Welcome to Access Southampton

Self-Employment

Becoming self-employed can be a great way to become your own boss, manage your own time and be flexible around other commitments. However, it can be a daunting prospect and there are lots of things to consider. We’ve put together this guide to signpost you to additional support in and around Southampton, as well as online.

Useful Websites

Getting started:

Set up as a sole trader step by step guide: www.gov.uk/set-up-self-employed

HMRC Webinars – Learn more about your responsibilities if you’re running a small business including registration, tax returns, record keeping, tax bills and payments: HMRC email updates, videos and webinars if you’re self-employed – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Business Companion – Free, impartial legal guidance for businesses: www.businesscompanion.info

Simply Business – Going Self-Employed in the UK: www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2016/12/going-self-employed-in-the-UK-a-self-employment-guide-to-get-started

Reed.co.uk – Is self-employment right for me?: www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/is-self-employment-right-for-me

Register as self-employed: www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed

What is a UTR number?: www.which.co.uk/money/tax/income-tax/self-assessment-tax-return/what-is-a-utr-number

Money and Benefits:

Money Helper – Tax and National Insurance when you’re self-employed:
Tax and National Insurance when you’re self-employed (moneyhelper.org.uk)

Turn2Us – Self-Employment and Benefits: www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Self-employment-and-benefits/Am-I-employed-or-self-employed

Help from the government: Help with moving from benefits to work: Starting or running your own business – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Other useful sites:

Rapid Enterprise Development – RED is the one stop shop for developing
self employment and small business opportunities for people with learning disabilities in the UK

FSB’s Small Business e-commerce hub – Start selling online in no time. Learn how to start an e-commerce business and diversify your small business with resources and advice from experts and successful entrepreneurs.

HMRC Information Videos for Self-employed people

Training

BT Skills for Tomorrow – free courses around work, skills, IT and business

FutureLearn – online courses in business, management and social media

Rebel Business School On Demand – the Rebel Business School is now available online and on demand. Rebel on Demand will give you the information, inspiration and practical help you need to get your business idea up and running or expand your existing business. They’ve collected videos, podcasts, blogs and information from their live events to give you a service you can enjoy free every day at any time. 

Support in and around Southampton

Business & IP Centre Southampton

Business & IP Centre Southampton

The Business and IP Centre Southampton will open later this year within the Central Library.

As part of The British Library Business & IP Centre National Network we will be providing entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises with free access to databases, market research, Intellectual Property information, networking and business events.

Whether you’re just starting out, need advice on protecting assets, or are ready to take the next step in your business journey, BIPC Southampton will be able to help.

Keep updated with progress and events by following BIPC Southampton on our social media channels.

To stay up to date, please visit BIPC Southampton

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce  – provide products, services and support to businesses across Hampshire.

Network Eagle Lab – Barclays has partnered with Southampton City Council to create Network Eagle Lab and support entrepreneurs and businesses within Southampton.

Federation of Small Businesses – As experts in business, we offer our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in government. Our mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.

Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme – Supports people aged 16-30, working less than 16 hours a week and living in Hampshire, Dorset or South Wiltshire to start up their own business. Call 0800 842 842 to find out when the next course is running.

Southampton City Council Business Advice – The following information is to help businesses comply with legislation and to trade fairly. We can provide guidance on setting up systems to achieve compliance, identifying best practice and maintaining due diligence. In the first instance we would encourage traders to visit the Business Companion website.

Solent Growth Hub – The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Hub is the ?rst point of contact for individuals and businesses needing FREE and impartial business support.

HMRC Email Updates

Subscribe to the HMRC help and support email service to get information on a wide range of topics for individuals, businesses, employers and agents.

Southampton City Council Business News E-Alert

Stay up to date with information, events and advice for businesses in Southampton by subscribing to our Business news e-alert

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