We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Small biz MoneySaving

Archives for July 2008

Oh No! Tax help please
I received a letter today saying that the taxman is taking me to sheriff court because I was late in making a payment in my agreement. This comes with on the same day that my second payment on account was due so obviously I can't make that. I am aware of my obligations to HMRC but we have had several disasters and so all…
Just a warning
Received a letter (well order form) from European City Guide today. Basically asking you to confrim your details to be added to their business directory. A quick google - and it's a scam. They don't tell you the costs but will bill you at a later date if you sign and return the form. The company is based in Valencia, if…
Business Expansion Help Please.
Hi there, I am self employed / sole trader, and I have been for 2 years in the Graphic Design & Print business, I have been thinking about expanding my business, and doing PC Support & Repair aswell as im good with that kind of thing and when a little down on one side I can push and level out income etc. What I wanted to…
How To Get In With Councils And Larger Contracts
My Husband Has A Carpet Retail Company And Has Built The Company Up Very Well, But We Want To Get More Into Bigger Contracts For Say The Local Councils Or Breweries / House Builders For Fitting Out Pubs / Council Houses/schools/new Developments Etc. Does Anyone Know How We Go About Doing This Or Who To Contact? Any Ideas…
Telling the IR about my business
I'm in the middle of setting up a business around my existing job. I bought some equipment for the business around 2 months ago and have had a few other expenses already (e.g. purchasing some web space). But I haven't actually earned any money yet and am and not expecting to start doing so for several months. I read that…
Company cheques...
Hi all. Can anyone tell me how to find out if a cheque is from a company or private individual? If it is a company cheque will it ALWAYS have the company name at the bottom whereas a private cheque will have the person's name? Does it make a difference if the company is 'ltd' or not. eg, company name is bubba gump shrimp…
what is the best wat to pay myself with PAYE
I formed a limited company july07. (probalby i should i just gone self-employed but its done now so...) I have yet to pay myself or register PAYE. i have about £9000 to pay myself. Ideally i would like to back date payment of ~5000 to pre april so i can use my tax free allowance. Is paye the way to go? I dont want to pay…
Rapid company formation / business bank account
Hi All, Can anyone recommend a company formation company that is likely to put me in the best position to open a business account ASAP? There are so many on the web that promise so much but it would be good to hear a personal reccommendation. Speed of company/bank account setup is more important than price in this case.…
Help with changing company name..
Hiya, I was wondering if anyone knows if the Companies House change the company number as well if I change the company name? I have sent the company's house form for changing name last week and I need to make new stationeries (letterhead etc) to reflex the changes but wonder if I need to wait for the new certificate to see…
incorporating limited company
I want to register a limited company, which I can do online for £20. I wont be registering it as dormant, but it will basically be a dormant company for maybe a year to 18 months. What will I need to do with regards to accounts and things? I dont really want to pay an accountant to post accounts and wondered if this was…
Small claims notice
So we've recieved a county court small claims notice and i would really like some help on how to word our defence. We of course have refused to pay this. We have for the past few yrs advertised in a local info type paper which is usually distubuted to households in the local area by the owner of the publication and we also…
Logo making software..
Hi, I'm in the process of setting up an online business. I don't really want to pay for someone to design a logo, so have been scouring the net for a logo software package (prefferable free!!) to make a logo with. Can anyone reccommend any good logo software? Also, any advice on a successful logo would be apprieciated!…
Second line/Business Line
Hello I could really do with some help We run a small online business from home and we are thinking of getting a business line or second home line as this is vital for our business going forward and we do not wish to advertise our home telephone number, obviously cost is a major factor for us, we would appreciate any help…
New Website!
Hi, Im new to moneysavingexpert so bear with me! I've just set up a website which offers proofreading to students. I've registered the site with google and when you type my site name into the google search engine it comes up as the first result. However I'm not sure how to make my site appear in the search results when you…
Need a business bank account
Hi there, I've just become a sole trader and have just tried to set up a business account with Lloyds who I currently have a joint current account with. Obviously the heat must have affected the woman whom I dealt with as she was most aggressive and made me feel worse than something you could have trodden in. Let me…
Legalities of re-selling store goods
Can someone help me? I want to start making baby gift baskets, just for family / friends at the moment, to see how it goes before I commit to buying trade etc. My problem is; I have bought some toys in the sale at M & S to use but am now worried that I might get into trouble with the store. The lady who served me was…
I want to offer gift vouchers for my service
Hi Is there such a thing as a book of tear out gift vouchers or single sheets that I can fill in as gift vouchers for the service I offer. I want to get something that looks quite nice rather than printed from my printer. Cheers in advance
Business rates rebate-getters
I keep getting phone calls from various Rates Advice organisations offering to get me a rates rebate on our business premises. I always tell them I'm not interested but I don't want to miss out if I AM entitled to some discount. So, I contacted the local rates office (South Wales) and quoted what these people had said…
Mailshots & Invoices- how to get cheapest postage?
My business has a mailshot planned for the next couple of weeks- approx 100-200 letters will be be sent with a standard second class stamp. We also send out about 100-200 regular invoices per month and we're looking into how to make our postage as cheap as possible. For the amount that we send, franking machines would…
Moving from home working to a shop (eeks) - advice please
Hi, Can anyone tell me what I should look out for or budget for when opening a shop/premises instead of working from home? Have seen a shop I like, am very cautious person so scared to make the leap from home working to shop, but business partner says is only way we can expand. We sell via the internet only so would not…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

View All

Small biz MoneySaving

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

Small biz MoneySaving

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free