Self Employed Help

Do you have an idea to become self employed but not sure where to start? Depending on your circumstances, there is lots of information, advice and practical support available to you:

• The Prince's Trust – for those aged 18-30. Offers financial support and business support services. Tel: 0800 842 842.
• Prime – for those aged over 50. Offers financial support and business support services. Tel: 0845 601 8693
• Business Link – provides financial support, business support services and advice (to all ages). Tel: 01275 370896.
• Job Centre Plus – can give general advice about how your benefits may be affected and can signpost you to in-work support. Tel: 01202 333000.

If you start a self employed business, you must register as self employed within 3 months of starting up the business. To do this, phone HMRC on 0845 915 4515.

Below you will find some of the things you could consider to help ease your way through the credit crunch:

Meet customers needs – an obvious thing to consider, but think about what you do well and if there is anything you could change to improve your services.

Improve efficiency – look for ways of saving money or time on the things you currently do, for example by finding cheaper suppliers/negotiating a better deal with current suppliers.

Review your marketing – Advertising is often one of the first places where businesses cut back in times of difficulty. Remember though, this can affect the number of new customers you attract. We have free advertising available, so make sure you take up this offer too!

Review your prices – Make sure you are still offering a good deal compared with your competitors.