{"id":1418,"date":"2023-06-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-self-employed\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T16:25:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T16:25:50","slug":"how-to-become-self-employed","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-self-employed\/","title":{"rendered":"An ultimate guide to going self-employed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thinking of going self-employed? We\u2019ve got some tips for getting started \u2013 from weighing up the pros and cons of self-employment, to understanding tax and benefits when you\u2019re self-employed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtogoselfemployedintheuk\">How to go self-employed in the UK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are over four million self-employed people in the UK right now. In 2022, the self-employed workforce contributed \u00a3278 billion to the national economy. Everyone knows someone who&#8217;s done it, but how do you get started? Read our guide to going self-employed and watch our video below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to become self employed in the UK\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O1oK_BOhGTg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"shouldigoselfemployed\">Should I go self-employed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of reasons to go self-employed. You get to \u2018be your own boss\u2019 and work more flexibly. And depending on your industry, you may be able to command a much higher rate than the salary you\u2019d be able to achieve as an employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there are downsides to self-employment \u2013 and when you\u2019re thinking through being self-employed, there\u2019s lots to take into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"decidingifselfemploymentisrightforyou\">Deciding if self-employment is right for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are pros and cons to going self-employed, and when you&#8217;re weighing up self-employment against employment there are a number of things that you need to consider, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">are you clear about how you\u2019d get clients or customers?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">do you have some money to set yourself up?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">would you be able to cope with periods of little or no income?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">do you feel confident about managing your own business, for example managing <a href=\"\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/what-is-a-cash-flow-forecast\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"972\">cashflow<\/a>, keeping thorough records and completing tax returns?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">have you thought through the impact of losing employee benefits, for example holiday pay, sick pay, and employer pension contributions?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also need to think about personal things such as whether you\u2019d miss working with colleagues, if you have the space you need, and any upcoming life-changing events like moving home or having a baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatarethebenefitsofbeingselfemployed\">What are the benefits of being self-employed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of perks to being self-employed, and this list isn&#8217;t exhaustive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you have more <strong>flexibility and control<\/strong>, so it may be easier to fit your work around other commitments and responsibilities, including childcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your work can be <strong>more varied<\/strong>, as you may be working on several different projects for different clients at any one time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you can explore your <strong>creative and entrepreneurial<\/strong> side as you build your own business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you\u2019re more likely to <strong>work from home<\/strong>, or from your own business premises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also many financial benefits if you\u2019re self-employed. You can deduct costs such as travel and some utilities bills from your income when calculating your tax liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, day rates for self-employed consultants and freelancers tend to be much higher than salaries, so there\u2019s potential to earn more money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatarethedisadvantagesofbeingselfemployed\">What are the disadvantages of being self-employed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to take into account the disadvantages of being self-employed too. There are some challenges, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">finding clients or a route to market<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">start-up costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">administration such as <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-bookkeeping\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1259\">bookkeeping<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">complying with industry regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also need to consider some of the risks of being self-employed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>your income isn\u2019t guaranteed<\/strong>, which can make it hard to keep up with rent or mortgage payments, loan payments, and living expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>you bear the responsibility for the failure or success of the business<\/strong>, so you don\u2019t have much back-up if things go wrong<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>you won\u2019t get paid if you take a holiday or can\u2019t work<\/strong> because you\u2019re unwell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>it can be more difficult to get approved<\/strong> for things like renting a property, getting a mortgage, or getting a loan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>it can be difficult to separate your home life from your work life<\/strong>, and to get a good work-life balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>being self-employed can be isolating<\/strong> if you\u2019re working on your own a lot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howmuchtaxdoselfemployedpay\">How much tax do self-employed pay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How much tax you\u2019ll pay as a self-employed person will depend on how much money you\u2019ve made and the \u2018<a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/self-employed-expenses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1511\">allowable expenses<\/a>\u2019 you\u2019ve incurred in the course of your business. Certain business-related expenses can be subtracted from your income when you\u2019re calculating your taxable profit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to work out self employed expenses for your UK tax return\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dMFSgyOa1fA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tax-free personal allowance and the tax bands are the same for self-employed and employed people, so for 2023-24 you can make up to \u00a312,570 before you need to pay tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll then pay the basic rate of income tax (20 per cent) on income up to \u00a350,270. The higher rate of 40 per cent applies to income over \u00a350,2710, and on income over \u00a3125,140 you pay the additional rate of 45 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtopaynationalinsurancewhenselfemployed\">How to pay National Insurance when self-employed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most self-employed people will need to pay <a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/how-to-pay-national-insurance-when-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1440\">Class 2 and 4 National Insurance contributions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll pay this as part of