The team at Local Traders understand how difficult it can be to run a business in times such as we are now experiencing, and are here to pass on their experiences and knowledge to local businesses.

There are many sources of information available for local businesses, and we are always looking for new sources of easy to understand information.  You can be sure that we will continually build on the items listed below to create a library of information ready for you to use.

Click on the links below to open pdf documents:

Employing People
Hours, rest breaks and the working week
National Insurance – the basics 
PAYE – the basics
Set yourself up as an employer
Taking on staff
The Employment Contract

Environment and Efficiency
Choose the right premises for your business
Environmental permits and licenses – an overview
Use your resources more effectively – an overview
Your responsibilities for the environment – an overview

Forming Your Business
Legal Structures
Premises – choosing the right ones 
Starting a business during a recession

Health and Safety
Create and operate a health and safety policy 
Renting business premises
Risk assessment an overview
Use your home as a workplace
Your responsibilities for Health and Safety

IT and Ecommerce
An overview of IT and ecommerce
Benefits of email and the internet
Get the most from IT in your business
Options for connecting to the internet

Sales and Marketing
Advertising the basics introduction
Branding – the basics
Direct Marketing – the Basics
Planning to sell
Understand your competitors
Write a marketing plan

Taxes, Returns and Payroll
Accounting and audit exemptions
Balance Sheets
Business Rates
Capital Allowances – the basics
Corporation tax – an introduction
File returns online
National Insurance – the basics
PAYE – the basics
Profit and Loss account
Rates thresholds and fees
Record keeping
Self-assessment – an introduction
Tax advantages for business start-ups
VAT – an introduction