Welcome to your weekly digest of the key discussions from the r/smallbusinessuk subreddit. This week, we've seen a range of questions and advice from UK-based business owners, covering everything from marketing strategies to navigating legal documentation and material compliance. Here's a breakdown of the most insightful conversations:
Marketing & Sales
Local Google Business Page Visibility
One user, u/Doomaga, sought help with a local window cleaner whose Google Business page wasn't showing up in search results for the area where he primarily operates, Winchester1. Despite listing multiple locations (including Winchester, Fareham and another nearby town) on his page, the business only appeared when searching for the original registered location, Fareham1.... This raises questions about how Google prioritises location data and the effectiveness of listing multiple service areas.
Low-Cost Vinyl Printing
A sole trader, u/Fearless-Big6677, was looking for recommendations for affordable UK/online vinyl printing services for shop front windows and internal walls, highlighting the need for budget-friendly options for one-off events.
Business Development Priorities
A co-director of an LTD company, u/Present-Apricot-5502, with a turnover approaching £90k, asked for advice on strategic priorities for business development, specifically how to expand their customer base and increase brand awareness. This demonstrates the common challenge of scaling up after establishing a solid proof of concept and core membership. The poster also noted that they are prioritising adding quality tipsters to the platform, where members pay for profit.
Finance & Accounting
Tax Efficiency
A business owner running music sessions for individuals with learning disabilities, u/ActRemarkable8107, asked for advice on restructuring for greater tax efficiency. They are transitioning from a sole trader to a limited company, and are concerned about the impact of VAT, corporation tax, and dividend taxes on their profitability, noting that they are being taxed approximately 39.75%.
VAT and Point of Sale
A cafe owner, u/TurnipSpice, using Square for transactions, needed help with absorbing VAT costs without increasing prices. This highlights the challenge of maintaining competitive pricing while complying with VAT regulations.
Excess Cash Management
One user, u/One-Tradition-9454, was looking for options to get better returns on excess cash held in their limited company account9. They are currently using a savings account with a 3.29% interest rate and are looking for investment options within the business.
Accountant Recommendations
A business in the South West/Bristol area with around a dozen employees, u/EssentialParadox, sought recommendations for an accountant experienced with payroll, especially in the hospitality or retail sectors. This demonstrates the need for specialist financial support in certain industries.
Business Operations
Legal Contracts
A user, u/WsbCatatafish, was looking for guidance on managing legal documentation as their business grows11. They are unsure about the reliability of self-help platforms for contract templates and the need to consult with a lawyer, especially when dealing with queries from suppliers or customers.
Hiring a Contractor
A software development business owner, u/ImpressedEasy, asked what considerations should be taken when hiring a contractor. They are concerned about the typical contract, day rate and notice period, invoice process and if they need to worry about IR35 regulations.
Winding Down a Business
A sole trader, u/Environmental_Ice787, who closed their business in 2023, asked about the official 'cease trading' date14. They had a single customer in 2023, but received a final payment in May 2024, raising questions about how to declare the end of trading.
Premises
Metal Flood Barriers
A business owner, u/Joellypops, looking to expand into new premises that have flooded previously, inquired about the effectiveness of metal flood barriers on doors. They were also exploring flood flash insurance which pays out when a sensor is triggered by rising water, but they are unsure if they barriers work properly.
Product Development
Homemade Toy Business and EN-71 Compliance
A user, u/dea_marz, is starting a homemade toy business using a laser cutter and wants advice on EN-71 safety compliance17. They are seeking information on suitable wood (especially plywood and solid wood) and paint materials available in the UK that meet safety standards.
Starting a Jerky Business
One user, u/BoyoMcLad, wanted to understand what would need to be done to start a small jerky business from a home kitchen. They are keen to sell locally as well as online, but unsure about the requirements to start selling legitimately.
Product-Based Business with No Startup Capital
A student, u/Worried-Magician8138, is looking for advice on transforming an idea for a product-based business into reality with no start-up capital. They have a basic knowledge of a service based business but need guidance on the steps to take for a product based business, including market research, contacting suppliers, and funding.
Online Presence
Website Professionalism
A sole trader handyman/property maintenance business owner, u/EleventeenThousand, asked for feedback on their website, wanting to ensure it appears professional enough to attract large commercial clients23. This highlights the importance of online presence for small businesses and conveying trust through branding.
Customer Account Access Online
A user, u/i_anglepoise, is looking for a service or software to provide 300 customers with access to their accounts online, including invoices and contracts. They would like a system that integrates with Sage 50.
Price List Software
A business owner with 590 products, u/Hot-Vanilla811, was looking for software that could pull pricing data from Excel to create a professional price list with photos and graphics. This demonstrates a need for tools that combine marketing and pricing information.
Specific Business Challenges
Retail Business Viability
A user, u/87red, was looking for advice on the viability of opening a children's shoe shop26. They have identified a suitable location and target market and have experience in tech and accounting. The user is keen to understand the significance of the competition and whether to expect a significant portion of sales online.
Vehicle Upgrade
A business owner, u/YMGodfather, was unsure whether to get a big estate car or a small van to transport stock and promotional items. They are wondering about the relative boot space with the seats down.
General Advice
Daily Income Sheet
One user, u/Clutchy51, shared their best business tip which is to use a daily income sheet and monthly profit and loss record. They find that this process makes you more profitable, because it is front of mind, rather than relying on just a bank account balance to measure profitability.
Small Business Inspiration
A new consultant, u/Downtown-Orchid-2257, sought recommendations for memoirs or blogs that provide insight into building a small business, especially from those who started without prior experience.
Startup Loan Process
One user, u/Kuroakita, asked about the Startuploans/bizbritains process, looking for insights into how far along they were in the process.
Best of the Week
This week, the most insightful discussions focused on the practicalities of running a small business in the UK. The detailed responses regarding EN-71 compliance, tax efficiency, marketing and starting a product based business, offered valuable advice and demonstrated the breadth of challenges that the community is navigating.
That's all for this week's Reddit Rundown. Join us next week as we continue to explore the vibrant world of UK small business.
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