the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/self-employed-tax-changes\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1514\">Self Assessment tax returns<\/a> process, which needs to be completed by <strong>31 January<\/strong> every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"goingselfemployedforthefirsttime\">Going self-employed for the first time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re going self-employed there are several things you need to do, including thinking about your business structure (which has an impact on the paperwork you\u2019ll need to complete), and sorting out insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"goingselfemployedchecklist\">Going self-employed checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you go self-employed, you\u2019re effectively <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\">setting up a business<\/a>, even though you might not see it that way. This means that you need to decide on a business structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;ve taken an in-depth look at setting up as a sole trader \u2013 usually the simplest business structure to choose when you go self-employed. However, you may also decide to incorporate as a limited company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"startingalimitedcompany\">Starting a limited company<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/setting-up-a-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1270\">setting up limited company<\/a>, there are certain things you need to do, including registering with Companies House, drawing up a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/memorandum-of-association-template-free-download\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1483\">memorandum of association<\/a>, and paying <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/when-is-corporation-tax-due\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1592\">corporation tax<\/a>. Take a look at our article on <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/sole-trader-vs-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1532\">sole traders vs limited companies<\/a> if you\u2019re not sure about the differences between these business structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"startingupasasoletrader\">Starting up as a sole trader<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re going self-employed in the UK as a sole trader, these are some of the things you need to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>tell HMRC that you\u2019re self-employed<\/strong>, so that they know you need to pay tax through Self Assessment and pay Class 2 and 4 National Insurance contributions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>set up a business bank account<\/strong> \u2013 if you\u2019re struggling to pick a provider, check out our article for a round-up of some of the <a href=\"\/knowledge\/banking\/best-small-business-bank-account\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1332\">best business bank accounts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>establish a process for recording your profits and evidence of your business expenses<\/strong> \u2013 this will make it much easier when it comes to completing your HMRC tax return<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>check your tenancy agreement or mortgage agreement<\/strong> to make sure you\u2019re not contravening any terms if you\u2019re working from home \u2013 you may need to notify your landlord or mortgage lender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>sort out your insurance<\/strong> \u2013 <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">professional indemnity insurance<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> are the main types of <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/self-employed-insurance\/\">self-employed business insurance<\/a> to consider, but there are plenty of other covers too<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>think about your pension<\/strong> \u2013 since you won\u2019t be paying into a workplace pension any more, it may be a good idea to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/allowances\/self-employed-pension-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1512\">set up a private pension<\/a> so that you\u2019re still putting money aside for <a href=\"\/knowledge\/management\/retirement-age-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1503\">retirement<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"goingselfemployedbutworkingforacompany\">Going self-employed but working for a company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, you may be going self-employed part-time or have a side hustle, but continue working for a company during the rest of the week. This means you\u2019re both self-employed and employed, and <a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/tax-on-second-job\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1546\">you\u2019ll pay tax<\/a> through both <a href=\"\/knowledge\/staff\/paying-paye-tax-guide-for-employers\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1493\">PAYE<\/a> and Self Assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could also be self-employed but only work for one company (for example if you have a single major client), but in this case HMRC will be keen to make sure that the company isn\u2019t just calling you \u2018self-employed\u2019 to avoid paying National Insurance contributions and giving you employment rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To count as self-employed, you usually need to have choice over when and where you work and you\u2019ll usually be paid when you issue invoices. Check the government website or speak to an accountant if you\u2019re not sure \u2013 you can also read our <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-is-ir35\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1579\">guide to the off-payroll working rules (IR35)<\/a> for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"beingselfemployedandgettingamortgage\">Being self-employed and getting a mortgage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the disadvantages of being self-employed is that <a href=\"\/knowledge\/banking\/getting-a-mortgage-when-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1093\">it can be more difficult to get a mortgage<\/a>, but it is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you apply for a mortgage and you\u2019re employed, the lender will usually confirm your income by asking for payslips and bank statements. When you\u2019re self-employed, you\u2019ll usually need to provide business accounts including a copy of your Self Assessment tax return forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lenders often ask for between two and three years of accounts, so you may not be able to get a mortgage if you\u2019ve only just become self-employed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, the lender will take an average of your income over the last two or three years to calculate how much they\u2019re willing to lend you. They may also ask to see other documents &#8211; business plans, for example &#8211; to check that they\u2019re confident you\u2019ll be able to keep up with the mortgage repayments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howdoiregistermyselfasselfemployedwithhmrc\">How do I register myself as self-employed with HMRC?