expense. Recommended Readings

Read the essential points and strategy to include when writing a buy to let property business plan. Learn how to structure this crucial document. How to write a buy to let business plan 12 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories What is a property business plan? Creating a property business plan Section one - assess your current position Section two - set goals for a buy to let business Section three - set your buy to let strategy Top tips for writing a buy to let business plan Build out the cash flow Consider how you’ll be taxed Speak to experienced property investors Start your business journey with SUAZ Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Caught the entrepreneurial bug? Congrats! Starting your own business really is an adventure, where no two days are the same. If you’ve got an eye for detail, and a passion for property, you may be looking to start a buy to let business. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the real estate industry, a comprehensive business plan is vital. For you to take the property industry by storm, you’ll need to write a buy to let business plan that outlines your goals. In fact, many banks will ask to see your business plan as a condition of giving you a business loan . We’ve put together this complete guide on how to write a business plan for a rental property, so you know how to approach each section. With your property business plan in hand, you’ll be ready to take the next steps toward building a successful and profitable property portfolio. What is a property business plan? In simple terms, a property business plan is a written document outlining what you hope to achieve as a business owner and how you plan to get there. You can think of your business plan as your business road map, detailing your company’s strategy and goals, and the steps you’ll take to achieve them. If you’re looking to apply for a business loan, it’s likely that your bank will ask to see your business plan before agreeing to lend you the money. This is because they’ll want to see how you plan to pay off the money you owe. Some of the key elements that should be covered in your buy to let business plan include: Where you’re at: Explain your current financial situation and any costs you anticipate Goals for your business: What does success look like for your business? Make sure you relate this back to financial projections Your strategy: How are you planning to run and grow your business? Explain your business structure and how you’ll operate day-to-day Creating a property business plan There’s no right or wrong way to create a business plan. As long as you cover the key elements and express your passion, you’ll be well on your way to success. The key to a successful property business plan is thorough research, so you have a list of what to include. Below, we’ll explore the key considerations you should include, step by step. Section one - assess your current position The first step in putting together your buy to let business plan is to evaluate your current position, so you know what you need to succeed. Try to assess the following areas: Your current financial circumstances: Assess your personal finances, including any debts and liabilities, as well as savings and other income sources. Do you have any financial commitments that could impact your ability to invest in property right now? Evaluate any potential risks, such as cash flow changes or unexpected expenses, and how they may affect your personal finances and stability. Your motivation for starting a business: Clearly define your motivation for starting a buy to let business, whether that be financial independence or simply a passion for property. What are your short- and long-term goals? Your available finances: Do you have the funds available right now to start your business? It’s important to have complete visibility of your savings, investments and any other finances you can allocate towards starting your enterprise. Calculate your initial costs to get things going and whether your current finances are enough, or if you’ll need additional funding. Additional funding: If you need additional funding from investors or a business loan, you’ll need to work out where this money will come from. Explore options like bank loans, private investors and crowdfunding, and make sure you understand their repayment schedules. Your skills: Assess your skills and knowledge around property management - if you’re missing any key skills such as real estate law and tenant management, you could look to take a course or contact someone experienced in the industry for advice. How you’ll manage your properties: You’ll need to make decisions about how you’ll manage your properties. Will you manage them yourself, or have help from others? Section two - set goals for a buy to let business Setting realistic and measurable goals is crucial for your business’ success. These goals are what you’ll work towards, allowing you to stay focused with measurable benchmarks to help you track your progress. First, you’ll need to make sure your goals are realistic and achievable with the resources you have. For example, you could have a financial goal to own a certain amount of properties. If so, you could mention this in your business plan and the steps you’ll take to achieve this, as well as how much money will be required to fulfil this goal. Initially, you’ll want to aim for a manageable amount of properties that you can not only keep on top of, but afford. Consider how you’ll manage your portfolio as it grows - the more properties you acquire, the more work it will take to maintain them. You may need to hire a property management company to handle day-to-day maintenance and operations. Take a look at our how to start a property business guide for more details. Other business goals you may look to aim for include: Pension pot: You may use your property portfolio as a way of building a retirement fund. Set goals that align with your retirement planning, such as owning a portfolio of debt-free properties by retirement age. Financial independence: If you’re looking to achieve financial freedom, explain what that means to you. Perhaps you’ll want to cover all your outgoings with your buy to let income, or perhaps retire early. Section three - set your buy to let strategy Writing out your buy to let strategy in your business plan is a crucial step in your business journey, serving as the blueprint for how you’ll achieve your goals. Of course, the strategy you take will vary depending on the type of property you invest in. What works for a residential property is likely to differ from a commercial property, for example. Some decisions you may need to make when writing the strategy section include: What is my price range for buying properties? What improvements or renovations will I make to increase value? How will I afford these improvements, and what is the expected ROI? Will I prioritise expanding my portfolio or upgrading properties? How will I manage properties? How will I market properties to appeal to tenants? Top tips for writing a buy to let business plan As we’ve mentioned, your business plan is your roadmap for success, detailing exactly how you’ll achieve your business goals. There are further considerations to include when writing your property business plan, to ensure your company is in the best position for success, including: Build out the cash flow Building out a cash flow document, such as a spreadsheet, can help you assess how to get the best rental yield - the return on your investment relative to the price you paid for the property and ongoing expenses. You’ll also gain an overview of your expenses so you can make informed financial decisions. Doing so can help you review your expenses (such as gas certificates, legal costs and letting agency fees), to align with your business goals. Another key consideration is mortgage costs and interest rate changes. Monitoring your cash flow can help you to manage any changes to these costs. You can input your monthly mortgage payments, including interest, to understand how much of your rental income will contribute towards these payments. Remember, if you have a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate will remain the same each month up to a set period of time - five years for example. After this period the rate may change which could increase your monthly repayments. Inputting different rate scenarios into your cash flow document can help you prepare for these potential changes. Consider how you’ll be taxed Once you’ve built your cash flow, you’ll need to consider how you’ll be taxed as a business and how this will affect you. When deciding on a business structure, you may sway towards forming a limited company rather than operating as a sole trader due to the potential tax benefits. For example, as a limited company you’ll pay corporation tax rather than the income tax you’d pay as a sole trader, which is significantly less. Take a look at our limited company vs sole trader guide for more information. Speak to experienced property investors Reaching out to experienced property investors can offer first-hand knowledge and top tips for starting a buy to let business, as well as the latest industry changes. Reach out to like-minded professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, attend industry events and conferences or even contact local competitors to build valuable connections. You could ask questions about how they structured their own business plans, and what they’ve done to ensure their business remains profitable and sustainable long term. Start your business journey with SUAZ Writing your business plan for a buy to let property is a vital stage in your entrepreneurial journey. From setting your business goals to solidifying your buy to let strategy, you’ll soon have a business plan that you can turn to as you embark on your exciting next chapter. Looking to start a property business? SUAZ can take care of the complicated stuff for you. With our help, you can form your limited company completely free of charge, with support there whenever you need it. So, what are you waiting for? Form your buy to let business today with SUAZ. Recommended Readings

Confused about the legality of virtual offices? Explore SUAZ's guide to learn about the legal aspects and regulations surrounding them. Read more. Are Virtual Offices Legal? 8 min read Virtual Office Table of Contents Categories Are there any legal considerations when it comes to virtual offices? Can you use your virtual office address as your registered address? Can any business use a virtual office? Will there be any effect on tax if you have a virtual office? Do SUAZ have all the licences needed to operate a virtual office? Are there any ethical implications of a virtual office? Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office The good news is virtual offices are perfectly legal in the UK. In fact, the Companies Act 2006 specifically allows businesses to use a virtual office address as their registered office address. Following the pandemic, as virtual offices have become increasingly popular in the UK, most freelancers and SMEs opt for this option. It’s invariably cheaper than renting a private office, plus they get to impress their clients with a professional image. It’s always worth looking into the benefits of getting a virtual office , to make an educated decision on whether it suits your business. Are there any legal considerations when it comes to virtual offices? When it comes to the legal considerations, there are a few. You’ll just have to keep in mind that if you’re going to use a virtual office, the address should be located in the same country where your company is registered. You also need to ensure that your virtual office is a physical address in the UK in order to register your business there with Companies House. When forming a company, you’ll be required to have a registered office address where authorities such as HMRC and Companies House can send official correspondence. These letters are important to receive so as not to risk dissolution if important mail isn’t getting to you. Can you use your virtual office address as your registered address? Yes, you can, especially if you want to keep your home address private . It’s common for virtual office providers to also handle mail-forwarding services, letting you make sure official correspondence is received and forwarded directly to you. But keep in mind that using the virtual office address as your registered address is different from using it as your trading address. Make sure to check your package inclusions to make sure you get all the services you require. If you’re not sure what is a registered office address , we’ve created an article to answer common queries like this. A lot of business owners also use a virtual office to impress their clients with a more professional image, so it’s a normal practice for startups and starting businesses. Can any business use a virtual office? If you’re wondering if your business can use a virtual office, the answer is yes. Anyone can use a virtual office, whether you’re a sole trader or a limited company. But it’s worth noting that there are some businesses that may benefit from a virtual office more than others. For example, if you’re home-based or have a lot of remote workers, you may find that a virtual office is a great way to have a business address without having to rent a physical office space. Like being a freelancer, you may find virtual offices offer more flexibility, especially if you often travel to meet with clients, and don’t need to be in the office all the time. Will there be any effect on tax if you have a virtual office? The use of a virtual office will not have any effect on your taxes. But you will still need to file your taxes as you normally would. Other virtual office providers commonly state if their prices include VAT but here at SUAZ, we usually incorporate VAT in our prices. See more about how much a virtual office costs here . Do SUAZ have all the licences needed to operate a virtual office? Here at SUAZ, we make sure that we have all the licences we need to operate, especially when it comes to our mail-forwarding services . We have a licence from the post office, so no need to worry about not receiving official correspondence. Some information to verify your identity is also asked to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) verifications. We usually offer digital and post forwarding of your mail, to make sure you keep track of all important letters. Are there any ethical implications of a virtual office? If a company uses a virtual office address on its website and marketing materials, depending on the type of business you run and the type of clients you have, some people could consider this to be misleading. But, knowing your business and your customers, if you take this into consideration, you may decide that the benefits of a virtual office outweigh the drawbacks. If you think that a virtual office is a great choice for your business, view our Manchester virtual office address here . Recommended Readings

