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Oban: 01631 567007 | E-mail: mail@ainsleysmith.co.uk | Fort William: 01631 567007

Getting started

Our guide to the difficult early steps when starting up…

Allowable Expenses

What can you claim tax relief for?

An introduction to the tax system for the self employed

Key tax issues you need to know about.

A mission statement

Defining your business purpose.

Building a brand

Key tips for developing a memorable image.

Choosing a year end

Be tax efficient when deciding a year end date.

Incorporation

Considerations when operating as a company on incorporation.

Insuring your business

Are you sufficiently covered?

Limited liability partnerships

LLPs explained.

Names, trademarks, patents and other registrations

The key legal requirements.

Premises and location

Essential considerations when choosing your base.

Raising finance

Maximise your chances of gaining funding.

Should you buy a franchise?

The pros and cons of buying 'off-the-shelf'.

Which business structure?

Choosing the structure that best suits your needs.

Working from home

Home working do's and don'ts.

Writing a business plan

How to write an effective business plan.

Your business vision

What are your ultimate goals?

20 May 2026

Dip in inflation rate likely to be 'temporary quirk'

April's slowdown in the rate of inflation?is?likely to be a 'temporary quirk' rather than a 'signal?on the direction of travel', says the British Chambers of Commerce.

19 May 2026

Late payment legislation is 'historic' moment

The UK government's formal commitment to legislation to stamp out late payments is an historic moment, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).