Help available for business rates

Introduction There are a number of reliefs available to business ratepayers. This guide outlines the various business rates reliefs and allowances available and how to apply for them if you are eligible. These non-domestic rate support schemes include: Small Business Rate Relief Small Business Rate Relief for small Post Offices Charitable Exemption for rates Sports…

Expenses if you’re self-employed

Introduction Guide If you’re self-employed, your business will have various running costs. You can deduct some of these costs to work out your taxable profit as long as they’re allowable expenses. For example, if your turnover is £40,000, and you claim £10,000 in allowable expenses. You only pay tax on the remaining £30,000 – known…

Business insurance: the basics

What insurance does my business need? Most businesses are likely to require a number of different types of insurance. Some are compulsory: employers’ liability insurance – worth at least £5 million – for most types of employees commercial motor insurance – if your business uses vehicles on the road or other public places Other types of…

Choosing business property

Top tips to help you find suitable commercial premises 1. Draw up a list of what you need from your business premises How important is property size, layout, location, facilities, structural requirements, and parking to your business needs? Also, think about your long-term business plans and how these might affect your choice of business premises.…

Write a business plan: step-by-step

Writing a business plan: 5 top tips It is essential to have a business plan when you’re starting a business.  Your business plan has many functions. It will help you to: clarify your business idea spot potential problems set your goals measure your progress plan growth You’ll need a business plan if you want to…

Ten steps to a successful start-up

Starting a business isn’t easy; there are lots of things to consider, from finding finance, getting to grips with business taxes, selling your product or service and managing staff. Top tips for start-up success We have compiled a ten-step guide to starting a business. 1. Find out whether you can work for yourself It may…

Start-up support for female entrepreneurs

Starting a business as a female entrepreneur – DELI LITES Case Study DELI LITES Ireland is a food-to-go producer of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and artisan bakery products that uses local ingredients. The business was founded in 1998 and currently employs 300 staff. Jackie Reid, the Co-Founder and Sales Director of DELI LITES, explains how she…

JobStart

The JobStart scheme provides funding from the Department for Communities to allow employers to create new job opportunities to help young people aged 16-24 at risk of long-term unemployment to enter the job market. What do employers need to know about JobStart? Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% government funding to create 6-month job…