Want to set up a buy to let business? Read how this can work, from researching the market, establishing budget, to setting up your own company. Learn today. A Guide to Starting a Buy to Let Property Business 12 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories Are you ready to start a buy to let business? The buy to let property landscape in 2024 How much money do you need to start a property business? Steps to starting a property business Begin with market research and analysis Business planning Legal considerations and company formation Creating a financing strategy Understanding buy-to-let strategies Traditional buy-to-let HMOs Holiday lets BRRR How SUAZ can help you Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Caught the entrepreneurial bug? If starting a property or buy to let business is calling your name, there’s no better time to bring your business idea to life. Real estate is a thriving industry in the UK, generating a turnover of over £65 billion in 2022 , so you’ve certainly picked a popular sector to be a part of. Starting your own business can be life-changing - there’s no feeling quite like being your own boss! But you may experience trials and tribulations along the way as you navigate entrepreneurship. With the right preparation, you’ll know exactly how to handle these challenges and learn from them along the way. Our guide will cover exactly how to start a buy-to-let business in the UK, including the current property landscape in the UK and how to approach your buy to let business plan. We’ll also explain just how easy it is to form your company through SUAZ, to take some weight off your shoulders as you begin your new venture. Are you ready to start a buy to let business? Starting a property business is a major life decision, so it’s important you assess your readiness before diving straight in. Starting your own company requires a lot of commitment and dedication, which you’ll need to make sure you have the time for. You’ll need to wrap your head around the business jargon and regulations that may apply to your buy to let business, and make sure you’re both emotionally and financially prepared for your new venture. To confirm whether you’re ready to start your business, you’ll need to make sure you have the passion and commitment, the funds to get things going and a comprehensive buy to let business plan that outlines your business goals, financial projections and objectives. As long as you’re prepared and have the drive to succeed, there’s no reason why you aren’t ready to start a buy to let limited company. We believe you have what it takes. The buy to let property landscape in 2024 The UK’s property market has seen significant change in recent years, particularly due to economic factors such as the cost of living crisis, which has impacted mortgage rates and house prices. If you’re looking to start a buy to let business, you’ll be pleased to know that the housing market is certainly picking up following a period of decline. With house prices falling at their fastest rate in 13 years in November 2023, and a recent dip in mortgage rates, it’s predicted that the market could recover considerably this year. Overall buyer demand is up by 6% , after many movers held off from buying while they waited for the market to improve. Mortgage rates are slowly dropping, with five-year fixed rates for those remortgaging coming in below 4% as lenders compete against each other. For those purchasing a new home, the cheapest fixed rate available as of January 2024 is a five-year fixed rate of 3.92% . According to data from Moneyfacts, pricing is now at a seven-month low which is good news for buyers who have been holding off moving or buying their first home. Luke Meadows, Executive Mortgage Consultant at Mortgage Link Limited says; “In a bid to tackle inflation, we saw the Bank of England increase their base rate 14 times in 2 years. In recent months we have started to see more stability in rates as inflation improves but mortgages are still significantly more expensive than they were just a couple of years ago. During Covid, I secured a 5 year fixed for clients sub 1%. These deals are now typically 4%+ and rose to 6% at times last year. “The general consensus is that we are now through the worst and things will remain a lot more stable until rates are expected to slowly start reducing from the end of 2024. I have already seen a positive increase in the number of enquiries I am getting from homeowners looking to sell and upsize and this is expected to continue. I sometimes think the uncertainty is worse than the higher rates at times and now people feel this is maybe as expensive as it may get, they have the confidence to revisit those plans to move.” Other considerations as a potential property business owner are trends in the property market, such as a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Buyers seem to be more focused on the energy efficiency of a property over the charm of period properties, with 67% of landlords noticing less interest in period properties compared to a decade ago. This is likely due to the rising costs of running older properties, and the cost of energy bills which have prompted buyers to look for more cost-effective, energy-efficient homes. It may be worth keeping these considerations in mind when starting your property business, so you know you’re appealing to the needs of your potential customers or buyers. How much money do you need to start a property business? How much money you’ll need to kickstart your property business will depend on your unique, financial circumstances. It’ll also depend on the type of property you’re looking to buy, and if you need to cover other costs such as stamp duty. If you’re looking to buy a property to rent out, known as buy-to-let, you’ll need to consider the upfront costs of this business venture, and any ongoing costs you’ll need to cover once you’ve purchased your property. Buy-to-let mortgages work similarly to other types of mortgages, but the fees and interest rates tend to be higher. It’s likely you’ll need a deposit of at least 25% of the property’s value. You’ll then need to keep up with your mortgage repayments, but hopefully the rental income from your property will cover this. Other costs to keep in mind include: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): How much stamp duty you’ll need to pay will depend on the property’s price. For properties £40,000 and below, you won’t pay any stamp duty. Those priced up to £250,000 have a 3% buy-to-let stamp duty rate, properties priced between £250,001-£925,000 have a rate of 8% and if you’re buying a property priced between £925,0001-£1.5m, you’ll pay 13%. Looking to purchase a property of £1.5m and above? You’ll pay 15% buy-to-let stamp duty. If you’re a first-time buyer, you won’t need to pay stamp duty for properties up to £425,000. This limit will remain in place until March 2025, when it’s due to change to £300,000. Legal fees: You’ll need to pay your solicitor to take care of the legal side of purchasing a property. How much these fees cost varies, so be sure to check this beforehand. Ongoing costs: These are costs you’ll need to cover regularly once you’ve purchased a property, including mortgage repayments, service charges and management fees if you’d rather someone else, such as a letting agent, take care of managing your property. Letting agents will charge you the cost of advertising the property, conducting viewings and handling admin, for example. How much you can expect to pay will depend on the services you require. For a let-only service, where the letting agent will simply find tenants for your property, you’re looking at them receiving 50-80% of the first month’s rent on average . Whereas, if you need full property management, the letting agent is likely to charge 12-15% of your tenant’s monthly rent. It’s recommended that you have a starting budget of £50,000 to get your property business off the ground, but this of course depends on your unique, financial circumstances. Steps to starting a property business Ready to embark on your exciting new chapter? Starting a property business could be the life-changing experience you’ve been looking for. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get started. Read our study on the most profitable locations for a buy-to-let property business . Begin with market research and analysis Getting to know the market you’re looking to operate in is a key first step when starting a property business. Market research gives you insight into current trends and demands in the property market, so you know how to appeal to your customers. You’ll understand the demographics and preferences of your potential buyers or tenants, and how to differentiate yourself and your property from other property businesses. Business planning Creating a comprehensive business plan is a vital part of starting your business. Your business plan is a written document outlining your business’ plans and how you’ll achieve them. It will cover your business’ strategy, financial projections, goals and what success will look like for your business. For your buy-to-let business plan , you’ll need to cover the money you have to invest, the skills and knowledge you can apply to your business and the time you’ll have to invest each week or month for your business. If you’re looking to apply for a business loan, your bank will ask to see your business plan to know what you’re planning to use the borrowed funds for. Take a look at our guide to writing a business plan for more details. Legal considerations and company formation Make sure you understand the legal considerations of starting a property business. The first step is to form your company, which you can either do yourself through Companies House which costs £50, or you can let a company formation agent take care of things for you. Here at SUAZ, we can form your company with Companies House on your behalf, completely free of charge (yes, really!). What’s more, should you need any support or advice, we’re always at hand to answer any questions. Make sure you read up on and understand building regulations and which apply to your business. Building regulations are legal requirements that ensure the health and safety of those who live, work or use buildings. As a property owner, landlord or property management company, you’re legally required to ensure your property is safe for occupants and visitors. The government’s website explains the regulations around renting out your property . Creating a financing strategy How you choose to finance your business is up to you and what you can afford. You may have the money available outright to cover your startup costs, or you may need to rely on one of the following financing options to get your business up and running: Business loans: You can apply for a business loan through a bank and will need to repay the amount through regular repayments. How much you can borrow will usually depend on your credit history. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive the money and you’ll start making repayments, including interest, over a set term such as three years, for example. Partnerships: A business partnership means forming a business with another person. Rather than taking on your business’ responsibilities alone, they’ll be shared. Both of you will contribute financially to getting the business running, and you’ll both be liable for the business’ debts. Crowdfunding: This is where a ‘crowd’ funds a project, such as your property business. To raise the money you need, you’ll need to encourage investors to contribute to your business. There are different types of crowdfunding for you to consider including donation-based funding where your contributors will give money without receiving anything in return. With equity funding, investors will receive shares of your business in exchange for their contribution. Take a look at our guide to startup loans and business financing for more details. Understanding buy-to-let strategies If you’re looking to start a buy-to-let business, you’ll need to get your head around and decide on the different buy-to-let strategies. The buy-to-let strategy you choose will depend on your financial circumstances, business goals and the time you have to dedicate to your new venture. Here are the different types of buy-to-let for you to consider: Traditional buy-to-let As you may assume, a traditional buy-to-let involves you buying a property to rent out to tenants. The rent you charge should cover the mortgage payments and any other expenses, so you come out with a profit each month. HMOs Houses in multiple occupation, known as HMOs, are properties shared by multiple tenants from different families. Your property would be considered an HMO if at least three tenants live there forming more than one household, and if the toilet, bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared with other tenants. Holiday lets Holiday lets are focused on short-term renting throughout the year. If you’re looking to start a holiday rental company, it’s important to choose the right location and property which attracts holidaymakers to ensure you’re making a consistent profit. There are various regulations you must adhere to should you run a holiday let business. Your property must be available for commercial holiday letting for at least 210 days per year, and must be actively promoted and let commercially with the intention of making a profit. The government’s furnished holiday lettings guidance explains this in greater detail. BRRR Buy, refurbish, refinance, rent (BRRR) involves you buying a low-value property that needs work, refurbishing it to increase its value and then refinancing it. Once the property has increased value, you can use the money you put in to invest in another property. This is a popular buy-to-let strategy as it requires low initial capital to get started and allows you to grow your property portfolio fairly quickly. How SUAZ can help you Starting a property business can be life changing. Say goodbye to your regular 9-5 and embrace the world of entrepreneurship today with SUAZ. Our expert company formation service can take care of the hard work for you, so you can focus on the important stuff like your exciting next chapter. Form your company with SUAZ today. Recommended Readings

