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, accountants, and business practitioners who have spent years working with, and as, sole traders, freelancers, and small business owners across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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.
Michael Hartley
Michael spent over a decade as a chartered accountant at a mid-sized practice in Manchester before going independent. He has advised hundreds of sole traders and SME directors on tax planning, MTD compliance, and business structure. He founded SME Business Advice after growing frustrated with the lack of practical, jargon-free resources for small business owners. Michael is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Sarah Okafor
Sarah is an employment law consultant based in London with a background in HR management across the retail and hospitality sectors. She has helped small businesses draft employment contracts, navigate redundancy processes, and understand their obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Sarah writes our employment-focused content and keeps a close eye on changes from ACAS and the Employment Rights Bill as it develops.
James Whitfield
James has spent over a decade working in and around UK tax, giving him a thorough understanding of how HMRC operates and what it looks for. He specialises in Self Assessment, National Insurance contributions, IR35, and Making Tax Digital, writing practical, no-nonsense guidance for the self-employed and small business owners. His work focuses on helping readers stay compliant, avoid common pitfalls, and plan their tax affairs with confidence.
Claire Drummond
Claire is a business development consultant and former bank relationship manager based in Glasgow. She has supported hundreds of Scottish and UK-wide start-ups through the early stages of funding, banking, and financial planning. Her articles focus on practical finance for new businesses, from opening a business bank account and understanding credit facilities, to applying for grants and understanding the Start Up Loans scheme.
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.