Tools & services for new UK businesses
The services most new businesses need, explained simply.
Independent, plain-English overviews of the services most new businesses need in year one: taking payments, banking, accounting, a website, marketing, printing, hiring staff and insurance. Every official figure links to GOV.UK or the ICO.
Disclosure: no links on this page are paid or affiliate links, and no provider has paid to be included. We are not affiliated with GOV.UK, HMRC, Companies House or the ICO. Prices were checked on each provider’s own website on 29 October 2026 and can change. How we make money · Affiliate disclosure
Categories
Payments & card readers
How UK new businesses can take card, contactless and online payments, with our independent card reader comparison, quiz and break-even calculator.
Read the overview →🏦 OverviewBusiness banking
Compare UK business bank account features for new sole traders and limited companies: fees, FSCS protection, invoicing, accounting links and cash deposits.
Read the overview →📒 OverviewAccounting & bookkeeping
Bookkeeping for new UK businesses: what records to keep, Making Tax Digital explained, and Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and other software compared.
Read the overview →🌐 OverviewWebsites & domains
How to get a website and domain for a new UK business: choosing a domain, website builders compared, and the legal information your site must show.
Read the overview →📣 OverviewMarketing
Marketing for new UK businesses: where to start, free channels, Google Business Profile, social media, email and the advertising rules you must follow.
Read the overview →🖨️ OverviewPrinting
Printing for new UK businesses: business cards, leaflets, signs and stationery, what to order first, design tips, and what limited companies must show.
Read the overview →👥 OverviewHR & payroll
Taking on your first employee in the UK: right to work checks, PAYE and payroll, minimum wage, workplace pensions, contracts and employers' liability insurance.
Read the overview →🛡️ OverviewInsurance (info only)
Business insurance explained for new UK businesses: what's compulsory, common types of cover, and how to find an authorised insurer or broker. Information only.
Read the overview →Free marketing playbooks
Free tools
Not financial advice: this page is general information to help you understand your options. It is not financial, tax, legal or insurance advice, and we don’t offer or arrange credit or insurance. Check the linked official pages and speak to a qualified adviser about your situation.
Last checked 29 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.