A business plan is a crucial part of starting a business, especially if you're looking to externally finance your business. Explore how to write a perfect one. What is a Business Plan and How Do You Write One? 15 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories What is a business plan? Why is a business plan important? Top tips for creating a business plan Be concise Be passionate Use data to back yourself up Take time on the research Be objective in your research Know your finances Change your plan if needed How to write a business plan in 7 steps Step 1. Your executive summary Step 2. Company description Step 3. Analyse the market Step 4. Explain the structure of your business Step 5. Explain your products/services Step 6. Financial plan Step 7. SWOT analysis Step 8. Appendices Business plan FAQs What makes a good business plan? Can you write a business plan yourself? Make your business dreams a reality Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office While you could jump headfirst into starting a business without any planning, we wouldn’t recommend it. Would you go on holiday without packing your suitcase first? Your business plan will cover all the exciting plans you have for your new business. It’s there to turn your dreams into actions by detailing your company’s objectives and how you plan to achieve them. It can also serve as a reminder of why you’re starting your business in the first place, to offer you determination should self-doubt creep in. But what exactly is a business plan? In this guide we’ll explain how to write a business plan and why it’s so important, so you’ll know exactly what to include. What is a business plan? A business plan is a written document detailing your business’ plans for the future. The aim is to outline your company’s strategy and objectives, and the steps you’ll take to achieve your goals. It will also explain how you plan to measure progress and what success will look like for your business. If you’re planning to apply for a business loan from a bank, they’ll ask to see your business plan to gain insight into what you’re looking to use the borrowed funds for. They’ll also want proof of how you plan to grow your business, to see if you have a higher chance of paying back the money you owe. For more information, take a look at our guide to business loans . Why is a business plan important? As you may have pieced together, a business plan is an important step in becoming an entrepreneur. Here are just some of the benefits of having a business plan: Offers direction: Your business plan works like your business’ sat-nav - there to guide you through each stage of your company’s journey. It serves as a strong point of reference if you need to remind yourself of how something works, as it should detail all the key elements of running your business, from your shareholders’ details to your goals and objectives. Holds you accountable: If you set yourself a goal, you’ll want the satisfaction of achieving it, right? A detailed business plan should outline your objectives and plans, to inform the choices you make for your business. If the going gets tough or you lose motivation, you can refer back to your business plan to remind you of why you started your business and what you set out to achieve. Helps you secure funding: As mentioned, your business plan can help you get funding or bring on new investors. Investors will want to see your business plan to know you have plans in place for success. Banks will ask to see your business plan before lending you money too. Helps you understand your customers: Your business plan can explain exactly who you’re looking to target with your product or service. What do your customers care about? What are they looking for from your business? Understanding your buyer can help you connect with them and appeal to their interests and values. Top tips for creating a business plan Now you know the value of writing a business plan, you’re ready to start putting your document together. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you get started. Be concise Your business plan doesn’t need to sound formal or complex. After all, it’s designed to clearly explain your business’ goals and purpose as clearly as possible. Keep your language clear and concise so stakeholders know exactly what you mean and resonate with your points. Be passionate Your business plan is your opportunity to showcase your commitment to your new venture and show others how much you care. The more passion you show for your new business, the more others are likely to understand your business’ purpose and mission. Use data to back yourself up The more evidence you have to back up your points, the more authoritative and well-researched your business plan will be. Data allows you to find benchmarks and set performance goals for your business, to outline exactly what success looks like. Take time on the research There’s no such thing as too much research! Get to know your competitors, the industry, and what you want your business to be. The longer you spend on research, the better you’ll know your company and the industry it sits in. Be objective in your research Make sure you include both the positives and negatives from your research. By covering the potential pitfalls you may face in your industry, you’ll show your stakeholders you’ve considered the obstacles you may face as a business. Know your finances The financial section of your business plan details your forecasted sales, expenses and cash-flows. If you’re looking to attract investors you’ll need to nail this section, as they’re likely to read it to decide whether their investment is safe. Looking to secure a bank loan? Banks will look at the finances section of your business plan to get a clear picture of your financial situation and plans, to ensure you’ll have means to pay back the money you’re looking to borrow. Change your plan if needed Remember you have the freedom to go back and change your business plan. Perhaps further down the road you realise your target market isn’t quite what you expected, or you’ve decided to tweak your service offering to appeal to a wider audience. You can go back and adjust your plan so it remains an accurate representation of your business’ goals and purpose. How to write a business plan in 7 steps While staring at a blank document can transport you back to late-night essay writing, try not to panic - you aren’t looking to meet a uni deadline! Instead, that blank page is the start of a new, exciting chapter. We’ve broken down how to write a business plan into bite-size chunks, to make the process feel manageable and straightforward. Step 1. Your executive summary The executive summary is the introduction to your business plan. Its purpose is to summarise key information about your company and its goals, to encourage people to read the rest of your business plan. In your executive summary you’ll cover what your business is and its opportunities for growth in your industry. Introduce yourself and other key stakeholders and their roles in your business. Explain how you plan to promote your business and your product or service, and how you’ll fund your business plans. Keep in mind that your executive summary shouldn’t be more than a page long, but should still cover the important stuff - like who you are as a business and your plans. The stronger your executive summary, the more likely customers are to trust and connect with your brand. Step 2. Company description Here, you’ll include an in-depth description of exactly who your business is. It's your opportunity to explore your business’ values and what’s important to you as a business owner. You can tell your business’ story, such as what inspired you to start your business, and your goals for the future. It’s also important to clarify the legal structure of your business, such as whether you’re a limited company . Step 3. Analyse the market Next, you’ll explain the market research you conducted to identify your business’ target market, industry and competitors. You should cover how you expect your product or service to be received, your business’ position in your industry and how competitive the market is. This section of your business plan is your chance to show your awareness of the market, any obstacles you may face and how your business will stand out in a competitive landscape. Step 4. Explain the structure of your business Now you’ll need to explain the management structure of your business and who’s in charge of business operations. Explain the legal structure of your business - if you’ve formed a limited company for example, you may want to touch on the advantages of limited liability . You could include an organisational chart to explain your company’s management structure, including the roles and responsibilities of each member of your team. You can then explain how each individual will work towards meeting your business’ goals. Step 5. Explain your products/services This is your opportunity to dive into the benefits of your product or service and how you’ll meet the needs of your customers. Explain the unique selling points (USPs) of your product or service that differentiates you from your competitors and how you’ll fill any gaps in the market. Step 6. Financial plan The next section of your business plan is your financial plan. Even if you’re certain your business idea will transform the market, your business won’t survive without making a profit. Your financial plan should reassure investors that your business is viable and a safe investment for them. You’ll typically look to include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. Your income statement will explore your revenue sources and business expenses over a set period of time. This allows investors to see your business’ profits and losses over time. Haven’t started your business yet? You can include predictions instead, such as how much money you expect to make and any losses you anticipate. Your balance sheet covers how much equity you have in your business. You can calculate your equity by noting your business’ assets (what you own) and your liabilities (the money you owe). You can then use the following calculation to work out your equity. Assets - liabilities = equity. Finally, your cash flow statement details the money that is coming in and going out of your business. When the cash you have coming into your business is more than the cash you have going out, your cash flow is positive. Whereas, when you’re losing more money than you’re making, the cash flow is negative. Your cash flow statement can help you put together a plan should you have a negative cash flow, to keep your business afloat should you suffer financial loss. Step 7. SWOT analysis Including a SWOT analysis in your business plan shows self-awareness and your drive to succeed. SWOT analysis explores your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Often, these four frameworks are presented as a grid, with bullet points that list the information, so you don’t need to worry about writing detailed paragraphs for each section. This section of your business plan allows you to reflect on your company’s strengths and weaknesses, and any factors that may limit your chances of success. Step 8. Appendices You made it to the end - congrats! Your final section, the appendices, should include any additional information or documents you think will be valuable to your reader. Perhaps you have market research data you’d like to include that is particularly significant to your business decisions. This section allows you to share any extra information that informed your business plans. Business plan FAQs What makes a good business plan? A good business plan should be both concise and informative, to clearly explain your company’s plans and objectives. A strong business plan is: Clear and concise - avoid awkward phrasing and making things too wordy Backed by data - make sure your statements or claims are supported by data Realistic - your business’ goals should be attainable Detailed - concise doesn’t mean you should skip the details. Explain your business’ goals clearly and how you plan to achieve them Can you write a business plan yourself? You can absolutely write a business plan yourself! You don’t need to be a literary genius to get your business’ goals and motivations onto the page. You may benefit from having someone else, like a friend or family member, read through your business plan to check for any errors and make sure it reads clearly. If you have any worries about how to approach or structure your business plan, you can reach out to our friendly team here at SUAZ. We’re always happy to help you achieve your business goals. Make your business dreams a reality If you have a business idea that you’re truly passionate about, what are you waiting for? Forming a business can be life-changing and we’re sure you have what it takes to succeed. Our expert company formation service can take care of the complicated stuff, so your business will be up and running in no time. There’s no reason to wait - form your company today . Recommended Readings

