15th Feb was National Singles Awareness Day. Now, we know that it's more focused on single *people* rather than single businesses, but it's an unofficial holiday, and often sole traders are left behind in the business world. So, we've decided to rebrand its meaning a little because what better time to run through what it means to be a sole trader and the benefits that come with it?
As a sole trader, you are in complete control of your business and all decisions related to it. You have the flexibility to choose which services or products you offer and how much you charge for them. You also take full responsibility for your business's financial success (or failure), including paying any taxes that may be due.
When you're setting up your business, you'll need to consider whether you want to operate as a sole trader or a limited company - there are benefits to both.
If you operate as a sole trader, you have autonomy over how the business is run.
Running a business as a sole trader has many advantages. Not only does it provide you with autonomy and flexibility over your business decisions, but also has financial benefits and protection from debts and legal liabilities.
A sole trader is an individual who runs a business on their own, meaning that they are the only owner and all decisions about its operations are made by them. They are responsible for any profits or losses from their business and related taxes or debts.
Ensure you meet the legal obligations of incorporating your business as a sole trader. You need to ensure you are paying your taxes correctly, for example you need to register for self-assessment and complete the correct tax returns. This is the same for any business, but if you are a sole trader, you are not held to the same regulations as a limited company. If you want to operate as a limited company, you must register with Companies House and your name cannot be taken by another company - this is not necessary for sole traders.
If you're a sole trader, you do not have to register with Companies House - but there are still some things that you need to do to ensure you are operating legally.
You will also need to decide on a business structure and obtain the required licences and permits to operate. Consider the type of entity you will use, such as a sole proprietorship or LLP, as each may come with different liabilities and tax benefits. Once your business is registered and ready to go, you will need to evaluate your current business needs. Think about all the aspects of running a business, such as your target market, marketing and advertising plans, pricing strategies, and potential sources of funding. You could use a business plan for guidance with this, but it's not 100% necessary.
- Low start-up costs;
- Maximum control over your business decisions;
- Flexible working hours;
- Easy to set up;
- No need to register with Companies House;
- Less paperwork and administrative burden;
- Potential tax benefits.
One of the biggest upsides to being a sole trader is the opportunity to be your own boss. It'll take hard work and dedication, but the reward of success will feel all the more worth it.
It's nice to have the control as a sole trader, but there are challenging aspects too.
Keep in mind that you will be personally liable for all debts and legal liabilities, so be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
For example, if your business runs into debt or is sued, your personal assets (such as your home and savings) may be at risk. For this reason, it's important to understand the risks associated with running a business and have a good understanding of legal responsibilities before taking on this type of venture.
You will need to register for self-assessment with HMRC in order to pay any income tax due on your profits. You must also keep records of all financial transactions made by your business and submit an annual tax return. It's important that you understand these requirements so that you can comply with them properly and avoid incurring penalties from HMRC.
By familiarising yourself with the laws and regulations surrounding businesses and keeping on top of the financial aspects of your business, you will ensure that your journey as a sole trader is a successful one.
As a sole trader, you may find it challenging to access finance or other forms of credit. This means that you will need to ensure sufficient cash flow and resources to cover expenses before taking on any new projects or services.
Getting funded can be trickier for sole traders than limited companies, but it's not impossible.
It may take a little longer, and you may need to provide more evidence of business success than if you were limited - but with Love Finance it's possible. Our account managers are dedicated to finding your business the best deal, and they have experience in financing for both sole traders and limited companies. There are a few extra factors for the lender to rely on to get you funding. If you operate a profitable business, this shouldn't be a problem.
If you’re a sole trader and looking to get your small business off the ground, obtaining a business loan may be a great option. There are a variety of business lenders in the UK, but at Love Finance, we offer flexible and tailored business loans for sole traders.
We understand the unique situation of being a sole trader, our account managers can review each loan application with an understanding of the individual business circumstances. All applications are subject to credit and affordability checks through a secure online process.
Sole traders may have to go more thorough checks to ensure they have the means to repay the loan.
If this is something you're interested in, enquire with us and see what you could borrow.
Our specialist loan advisors at Love Finance can discuss the individual circumstances of your small business and tailor a loan plan that fits your needs. We offer flexible loan options for sole traders, allowing you to borrow up to £250,000 for your business.
In summary, running a business as a sole trader can be a gratifying venture but also comes with certain risks attached. It's important that you understand these risks and legal requirements before starting your venture to protect your business and personal assets. With the right knowledge and preparation, being a sole trader can be very profitable and successful.
