This is very much a work in progress – a list of useful resources if you’re thinking of setting up a company, or if you’ve already taken the leap.

To add a genuinely useful resource, please email us.

Limited Company Advice / Resources

AccountingWeb – Vast amount of accounting-related information, very relevant for limited company owners.

Business Zone – Business news and guides, from the team behind AccountingWeb.

Contractor UK – The IT Contractor portal.

Freelance UK – Site dedicated to the UK’s freelancers.

ITCA – How to choose the best IT contractor accountant.

Business Groups / Organisations

PCG – Representative group for freelancers and one-man-bands in the UK.

IoD – Institute of Directors – loads of advice and resources, as well as meeting space in major UK cities.

FSB – Federation of Small Business – the leading SME organisation / pressure group in the UK.

FPB – Forum of Private Business – significant pressure group / organisation.

BVCA – British Venture Capital Association.

BCC – British Chambers of Commerce – represents over 100,000 businesses.

British Franchise Association – useful information if you are considering buying a franchise operation.

CBI – Confederation of British Industry, influential lobbying organisation.

Government

HMRC – Including sections dedicated to VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE.

Companies House – the registrar of companies in the UK. Includes detailed guides on how to set up a company, and the rules and regulations which govern them.

Business Link – lots of guides to setting up and running a business.

Department for BIS – Government department of Business, Innovation and Skills

Intellectual Property Office – For trade marks, patents and copyright applications.

Accountancy / Tax Bodies

ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales, including an online tool to search for a Chartered Accountant.

ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

ICAS – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

CIOT – Chartered Institute of Taxation.