Depending on the business, average start-up costs are about £5k - but can be cheaper when you know how. Find out how much it costs to start a UK business here. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Business in the UK? 11 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories What are typical UK business costs? Research and learning Equipment and premises Branding Insurance Staff and payroll How to calculate your business costs Ways to minimise your startup costs Where can I get the money to start a business? Seek professional help Chase your business dream today Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Chances are you've heard of the idea that you need to spend money to make money. But how much does it cost to start a business? From company formation and business registration costs to legal requirements, to payroll and insurance, recognising the actual costs of starting a business can make sure your idea is viable. While the average new UK startup is £5,000 , you can start your own company for a lot less when you know how. Here, we'll cover how much money small business owners need to start with and how with careful planning you can minimise these startup costs to get your business up and running without being out of pocket. What are typical UK business costs? So, how much money do you need to start your own business? You'll first need to identify the typical startup costs in the UK. We'll explore these startup business expenses in more detail below, but here are some typical costs you can expect to get you started. Company formation/legal costs: Legal costs will vary depending on the business structure you choose. In the UK, you need to register your limited company with Companies House to form your new business. You can either do this yourself through the Companies House website , which costs £50, or get us to take care of the formation process completely free of charge. Registering for taxes: You’ll need to register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting to do business. You can register for free or hire an accountant to sort it for you if you’d prefer. How much an accountant charges for small businesses will vary from £60 a month to £250 depending on your turnover and where in the UK you’re based. Business insurance coverage: What business insurance you’ll need will depend on your business structure and if you have employees. If you’re looking to hire people to work with you, you’re legally required to have employer’s liability insurance. You may also choose to take out public liability insurance if you regularly communicate with or serve members of the public. How much your business insurance will be will depend on the type you need and your cover limits. Branding: There’s no doubt you’ll want your business to stand out from the crowd. If you need help establishing your company’s image, our branding package is available for £190, which includes all your core branding elements. Alternatively, to keep costs down you may choose to hire a freelancer to put together a company logo for example. Domain: To support your professional image, you’ll want to register your domain. How much your domain will cost will depend on the type you choose - ‘.com’ sites typically range from £10 to £17 a year , whereas if you’re a tech business you may prefer a ‘.io’ domain which can cost you up to £70 a year. Now let’s explore in more detail the various startup expenses and business costs you’ll need to keep in mind when starting a business . Research and learning Not only is preparing to start a business time intensive - from researching the industry to writing a business plan - it can cost you money too. You may choose to take a management course to brush up on your knowledge and put you in good stead for your new venture. Startup costs vary depending on if you learn virtually or in-person, and where in the UK you’re based. Alternatively, there are a broad range of free online resources for you to take advantage of; from YouTube to online forums, to help you brush up on your knowledge. To make sure your business idea is viable, you might want to carry out some test trades - make sure to factor this cost into your business plan. Equipment and business premises Another startup cost to keep in mind is the equipment you’ll need to buy to get your business up and running. Maybe you’re looking to upgrade your laptop, or need a certain type of machinery. Ask yourself if you need to buy these items straight away. Could you rent the equipment initially to keep costs down? If you’re looking to stick to a budget, you may want to avoid renting a physical office space. Could you initially trade from your home to test your business idea before you commit to a workspace? If you’re looking to have a business address but want to cut down on startup costs, our virtual office package could be right for you. You’ll gain a virtual office address right in the heart of Manchester, to protect your privacy and maintain your professional image. Branding and marketing costs Another startup cost to consider is marketing costs and branding services to give your company an edge. Working with a branding or marketing specialist can help your business get noticed and increase customer loyalty, because once customers find a brand they love, they tend to stick with it. But how much does branding and marketing cost? It depends! The cost will vary depending on your marketing budget, what you're looking for and who you hire. Do you need a brand or digital marketing strategy or brand guidelines? Or just someone to help you create a logo? If you work with a branding agency, you'll usually be charged a monthly fee which will be based on the work you need doing. As mentioned, you could cut costs by hiring a freelancer to take care of your branding, market research, social media management and marketing strategy. Insurance Business insurance can protect you against accidents, theft and damage but the type of cover you need will depend on the type of company you’re starting and how you’ll run it. If you’re planning on hiring people, the only insurance policy that’s a legal requirement to have is employers’ liability insurance. This covers your business if one of your employees claims they’ve suffered illness or injury while working for you. If you don’t have employers’ liability insurance, you can be fined £2,500 for every day you go unprotected - so it’s not worth risking. The average cost ranges from around £61 per year for a single office worker, and up to £200-600 for a trade worker - but premiums will rise depending on the number of employees you have and the riskiness of the work you do. As you may expect, an office worker is cheaper to insure than a builder, for example. While not a legal requirement, professional indemnity insurance may be worth looking into. This insurance can protect you from the cost of compensating a client if you make a mistake, have been negligent, or offered them poor advice. The cost of professional indemnity can range £45 to thousands per year depending on the size of your business and the riskiness of your work. Staff and payroll Another startup business cost you’ll need to bear in mind is the costs of your staff and payroll. It’s easy to assume that your only expense as a small business will be your employees’ salary. But in reality, an employee costs more than just their wages. There are other costs of employment you’ll need to consider, including: Employer’s National Insurance Contributions: This is National Insurance you pay on your employee’s salary - which will vary depending on how much the employee earns and their National Insurance category letter. You’ll pay Class 1 National Insurance on employees’ earnings above the secondary thresholds, at 13.8%. Auto-enrolment pension contribution: In the UK, employers must offer a pension scheme for eligible employees. Employees can then choose to opt out of auto-enrolment should they choose to. Since 2019, the minimum total contribution has been fixed at 8%, with a minimum of 3% coming from the employer. Employers’ liability insurance: As mentioned, if you’re hiring employees you’ll need employers’ liability insurance as a legal requirement. How much this costs will depend on the number of employees you have and how risky your work is. PAYE payroll system: Using payroll software can make your business’ payroll easier to manage. If you choose to run payroll yourself, you need accounting software to report to HMRC. It can help you report information, work out how much you need to pay HMRC and calculate things like sick and maternity pay. The cost of these services can vary but on average you can expect to pay £10-25 per month . To help you find the best provider, HMRC has a list of software that is recognised by them. How to calculate your business costs We’ve listed several business costs above, some of which you may not have thought of - but try not to let that put you off. Thoroughly calculating how much your small business will cost can alleviate your worries and help you feel in control of things. Here are some tips to help you calculate your business costs: Identify your expenses: These are costs that are unavoidable. From insurance and employee salaries, to equipment and branding. Estimate your costs: Once you have your list of expenses, you can research how much these should cost. Some expenses will have clear costs published online, while others will be less certain right now, like your employees’ salaries. Don’t be afraid to reach out to companies and service providers to ask what they charge. Get a total cost: Once you have a list of potential costs, it’s time to add them up. From there, you can split these expenses into one-time costs and monthly expenses. One-time costs will be things you’ll need to get your business off the ground, such as equipment. Whereas monthly expenses will include salaries, office rent and bills. Plan your funding: Now you have a good idea of how much it will cost to start your business, you work out how you’re going to afford it. You may choose to take out a business loan , use your savings, or start crowdfunding. Ways to minimise your startup costs The more money you can save when starting out, the more you’ll have to grow your business over time. Here are some ways you could save money when setting up your business: Rent rather than buy: There may be some equipment you only need short-term, like a camera to take product photos. Could you borrow from a friend or rent it rather than buying one yourself? That way, you can see how much you actually use the equipment before you decide to buy. Online marketplaces: To keep costs down you could try selling your product online through sites like Etsy, eBay, Amazon or Business Support Club , before investing in your own website. Once your sales have blown up, you can get your own website sorted! Go paperless: Paper, ink and postage costs can add up quickly. You could go paperless by avoiding printing unless absolutely necessary, sending digital invoices and filing paperwork digitally rather than in a filing cabinet. Work from home: Do you really need to rent an office space from the get-go? You could test your business idea from home before you commit to a workspace. Tax relief: Look into the various tax reliefs and allowances you’re entitled to as a business owner. For example, if you’re self-employed you can deduct some of your running costs as part of your annual tax return, such as office supplies, insurance and bank charges. Where can I get the money to start a business? Now you have an idea of how much it’ll cost to start your business, you’ll need to work out how you’re going to finance your new venture. While you shouldn’t let money stand in the way of you chasing your dream, it’s important to make sure your business idea is both viable and affordable to avoid financial difficulties later on. Some ways you could finance your business include: Your own savings: While financing your business out of your own pocket may sound unachievable, with patience and accountability it can happen. Set yourself a goal, choose a savings account with a competitive interest rate and cut back on unnecessary living expenses. You’ll be surprised how much you can save! Business loan: A business loan works in a similar way to other types of loans. You apply through a bank and repay the amount through regular repayments. How much you’ll be allowed to borrow will usually depend on your credit score. Like any type of borrowing, make sure the debt you take on is affordable and that you’ll be able to keep up with the repayments. Crowdfunding: Another option to get your business up and running is crowdfunding, This involves you getting a ‘crowd’ to fund your new business. There are a few options such as donation-based funding where your contributors will donate money without receiving anything in return. With debt-based funding, those who donate will be repaid with interest. Government-backed loan: Another option is applying for the government-backed Start Up Loan . You can borrow anything from £500 to £25,000 subject to acceptance. Just bear in mind that you will be charged for your borrowing, at a fixed interest rate of 6% per year. Seek professional help If you’re looking to start a business, it’s likely you’ve been mulling over the idea for a while. To alleviate any worries, you may find it helpful to discuss your business idea with a professional. From how you’re going to afford to be your own boss, to any worries you may have, a professional can offer you valuable business advice to keep your worries at bay. You may choose to hire an accountant or financial adviser to help you make sense of your finances and check everything is in order. As you start to bring customers in and your business grows, an expert adviser can help you make informed decisions about hiring employees, investing in new equipment and keeping on top of your taxes and navigating any unexpected costs that crop up. Chase your business dream today Starting your own successful business doesn’t need to feel like hard work. Our company formation service can take the reins, from forming your own business with Companies House on your behalf, to supporting you every step of the way. You’ll have everything sorted in no time, boss! Apply to form your company with SUAZ today. Recommended Readings