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registering as self-employed with HMRC and setting up as a sole trader are two of the first things you need to do when you start your own business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\">guide on how to register as self-employed<\/a> gives you an overview of everything you need to know, from how to set up, to your responsibilities once you\u2019ve registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return\/register-if-youre-self-employed\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">register for Self Assessment<\/a> on the government\u2019s website, and read our article on <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\">registering as a sole trader with HMRC<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatcaniclaimasselfemployed\">What can I claim as self-employed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"selfemployedallowableexpenses\">Self-employed allowable expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of what you can subtract from your income when you\u2019re figuring out the self-employed profit that\u2019s taxable, the list includes <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a>, part of your utility bills if you work from home, office costs, stock, and certain business-related travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the government&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/expenses-if-youre-self-employed\/overview\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">self-employed guidance<\/a> carefully though, as you could get in trouble with HMRC if you subtract something that\u2019s not an allowable expense, or if you don\u2019t have evidence of the expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a full breakdown, take a look at our guide to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/self-employed-expenses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1511\">self-employed tax deductible expenses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"selfemployedbenefits\">Self-employed benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on certain factors, you may be able to claim certain benefits. If you\u2019re self-employed and not earning very much money, you may be eligible for income support or working tax credit, although the latter has been replaced by Universal Credit for most people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the government website for more details \u2013 you can also read our guide to <a href=\"\/knowledge\/allowances\/benefits-and-self-employed-minimum-income-floor\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1331\">self-employed benefits entitlement<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"selfemployedtaxcredits\">Self-employed tax credits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can claim Working Tax Credit when you\u2019re self-employed, but in April 2015 the rules were tightened up. Self-employed tax credit claimants must show that they\u2019re trading on a commercial basis with the aim of making profits, and that their self-employed work is structured, regular, and ongoing. There\u2019s further information on the criteria in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/revenue-and-customs-brief-7-2015-new-rules-for-the-self-employed-claiming-working-tax-credit\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">this government briefing document<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"selfemployedhousingbenefit\">Self-employed Housing Benefit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Again, this has been replaced by Universal Credit. You may still be eligible for Housing Benefit and council tax reduction if you\u2019re self-employed but not earning very much money, and certain other factors apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the council is calculating your eligibility for benefits like housing benefit, they&#8217;ll probably ask to see your business accounts for the last financial year, or a forecast if you haven\u2019t started trading yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"selfemployeduniversalcredit\">Self-employed Universal Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you&#8217;re self-employed. You will have to declare your earnings at the end of each monthly assessment period, and will have to give details of any payments into or out of your business. Your work coach will also ask to see records of customers and suppliers, and marketing materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your Universal Credit payments may be calculated based on your assumed earnings, which are known as the Minimum Income Floor. However, a different method may be used if you&#8217;re in your first 12 months of self-employment, during which the Minimum Income Floor may not apply. During this period, you may also be entitled to meetings with a work coach who&#8217;s specifically trained in self-employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"selfemployedgrants\">Self-employed grants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be able to get a grant from the government, as well as local councils and some organisations. Use the government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/business-finance-support-finder\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">finance finder tool<\/a> to see if there\u2019s a grant that could be suitable for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read our guide to <\/strong><a href=\"\/knowledge\/funding\/small-business-grants\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1525\"><strong>small business grants<\/strong><\/a><strong> for more information<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stilldecidingwhatselfemployedbusinesstostart\">Still deciding what self-employed business to start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a look at our range of guides on starting your own business and how to set up as self-employed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"businessideasthatletyouworkfromhome\">Business ideas that let you work from home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-start-a-clothing-brand\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1447\">clothing brand<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/starting-a-cake-business-from-home-guide\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1539\">cake and baking business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-candle-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1445\">candle making<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"businessideasthatgetyououtandabout\">Business ideas that get you out and about<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-a-dog-walker\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1448\">dog walking business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-cleaning-business-in-the-uk\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1446\">cleaning business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-a-courier\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"872\">courier business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/hospitality\/how-to-start-a-food-truck-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1449\">mobile food truck<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"generalguidesonstartinguponyourown\">General guides on starting up on your own<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\">how to start a business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-freelance-work\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1412\">how to become a freelancer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-home-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1015\">starting a business from home<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/retail\/how-to-set-up-an-online-shop\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"985\">how to start an online shop<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/income\/how-to-budget-calculator-and-guide-for-the-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"956\">how to budget<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Share your experiences of going self-employed with us in the comments below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"lookingforselfemployedinsurance\">Looking for self-employed insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">With Simply Business you can build a single <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/self-employed-insurance\/\">self employed insurance<\/a> policy combining the covers that are relevant to you. Whether it&#8217;s <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a>, <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">professional indemnity<\/a> or whatever else you need, we&#8217;ll run you a quick quote online, and let you decide if we&#8217;re a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photo: JenkoAtaman\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering how to become self employed? 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