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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?

02 Apr 2026

Middle East conflict drives economic confidence to new record low

Business leader optimism over prospects for the UK economy is at a record low after the outbreak of war in the Middle East, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).

01 Apr 2026

Tourist tax would hit consumers with £1.6 billion tax rise

The government's proposed tourist tax would constitute a £1.6 billion tax increase for holidaymakers, according to analysis by Oxford Economics.