Learn what public liability insurance is, why it's essential for UK businesses, and how it protects against claims for injury or property damage. What is public liability insurance and what does it cover? 12 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories What is public liability insurance? What does public liability insurance cover? What doesn’t public liability insurance cover? Why do you need public liability insurance? How much public liability insurance do you need? How to get public liability insurance in the UK Tips for managing your public liability insurance Ready to chase your dream? Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Nothing compares to the feeling of starting your own business . You can bring your vision to life with endless opportunities to explore. But with that excitement comes several key responsibilities, and more so if you'll be dealing with the public. Chances are you’ve come across a lot of jargon in your business journey so far, especially when it comes to insurance. There are several types of business insurance out there to suit different business needs. While not a legal requirement, public liability insurance can offer significant protection, covering you if a member of the public has an injury or their property gets damaged because of your business. In this guide, we’ll answer exactly ‘what is public liability insurance?’, why it’s important and how to find the right policy for your needs. What is public liability insurance? Public liability insurance is a form of business insurance designed to cover you if a member of the public claims to have been injured, or had their property damaged, because of your business. Your insurance would then financially protect you against any legal proceedings that follow the claim, including any compensation that may be owed. While it’s not a legal requirement to have public liability insurance in place, some clients may ask that you’re covered for public liability before agreeing to work with you. So, in some cases it does more than protect your business - it could also secure you new opportunities too. What does public liability insurance cover? Should a member of the public claim to have been injured or had their property damaged as a result of your business activities, public liability insurance could cover the cost of compensation. Your insurance may cover the cost of compensation for personal injuries, loss of or damage to property and death. While policies can vary depending on the terms of your policy, most insurers will cover you for: Incidents that occur on your business premises Incidents that occur off-site, at events or activities organised by your business Your policy may also cover the cost of legal fees as a result of a claim against you. What doesn’t public liability insurance cover? What is and isn’t covered by public liability insurance will depend on the terms of your policy, but there are several common exclusions you need to be aware of. For example, claims made by an employee against you for damage or personal injury aren’t covered by public liability insurance - you’ll need employers’ liability insurance for that. Other circumstances that aren’t likely to be covered include: Pre-existing issues or claims: Your policy isn’t likely to cover any issues that occurred before you took out your policy. Usually, you’ll only be covered for claims that arise once you’re insured. Hazardous materials or substances: If an accident was caused by a dangerous substance such as asbestos, it’s not likely to be covered. Criminal acts: It may sound obvious, but insurers are unlikely to cover property damage or injuries that were a result of breaking UK laws or criminal behaviour. Why do you need public liability insurance? Becoming an entrepreneur opens the door to new, exciting opportunities but an equal amount of risks. As much as we can try to prepare for the unexpected, accidents do happen and can have legal and financial consequences. Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business should the worst happen and a member of the public claims they were injured or their property was damaged as a result of your business activities. Let’s say you open a retail business and a customer trips over a cable in your shop leading to a serious injury. Without public liability insurance, you could be liable for not just medical expenses but legal fees, which can add up quickly and significantly impact your business’ financial wellbeing. As we mentioned earlier, public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it can be a massive benefit. Some clients may even ask that you have public liability insurance as a condition of their trusting and working with you. With a policy in place, you’ll have the peace of mind that should disaster strike, you and your business won’t be financially liable. How much public liability insurance do you need? How much public liability insurance you need will ultimately depend on the nature of your business. After all, each business is unique and the amount of cover you need will depend on the types of clients you work with, how much you interact with the public and your level of risk. Different insurers will cover you up to different amounts, ranging from £1m to £10m. Your cover limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out should you need to claim (and that claim is covered). When deciding on the level of cover you need, you’ll want to consider the following: Your clients’ expectations: Depending on the industry you operate in, your clients may expect a level of cover as a condition of working with you. For example, a client may ask that their suppliers have at least £5 million of public liability cover. If you go ahead with the work but do not have it, you will be in breach of contract. Your level of risk: Will your business regularly interact with members of the public? If so, there is a higher chance of compensation claims, especially if you work in a higher risk industry such as construction . It’s also important to consider the repair costs involved should damage to property occur, for example. Trade bodies/associations: If you’re looking to join a trade body or association, you may be required to have a particular level of public liability insurance. How to get public liability insurance in the UK While insurance can sound complicated, taking out a public liability insurance policy in the UK is usually a straightforward process. Here’s how to find the right policy for you, step by step: Work out what you need: Assess the level of protection you need. This will largely depend on the industry you work in, how much interaction you have with the public and your level of risk. From there, you can decide on how much cover you need. Shop around: Use comparison tools to compare policies from different insurers. Read the fine print : Make sure your policy covers what you need it to and watch out for any exclusions. Complete your application: Once you’ve decided on your policy and insurer, you’ll need to fill out your application. You’ll usually be asked to provide your business details, including your annual turnover, your business’ industry and the number of the employees. Try to be as honest and accurate as possible so you aren’t left unprotected. Review annually: Make sure you review your policy on an annual basis, as well as whenever there’s any change to your business. That way, your policy will continue to protect you as your business grows. Tips for managing your public liability insurance Public liability insurance is more than just a formality. Rather than getting your policy and then forgetting about it, you’ll need to review your cover regularly to ensure it still provides the right level of protection. Here are some tips to help you manage your public liability insurance: Review your policy regularly: As your business evolves, your risks are likely to change too. Make sure you review your policy, especially if you go on to offer new services or operate in new, different locations, to ensure your coverage is enough to protect you. Keep records accurate: Make sure you keep your documentation up to date, such as any risk assessments, incident logs and contracts. That way, should you need to make a claim you’ll have all the information you need to hand. Prioritise risk management: Keep accidents to a minimum by implementing health and safety measures for your business. Invest in regular training for staff, clear signage and equipment checks to ensure everything is working safely and correctly. Doing so could reduce your need to claim and potentially lower your premiums. Ready to chase your dream? Sorting out your business insurance is a vital step in your business journey. Now you’ve got your head around how public liability insurance works, you’re one step closer to making your business dream a reality. Ready to get started? With SUAZ, you can form your company completely free of charge, and you’ll have professional advice and support to hand whenever you need it. Form your limited company today. Recommended Readings

Read our report on stress and mental health in business and how to care for your mental wellbeing when running a business. Stress and the Mental Impact of Running a Business 10 min read written by Lucy Hancock Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories Mental health challenges of small business owners Business financial strain Isolation Work performance Understanding taxes/finances Loss of a deal/new business pitch Overworking and burnout Mental health conditions suffered by entrepreneurs The mental impact of running a business in statistics Knowing the signs of poor mental health How to look after your mental health when running a business Real life case studies from entrepreneurs Hayley Knight - Co-founder and Comms Director at BE YELLOW Aaron Bond - Director of Operations at Bond Rees Ltd Further resources Conclusion Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - while both life-changing and rewarding, starting a business isn’t easy. From struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, to financial worries, business owner stress can affect anyone and you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed at times. In fact, 50% of SMB owners surveyed said stress and mental health issues are affecting the success of their business. When it comes to business stress, it’s important not to suffer in silence. The impact of mental health in business shouldn’t be glossed over, and knowing how to look after your mental health can be just what you need to keep your passion alive and your business thriving. We’ve put this report together to explore how running a business affects mental health and the factors that contribute to poor mental health as a small business owner. We’ve even spoken to other business owners to understand how running a business has affected their wellbeing and what changes they made to improve their mental health. With our tips, you’ll know how to deal with burnout at work so you can take care of not just your business, but your wellbeing too. Mental health challenges of small business owners 80% of small business owners in the UK reported experiencing symptoms of poor mental health . In fact, when comparing mental health conditions among entrepreneurs to the general public, more entrepreneurs experience mental health issues than those who aren’t business owners. Let’s explore some of the potential contributors to poor mental health in the workplace. Business financial strain The financial pressure of running a business can leave you feeling worried about the state of your business, both now and in the future. You may worry about meeting financial obligations , such as paying the salaries of your employees, or your office bills. This financial stress can contribute to feeling overwhelmed and isolated. In fact, 49% of small business owners believe their mental health has suffered from the stress of managing their business finances in the past year. To avoid business financial strain impacting your mental wellbeing, be sure to address any financial worries early on, such as revisiting your cash flow, and reach out for support should you need it. Isolation Taking care of your business can leave you feeling isolated at times, especially in the early days when you’re committing significant time and effort into getting your new venture off the ground. You’ll likely spend a lot of time alone which can leave you feeling isolated - contributing to loneliness and depression. If you’re finding yourself feeling isolated, try to expand your network and meet like-minded entrepreneurs who you can share your experience with. It’s likely they’ll have experienced similar emotions and can offer you support. Work performance Work performance can both influence and be influenced by your mental wellbeing as a business owner. Should your business thrive and hit its objectives, this can reduce financial strain and anxiety. Whereas, if your company experiences a rough patch or loses profits, this may negatively impact your mental health and leave you fearful for your company’s future. For many business owners, their work is closely tied to their self-worth and identity - if work is going well, this can boost self-esteem but if business is underperforming this can lead to self-doubt and failure. If you’re finding work performance is taking its toll on your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for support, such as seeking professional help, to make things feel easier to manage. Understanding taxes/finances As a business owner, you’ll need to comply with and understand various tax and financial regulations, which can feel overwhelming to get your head around. If you struggle to understand your business’ finances , you may be left feeling anxious or uncertain about your new venture. Equally, a lack of financial literacy can lead to poor financial planning which may negatively affect your business’ livelihood. Making sure you have a detailed business plan to hand can alleviate your financial concerns and improve your knowledge. Your business plan is a point of reference should you need it, detailing your financial objectives and how you’ll budget for your business objectives. You can even refer to the cash flow within your business plan, which details the cash required by your business day-to-day and when your costs are due, to keep things running smoothly. This will provide a sense of direction and reduce your anxiety as a result. Loss of a deal/new business pitch You’ll likely invest significant time and energy into pursuing new business opportunities, so losing a deal or pitch can leave you feeling disappointed and frustrated. Losing a business deal can also have financial consequences, especially if you were expecting significant revenue had you won the pitch. This financial strain can contribute to stress and anxiety over the financial health of your business. The first step in coping with the loss of a deal is acknowledging and accepting your emotions as they come. Disappointment is only natural - give yourself time to accept what has happened. From there, you can approach the situation as an opportunity to learn and identify what could be improved for your next opportunity. Finally, connect with your network such as your colleagues or friends who understand these challenges and can provide support. Overworking and burnout Starting your own business is no easy task and often comes with an endless to-do list! From meeting financial goals to keeping up with competitors, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and overworked as a business owner, which can lead to burnout over time. In turn, burnout