Running a small business in the UK is no small feat. Between navigating HMRC requirements, managing cash flow, keeping on top of employment law, and simply trying to grow, there is a lot to handle, often with limited time and even more limited budget.
That is exactly why we built SME Business Advice. We are a small team of writers and researchers with backgrounds in accounting, tax, HR, and small business support who bring practical, real-world experience to every article.
Our goal is straightforward: to give you the kind of clear, reliable guidance that used to be locked behind expensive consultancy fees or buried in HMRC manuals.
Every article on this site is written with the practical realities of UK small business in mind. We cover topics including sole trader registration, VAT, Making Tax Digital, business structures, employment contracts, managing invoices, and much more.
We do not write for City accountants or large corporations, we write for the person running a landscaping company in Yorkshire, the freelance graphic designer in Bristol, the café owner in Edinburgh, and everyone in between.
What We Publish
Our content covers the full lifecycle of a UK small business, from the first question of “Should I register as a sole trader or a limited company?” right through to scaling, hiring, and succession planning.
We aim to publish articles that are accurate, up to date with current UK legislation, and easy to act on, without being condescending.
Where rules or regulations change, and in UK tax and employment law, they often do, we update our articles accordingly and note the date they were last reviewed. We always recommend readers confirm details with a qualified professional before making financial or legal decisions.
Meet the Team
Our editorial contributors bring a mix of accounting, legal, HR, and hands-on business experience to the site. Here is a little about each of them.
Our content is researched and written by contributors with relevant professional backgrounds, and every article is reviewed against current HMRC and legislative guidance before publication.
Michael Hartley
Michael has over a decade of experience in accountancy, having worked with a wide range of sole traders and SME directors on tax planning, MTD compliance, and business structure. He writes practical, jargon-free guidance aimed at small business owners navigating these areas for the first time.
Sarah Okafor
Sarah has a background in HR and employment matters across the retail and hospitality sectors. She writes our employment-focused content, covering topics like employment contracts, redundancy processes, and employer obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and keeps an eye on developments such as the Employment Rights Bill.
James Whitfield
James has spent over a decade working in and around UK tax, with a strong understanding of HMRC’s processes and expectations. He specialises in Self Assessment, National Insurance, IR35, and Making Tax Digital, writing practical guidance to help self-employed readers and small business owners stay compliant and avoid common pitfalls.
Claire Drummond
Claire has a background in business banking and start-up support, having worked with early-stage businesses across Scotland and the UK on funding, banking, and financial planning. Her articles cover practical finance topics for new businesses, from opening a business bank account to understanding grants and schemes like Start Up Loans.
Our Editorial Standards
We take accuracy seriously. All articles are reviewed before publication and are checked against current HMRC guidance, Companies House rules, and relevant UK legislation. Where we are uncertain, we say so, and we always recommend consulting a qualified accountant, solicitor, or HR professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
We are not a substitute for professional advice. We are a starting point, a place to understand your options and ask better questions.
Get in Touch
Have a topic you would like us to cover, or spotted something that needs updating? We welcome feedback from readers. You can reach us via our Contact page.