can lead to a lack of motivation, exhaustion and a loss of passion for your business as a result. In fact, 37% of UK small business owners say they’ve experienced burnout as a result of running a business. To avoid overworking and burnout, make sure to reach out to your support network when you feel snowed under, and recognise the signs of burnout to prevent it. Mental health conditions suffered by entrepreneurs As we’ve mentioned, being a business owner can come with its fair share of challenges which can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing. With 75% of small business owners being concerned about their mental health , it’s clear that more awareness and emphasis are needed on mental wellbeing amongst entrepreneurs. When looking into the mental health conditions of business owners, depression was the most common condition suffered, with 30% of business owners struggling. So, if you’re looking to start your own business, prioritising self-care and learning how to manage your stress is vital. Doing so can protect not only your wellbeing, but the success and longevity of your business too. The mental impact of running a business in statistics While starting your own business can be life-changing, it also comes with a lot of responsibility, particularly around your business’ success, which can cause worry and stress. With 65% of small business owners experiencing anxiety, it’s clear that the added pressure can have major repercussions on your mental wellbeing. Likewise, 60% of small business owners have felt their stress levels increase in recent months due to the economic landscape. Current economic conditions such as inflation and supply chain issues following Brexit are likely to have played a part in the day-to-day running of many small businesses, with 5% of businesses with 10 or more employees having experienced global supply chain disruption in November 2023. Changes in regulations and trade policies may also impact market access and talent acquisition, which may lead to increased anxiety. With this in mind, it’s vital that business owners take care of their wellbeing just as much as their business during periods of economic uncertainty. By prioritising self-care and wellness practices, you’ll know how to tackle any challenges that come your way. Knowing the signs of poor mental health We’ve touched on how running a business can cause mental health challenges as an entrepreneur, but how should you manage it? We’ll explore how to deal with the stress of running a business below, so you know what signs of poor mental health to look out for. Increased irritability: Feeling more short-tempered than usual? If you’ve found yourself feeling more irritable and less patient than normal, it may be a sign that you’re not feeling like yourself. Withdrawal from social activities: Social withdrawal involves not participating in social activities you used to enjoy. Our social relationships are crucial to our wellbeing, and subconsciously withdrawing from social interactions can leave you feeling isolated. Loss of interest in work: You likely started your business out of passion and excitement. But when that love for what you do starts to fade, this may be a sign of poor mental health. If you’re finding yourself disinterested in your work and lacking motivation, it may be time to reach out for support. Changes in sleeping and eating behaviours: A change in appetite and sleeping behaviour can be a sign that you’re struggling with your mental health. Perhaps you’re struggling to get to sleep, or you’re eating more or less than normal. If you’ve noticed a change in your sleeping or eating habits, this may be due to business stress and anxiety. Spotting the signs of poor mental health early can prevent the problem from escalating. The sooner you acknowledge you may be struggling, the sooner you can reach out for support. How to look after your mental health when running a business Running a business can be emotionally demanding, so it’s important you take care of your mental health for long-term business success and your wellbeing. Here are just some of the ways you can look after your mental health as a business owner: Practise self care: Set aside time for you to take care of your wellbeing. Self care looks different for everyone - perhaps you’ll practise meditation, take a walk or write down how you’re feeling. Try to incorporate relaxation techniques into your day-to-day to clear your mind. Set boundaries: As a business owner, keeping a healthy work-life balance can feel tricky, especially if you work from home. Try to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Make sure you establish specific work hours to avoid overworking and make time for your hobbies and family and friends. Take regular breaks: Be sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, away from your desk, to recharge and prevent burnout. Also, make sure you take time off throughout the year to switch off from work and unwind. Professional help: Seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can provide you with valuable support and ways to cope when you’re struggling. You can voice any anxieties you may have confidentially, to take some weight off your shoulders. Remember that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness - if you had a physical problem, you’d see a doctor and the same should apply to your mental health. Psychotherapist and author of ‘But Are You Alive?’, Eloise Skinner offers her advice on how to look after your mental health as a business owner. “Make sure you have stable foundations in place for the rest of your life, as you start your journey as a business owner. This means prioritising your own wellbeing (sleep, nutrition, fitness, etc.), and your relationships (friends, family and colleagues). It also means setting aside time for your passions and hobbies - and retaining a sense of self outside of your business. Starting a new venture can be overwhelming, often in a good way, but sometimes in an intimidating way too. Building a life that feels stable, secure and balanced - both within the workplace and outside of it - might help you to navigate the rollercoaster of business life a little better.” Real life case studies from entrepreneurs Here are some examples of how other entrepreneurs take care of their mental health. Hayley Knight - Co-founder and Comms Director at BE YELLOW Entrepreneur Hayley Knight, co-founder and Comms Director of PR and marketing agency BE YELLOW , explains how burnout led to her closing down her last business to find a better way of working, implementing four-day work weeks and fully remote working. “I suffer from severe anxiety and ADHD, and in the past, I have failed to set healthy boundaries, taken on too much work and said yes to everything. “Now I set boundaries, and have systems in place that help increase my focus, and productivity and manage my workload. We also have four-day work weeks, we use our free day for professional and personal development, and implement regular focus periods. “I have developed a strict morning routine, which includes meditation and exercise, and I meditate when I am feeling overwhelmed, or need to make a decision. I also take a step back and have learned not to reply to things impulsively. I also travel full time, which is great for my wellbeing.” Aaron Bond - Director of Operations at Bond Rees Ltd Aaron Bond, Director of Operations at Bond Rees Ltd , explains how he has achieved a sustainable work-life balance after setting up his own private detective agency. “Running a business as a small business owner has been an incredibly rewarding yet mentally demanding journey for me. One of the most profound challenges has been the blurring of boundaries between work and my personal life. “Unlike traditional employment with set working hours, being an entrepreneur means that the concept of ‘regular hours’ becomes obsolete. The demands of the business are relentless, and it often feels like the entrepreneurial journey is a round-the-clock commitment. This constant state of vigilance, coupled with the weight of responsibility for the business' success, can take a toll on mental wellbeing. The never-ending nature of the work can lead to burnout, stress, and a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed. “To navigate these challenges, I've prioritised creating a sustainable work-life balance. Recognising that my mental health is integral to the success of my business, I've implemented strict boundaries around working hours and made a conscious effort to set aside dedicated time for self-care. Whether it's taking short breaks throughout the day, scheduling regular moments of relaxation, or disconnecting from work during evenings and weekends, these practices have played a crucial role in maintaining my mental resilience.” Further resources If you’re finding things difficult to cope with right now, you don’t need to suffer in silence. There are plenty of helpful resources at hand to help you take care of your mental health as a business owner, including: The Federation of Small Businesses - A Guide for Small Businesses Mind’s mental health at work NHS - Get your free Mind Plan Mental Health at Work’s The Mental Health of the Self-Employed report Find an NHS Talking Therapies service Conclusion Prioritising your mental health doesn’t just affect your personal life, it’s also crucial to successful entrepreneurship. The life of a business owner is exciting and fulfilling, but the pressures of running a company can be overwhelming. Without self care and boundaries, it can be all too easy to neglect your wellbeing and be left feeling burnt out and emotionally drained. Taking care of your mental health is an investment in both yourself and your business’ success. If you’ve found your mental health has taken a dip, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. By implementing self care practices into your day-to-day, you can embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship with open arms. Ready to form your own company? Check if your business name is available today to get started. Author bio Lucy Hancock is an experienced finance writer, having previously worked for Staysure Travel Insurance before working at MoneySuperMarket where she specialised in all areas of personal finance, from credit cards and loans to pensions and retirement planning. Having worked in digital marketing for several years, she’s passionate about the value small business marketing can bring to those looking to grow their businesses. She has written extensively across all areas of business and personal finance, to help business owners like you make informed financial decisions. Recommended Readings

Advice from business and branding experts on the importance of getting your new business name right, including their top tips for naming your business. The Power of a Name - Expert Tips for Naming Your Business 9 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories How to come up with a business name Branding and marketing experts share advice on naming your business How powerful can a business name be? Factors to consider when choosing a business name What happens if you don't pick a strong brand name? Is there any psychology behind choosing brand colours? Should you include the type of brand in your business name? Should you choose a long or short business name? When should you rebrand a business? Should you choose a business name that is personal to you? The cost of a domain for new businesses Forming a company Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office One of the first steps in creating a business is choosing your brand name. This is how the world will know you and it’s therefore a pretty significant decision. Choosing a name is a big part of building your identity and making you stand out from the crowd, and it lets customers know what to expect from your business. So, where should you start? How to come up with a business name Choosing a business name can be tricky. So to help you decide the best title for your organisation, we’ve pulled in three experts to share their insights and advice. We’ll get onto this expert guidance in just a moment, but first, here are some initial questions to ask yourself when thinking about an ideal business name: Will the name limit your business? Avoid being too specific about your offering in your name, in case you later decide to expand or change your business’ focus. Does the name make sense for your business? Does the name indicate what you do? Some businesses opt for unusual, abstract names but these give less information to potential customers. Is it easy to remember? Shorter names are often better and it usually pays to avoid acronyms, hyphens and special characters. Is your name easy for people to spell? If not, you could end up repeatedly spelling it out for customers and suppliers, and risk people not finding you online. Does it sound good? Is it easy to pronounce? Does it have a nice ring to it? Is the name meaningful just to you? A random name with meaning only for you tells people nothing about your brand. Is the name visually attractive? Think about how your name will look on your website, on a billboard and anywhere else it might appear. Is the name (and domain) available? You can check that with our company name availability checker . Branding and marketing experts share advice on naming your business Here come the experts! Let’s quickly introduce you to the branding and marketing experts who’ve kindly shared their insights with us, to prove that they’re well worth listening to. Expert number 1 Daphne Diluce - award-winning international designer, brand expert, business strategist and co-founder of Roar Media Creative. Expert number 2 Chelsea Spencer - Head of Marketing, Fenn 1875 . Expert number 3 Andrew Burnett - founder of helleau® , a thought partner to self-aware brands. How powerful can a business name be? Daphne Diluce: ‘ In my experience, a business/brand name wields immense power when it resonates with a meaningful message that elevates and enriches its customers' lives. The true strength lies in what the name symbolises. I thrive on delving deep into this realm, crafting brand names that not only exude power but also find a permanent home in the hearts and minds of the customers.’ Chelsea Spencer: ‘ I’d say powerful but a lot of people at the start of their journey spend too much time on this instead of getting their product or service out to market fast to see if it’s even viable in the first place. At the start-up phase the aim is to see if it works – I’ve had clients in the past who’ve not even sold their first batch of stock but they’ve rebranded more than once and waste no end of money and time on the look and feel of their brand before even knowing if the product was good. Often I think it’s a mind-set thing either to do with perfectionism or procrastination. In some instances not naming your business or product can even help get over this until you’ve got some solid feedback on the product or service.’ Andrew Burnett: ‘ How often do brands change their taglines? How often do they update their logos? And, how often do they change their names? Names are what we use to share brands in conversation, they’re vital to the most powerful form of marketing; word of mouth.’ Factors to consider when choosing a business name DD: ‘ In my view, the pivotal elements in selecting a business name revolve around customer comprehension. It must convey what the business or service offers, enabling clients to envision and grasp its purpose. This profound understanding is the key to attracting the right, loyal clientele to the business, ensuring constant growth and success.’ CS: ‘Functionally – can you get all the domain and social handles of the brand name and have it the same, is there anyone else out there with a name like it (I’ve had clients in the past literally rip off other brand’s names just because they like it and then faced the repercussions on diminished marketing returns later due to confusion, overly competitive SEO / PPC). Once I had a client that launched a sub-brand, created all the marketing and products for it and only then realised the domain they wanted was taken but not being used – the person who had the domain then tried to sell it to them for over 50k (they’re a medium sized business so to them this was a lot) – which they ended up paying because they’d already invested and marketed so heavily. ‘Also, trademarks. A current client is setting up their brand and they wanted to call it after a well known product of a direct competitor – it had a trademark on it and before they engaged with me they were having packaging and a website created under this. As soon as I embarked on the project with them I put a stop to it because the potential fallback would have been disastrous. ‘The less functional – ease of pronunciation, spelling (doesn’t have to be a real word like monzo) but the more simple the better traction they tend to get.‘ AB: A good name is SCUMMY™: Short Consistent Unique Memorable Meaningful Your brand appropriate.’ What happens if you don't pick a strong brand name? DD: ‘ If founders don't pick a strong brand name, it can lead to several detrimental consequences for their business: Lack of recognition, making it challenging to stand out in the market. Confusion and difficulty communicating the business's offerings. Reduced trust and credibility among potential customers. Limited growth and diversification opportunities. Potential trademark issues and legal challenges. Missed marketing opportunities and weaker emotional connection with the audience. Negative associations and damage to the business's reputation. Higher marketing costs without guaranteed results. Difficulty attracting top talent. ‘I want founders to know, a strong brand name is crucial to avoid hindering growth, communication, and overall success for the business.’ CS: ‘Ability to market effectively, unnecessary competition on Search, Paid and Social like the above. Potential for trademark infringements. Ultimately it will become much more costly. Starting a new business and scaling is already hard so no need to make it harder for yourself along the way.’ AB: ‘The success of the brand. ‘If names don’t work they may be confused with other brands, be forgettable, have unavailable brand assets, and so on. ‘ Is there any psychology behind choosing brand colours? DD : ‘ Yes, there is indeed psychology behind brand colours. Colours can evoke specific emotions and associations, impacting how customers perceive a brand and influencing their decision-making. Colour associations hold immense power in branding and marketing. Understanding the psychology of colours is crucial when creating your brand materials. Here are some common colour associations: Red: Represents passion, energy, and urgency. It can create a sense of excitement and stimulate impulse buying. However, it may also be associated with warnings or danger. Blue: Symbolises trust, reliability, and calmness. It is often used by banks, technology companies, and healthcare providers to establish credibility. However, an excessive use of blue may feel cold or distant. Green: Associated with nature, growth, and health. It appeals to environmentally conscious audiences and represents balance. However, too much green may come across as bland. Yellow: Conveys optimism, happiness, and creativity. It grabs attention and is often used to highlight important elements. But excessive yellow can be overwhelming. Orange: Represents enthusiasm, confidence, and warmth. It can create a sense of friendliness and affordability. However, it might not be suitable for high-end luxury brands. Purple: Symbolises luxury, sophistication, and creativity. It is often used by beauty and wellness brands. But overuse may make the brand appear too exclusive. Black: Signifies elegance, authority, and power. It is often used by luxury brands. However, too much black can feel heavy.’ AB : ‘ Colours are not my speciality, however, if one colour is common in a sector it is easy to disrupt… ‘There are many blue banks, but the red one is Santander, for example. ‘ Should you include the type of brand in your business name? DD: ‘ I believe including the type of brand in the name can be a strategic choice with both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it provides clarity, helping customers quickly understand the business's offerings. It also improves SEO and discoverability online, making it easier for potential customers to find us. Moreover, it contributes to establishing a clear brand identity, especially in competitive industries, showcasing our niche and specialisation. ‘On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to consider. Adding descriptive terms may limit our future growth and diversification if we decide to expand beyond our initial offerings. It could also make the name longer and less memorable, while using generic terms might make us appear less distinctive among competitors. ‘In the end, the decision hinges on our specific goals, industry, and long-term vision. We must weigh the pros and cons carefully to choose a name that aligns with our branding strategy and resonates with our target audience. Whether we opt for descriptive terms or a more creative approach, the name should reflect our unique identity and aspirations for the brand.’ AB: ‘ Definitely not. ‘How many household brands include their sector in their name? Strong brands don’t add what they do in their names, try thinking of an example… ‘ Should you choose a long or short business name? DD: ‘ When it comes to branding names, it's crucial to make the right choice. Shorter names are generally preferred, but there are pros and cons to consider. ‘Advantages of Short Branding Names: They are better memorable, simple to pronounce and spell, and offer more versatility. ‘Disadvantages of Long Branding Names: They may have limitations in describing the business, potential lack of distinctiveness, domain availability challenges, and the possibility of misinterpretation. ‘To find the ideal branding name, it's essential to strike a balance. Consider the nature of the business, ensure clarity in the name's brevity, and emphasise the brand's unique identity. Ultimately, thoughtful consideration is key to choosing a branding name that aligns perfectly with your brand's vision and resonates with your target audience.’ CS: ‘ Depends on the goal of the business and the target audience. Hargreaves Lansdown compared to MoneyBox for example. Essentially do the same thing and also have a similar fee structure but they operate in different ways and to different target audiences. MoneyBox massively simplifies things like ISA’s and Funds but H&L still keeps an element of technicality about their content and website.’ AB: ‘Short names are generally easier to remember, and therefore easier to tell other people about Sector leaders tend to have short names. Again, try and think of an example of a long brand name…’ When should you rebrand a business? DD : ‘ A rebrand or rename can be a game-changer for your business, ensuring relevance and success. Consider it in these situations: Evolving Business Focus: Align your brand with the new direction as products, services, or audience change. Brand Perception: Distance yourself from negativity and rebuild a positive image. Mergers and Acquisitions: Unite companies with a new cohesive identity reflecting combined values. Legal or Trademark Issues: Avoid complications by renaming if facing trademark challenges. Market Saturation: Stand out in competitive markets with a revitalising rebrand. Outdated Image: Modernise your brand for renewed audience appeal. Expansion into New Markets: Adapt your identity for cultural sensitivity in global markets. Negative Customer Perception: Rebuild trust and enthusiasm by addressing feedback. ‘Overall, a rebrand or rename can be most beneficial when there is a clear need to realign your brand with your business's current goals, values, and market positioning. However, it's essential to approach this decision thoughtfully, conducting market research, seeking customer feedback, and consulting with branding experts to ensure a successful transition and positive impact on your business. I love all parts of the branding process, creation and seeing my clients thrive!’ AB: ‘ Only if you really, really, have to should you think of renaming. If your reputation is bad, change the behaviour that led to the reputation, not the name. There are very few instances where changing a name is a good idea.’ Should you choose a business name that is personal to you? DD: ‘Choosing a brand name that is personal to you can be both a rewarding and challenging decision. ‘Pros of a Personal Brand Name: It allows you to showcase authenticity, reflecting your identity and values, which can create a genuine connection with customers. Your personal touch can evoke strong emotional appeal, fostering loyalty among your audience. Moreover, a personal name sets your brand apart, granting it a unique identity that customers are more likely to remember. Additionally, using your name provides an opportunity to share your personal story, adding depth and meaning to your brand. ‘Cons of a Personal Brand Name: It might have limited scalability, restricting future expansion if you plan to grow the business beyond yourself. People may also interpret the brand differently based on their opinions of you, which can lead to misperceptions. Furthermore, using a personal name may appear ego-centric to some customers, potentially alienating them. Lastly, if the business faces challenges, it could impact your personal reputation associated with the name. ‘To make the best decision, it's essential to consider the balance between personal attachment and the long-term goals of your brand. Think about how a personal name aligns with your vision and how it will resonate with your target audience. Remember, your brand name should reflect your values and aspirations, setting the tone for your business journey.’ CS: ‘ For me I’d rather have a name that either meant something to the customer base or was indicative of the business. I like Klowt for personal branding and Gym Shark for the gym. Then there’s the more abstract ones like Grenade for supplements and protein and Apple for tech which can work well too. I also think it a founder is too personally invested it can become detrimental and cause bottlenecks to getting MVP out and starting the feedback / iteration loop process – look at Nike and how the founder wasn’t a fan of the logo at first but they didn’t let it hold up the process of getting product out there. In a way it’s the same with a name. If it comes to it, once you’ve launched and know you have a viable product or service that sells, you can refine the brand and even rename later down the line if needed.’ AB: ‘If the name works it doesn’t matter if it is personal to you or not. Names with personal attachment can mean that objectivity goes out the window when choosing a brand name. ‘It doesn’t matter if you like it or not, only if it works or not; Ron Knight didn’t like “Nike” when it was presented to him – ask him now if he likes it.‘ The cost of a domain for new businesses Once you've chosen the perfect name, you’ll probably be keen to register a domain to start building your online presence. But which domain type will you choose - for instance, .com, .io or .net? Your business type should inform this decision - for example, .edu is used for educational institutions, .net is used for network technology companies and .gov for government agencies. Many British commercial businesses use .com or .co.uk, but there are more specific options too, such as .shop or .fun. As well as your business type, you should consider cost, because the price of these domain extensions can vary a lot! You can learn more about the cheapest and most expensive domains to buy in these graphics. Data from 123reg Forming a company When you have a company name you’re set on, you need to form a company with Companies House. It may seem complicated but with a little time and effort, you can register your company name and take the next step towards being your own boss. Or, if you’d like to make things even easier, you can have a company formation agent do it for you. At Startup A-Z the process is a piece of cake . All you need to do is: Check the availability of your business name Choose a company formation package Enter some information about yourself and your company Check out Oh, and we offer this service for free ! We can do this because our business model is based on offering additional, optional services such as virtual office solutions. Read more about free company formations right here. Use our free company name checker now to see if your ideal brand name is available. Recommended Readings

Learn how to find freelance work and respond to inquiries with our comprehensive guide. Use our step by step advice to help set yourself up for success. How to Find Freelance Work & Respond to Enquiries 12 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories Six tips for finding freelance work in 2024 1. Speak to everyone you know 2. Build a website and showcase your work to help with others share your services 3. Use social media to build connections and your business brand 4. Explore the best freelance jobs and websites 5. Go out and meet people 6. Embrace cold pitching 7. Schedule time to build your freelance base of contacts What is the best way to respond to freelance enquiries? 1. Ensure you understand the project 2. Craft a winning proposal 3. Negotiating with prospective clients 4. Following up with your prospective client Continuing your freelance journey with help from SUAZ Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office If you’re looking to turn your passion into cash, freelancing could be the solution you’re searching for. The promise of flexible working, a better work-life balance and diverse projects is encouraging more and more professionals to take the leap into the freelance world. But the success of your freelance business relies on regular clients and a steady income, which can be tough to secure early on. Trying to find freelance work in the UK? With our tips and tricks, your next client could be just around the corner. We’ve put together this complete guide on how to find freelance work, so you know where to score the best opportunities and build your network. We’ve even asked freelancers for their thoughts too, so you have advice from those who have been in your shoes. Six tips for finding freelance work in 2024 Knowing how to effectively search for and secure freelance jobs is a crucial trick of the trade. Wondering how to find clients as a freelancer? We’ve put together our six top tips on how and where to find freelance work and how to keep clients coming back to you time and time again. 1. Speak to everyone you know Make sure you use your own network to your advantage. Tapping into both your professional and personal network can encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Your connections can spread the word of your expertise and recommend your services to their own network, which can help expand your client base. Why not reach out to friends and family, or even former colleagues to get your name out there? Those who know you best can shout about your successes, and you may find opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t have known about. Freelancing is built on trust and reputation, so having others speak about your talents to their network can be a valuable asset to grow your freelance career. Freelance Copywriter & Content Consultant Jess Peace says, “Comment and show up for fellow freelancers in your field. It costs absolutely nothing to be nice. You gain valuable insights from people doing what you do. And the more people get to know you and what you're about, the more likely you are to be referred to and remembered when someone needs a freelancer.” 2. Build a website and showcase your work to help with others share your services Your website is your online portfolio, there to showcase your skills and shout about your successes. But as a freelancer, your website is also a valuable, accessible tool for attracting work. With strong testimonials and examples to browse, your website can demonstrate your expertise and build trust with potential clients. A key element of your website should be testimonials, which provide social proof of your skills and experience. They serve as endorsements from others who have worked with you, which can go on to persuade others to do the same. If your testimonials are limited, here are some tips on how to ask for recommendations from others: Time it right: Ask for a testimonial from your client when you’ve just completed a project, so your work is at the front of their mind. This ensures their feedback is specific, genuine and relevant. Be specific: If you’re looking to get a certain message across on your website or highlight a particular talent, request testimonials that highlight this. For example, you could ask your client to focus on how well you meet deadlines or your creative approach to projects. Provide a template: Creating a feedback form or template that your clients can fill in can speed up the process. You can ask them specific questions and make it easier for them to provide specific feedback. 3. Use social media to build connections and your business brand Social media is now the top sales generator for one in four small businesses in the UK, making it a powerful tool for growing your freelance business and brand. Using social media platforms strategically can boost your brand visibility and help you build connections within your industry. Freelance Content Specialist, Jessica Hodkinson says, “Networking on LinkedIn has been a big part of my technique to finding contracts and building connections with people. A recent example is that I started doing a small amount of work for someone who then introduced me to two people - the conversations that we had then turned into winning projects. Commenting on posts that raise topics of interest and joining groups and posting on a regular basis can help you build your own personal brand.” Here are just some of the ways social media can help you find freelance work online: Visibility: You can use social media as your business’ voice, to showcase your skills and knowledge on a global scale. You can promote your services on platforms like LinkedIn, share updates and industry insights to keep your name on the top of your clients’ or potential clients' radar. Networking: Social media is a great way to connect with potential clients, participate in industry discussions and keep in the know about the latest advancements, events and trends in your industry. Your reputation: Actively participating in industry groups and discussions can help position you as an expert in your field. You can use social media to share your knowledge and enhance your credibility, in the hope that potential clients will come across your posts and view you as a knowledgeable professional. 4. Explore the best freelance jobs and websites A more traditional approach to finding freelance jobs is searching freelance platforms and freelance job boards. Freelance platforms are essentially marketplaces that focus on freelancing as a whole. Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork allow you to create a profile, showcase your work, bid on projects, message clients directly and manage payments. Whereas freelance job boards are more straightforward, listing available freelance jobs without the extra features. You can browse job boards like Indeed to find freelance gigs and negotiate rates, but it’s likely you’ll have to manually handle processes like payments yourself compared to using a freelance platform. Being active on both freelance platforms and job boards can offer you the best chance of finding new freelance opportunities. Freelance platforms tick all the boxes and can make your job feel simpler, including being able to manage client relationships through built-in messaging options and payment systems. Whereas, job boards offer a wider range of job listings you may otherwise miss if you were to rely on freelance platforms alone. 5. Go out and meet people A simple but often underrated way to find freelance work in the UK is by meeting people face to face. It may sound like an obvious one, but many rely on searching online for freelance gigs and forget the benefits that come with meeting potential clients face to face that may not be available online. Ray Saddiq, Founder of The Social Diary , says, ‘It’s good to turn up to events relevant to your industry or your clients’ industries. Meeting people face-to-face is so powerful. Networking, sitting down and talking to potential clients, and openly discussing the services you can offer. Solving problems on the spot when you meet them can be incredibly effective.’ Here are some key benefits of how in-person interactions could benefit you as a freelancer: New relationships: In-person interactions can help you build a closer, more authentic relationship with your clients or potential clients. You can show your professionalism and personality firsthand which may encourage others to want to work with you. Networking: Events such as conferences and industry meetups can introduce you to like minded professionals in your industry. These interactions may lead to freelance opportunities such as partnerships, referrals or even new clients. Local opportunities: Meeting face-to-face may open the door to local opportunities you wouldn’t have found online. Events can introduce you to local business owners who may benefit from your expertise. 6. Embrace cold pitching While the idea may sound intimidating, cold pitching can be an effective way to get your name out there and find freelance opportunities you’d otherwise miss. Cold pitching is a way to demonstrate your passion and confidence in your craft, by proposing services and solutions to businesses directly. Instead of waiting for a job ad to appear, you’re showcasing your skills to potential clients in the hope they’ll take a chance on you - you may even be offered a job that otherwise wouldn’t exist. Senior Freelance SEO Copywriter, Kiri Nowak-Smith says “My best piece of advice with cold pitching is not to give up. Keep doing it. Keep doing it even when you’ve got work because you need a steady flow of leads to come in. You want to be proactive rather than reactive. Don’t just message people in a blind panic when the work dries up. Stay one step ahead of the game and keep cold-pitching people even when you’re fully booked with work. Just adapt your pitch so that you’re aiming to make people aware of what you do rather than asking to work together. Set yourself daily targets. For example, today I am going to research ten contacts and send them a cold message (that appears to be very warm!).” Before reaching out to potential clients, make sure you thoroughly research each individual or business you’re looking to contact. Understand their pain points so you can specifically outline what your services will offer them and the benefits they’ll gain. While finding work is a priority, make sure you only pitch to companies whose mission and values align with your own. This improves your chances of a successful client-freelancer relationship and makes your pitch sound genuine too. 7. Schedule time to build your freelance base of contacts Scheduling regular time to build your freelance network can help you maintain a steady income and in turn, make the process feel less overwhelming. You could dedicate a specific time each week to reach out to companies, browse job boards or freelance platforms and focus on networking. A proactive approach ensures you stay informed with the latest trends in your industry, expand your freelance contacts and boost your reputation as a result. What is the best way to respond to freelance enquiries? There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to responding to freelance enquiries. Each potential client you come in contact with will have unique pain points and their own communication style, so tailoring your responses accordingly is key to building strong relationships from the start. If you’re looking to answer freelance enquiries effectively, the following tips can help guide your responses. 1. Ensure you understand the project Before committing to a new project, it’s vital that you understand the full scope of work and feel confident that you’re the right person for the job. Knowing exactly what is expected of you will ensure you can respond to the potential client confidently. Here are some questions you could ask the prospective client to ensure you have all the information you need: What are the key deliverables? What is the budget for the project? Can you give me a list of deadlines I need to meet? What are the project’s goals and objectives? Who is the target audience or key buyer personas for the project? 2. Craft a winning proposal Your proposal is your chance to show potential clients what you’re made of. A well-crafted proposal should demonstrate that you understand your client’s needs and how you plan to fulfil them. Detail your approach to solving the client’s pain points, your experience and how you’ll bring value. First, summarise the client’s objectives to make it clear you understand what they’re looking to achieve. From there, you can detail how you plan to meet those goals, as well as your former experience and skills. 3. Negotiating with prospective clients As a freelancer, negotiating with potential clients is a valuable skill that can help you manage your workload and expectations and in turn, remind you of your worth. Key aspects you may find you need to negotiate include rates, deadlines, scope of work and payment terms. When it comes to pricing, make sure you understand the client’s budget beforehand and have evidence to hand of the value your work delivers. That way, should you need to negotiate on price you have the evidence to justify your rates. With deadlines, make sure you have a clear picture of when work is due and have deadlines in writing to cover yourself. Remember to be confident in your worth, listen to clients’ needs and be open to compromising on deadlines and cost without devaluing your services. 4. Following up with your prospective client Once you’ve sent off your proposal or had an initial chat with a potential client, there’s no doubt you’ll be eagerly waiting for a response. Don’t be afraid to follow up with them - in fact, doing so demonstrates your genuine interest in working with them as well as your passion and professionalism. Following up with them gives you the chance to answer any questions you may have as well as confirming you have everything you need to get to work on the project. Typically speaking, a good timeframe to follow up is within 5-7 business days, following your last interaction. Continuing your freelance journey with help from SUAZ The freedom and flexibility that comes with freelancing are truly unbeatable, but finding work can feel tricky to begin with. We’re hoping our tips above will give you the confidence to share your passion with the world and score some great opportunities. If you need some extra support to get things going, there’s no better place to start than SUAZ. Our company formation service can help you start your freelance business, with professional advice and guidance whenever you need it. Apply to form your freelance business today . Recommended Readings