Built For Small Business | What Works, What Fails & Why in Business

Choosing between being a sole trader and setting up a limited company is one of the biggest decisions UK business owners make, and it can have a real impact on your tax, take-home pay, and long-term growth. In this episode, we break down the key differences between sole trader and limited company structures in the UK in a simple, practical way. We look at how each option affects tax, paperwork, le...

Running a small business can feel chaotic when invoices, expenses, client work, and deadlines all start blending during the week. In this episode, we talk about the simple Sunday evening admin routine that can help freelancers, sole traders, and UK micro-business owners start the week feeling more organised and less stressed. From checking invoices and expenses to reviewing upcoming deadlines, we...

Trying to understand what business expenses you can actually claim can be confusing, especially when HMRC categories, allowable expenses, and tax rules all start sounding overly technical. In this episode, we break down the main HMRC expense categories for self-employed people and small business owners in the UK. From travel and office costs to software subscriptions and working from home expenses...

Trying to get a mortgage while self-employed can feel confusing, especially when lenders ask for income records, tax returns, and proof that your business is financially stable. In this episode, we break down what “mortgage-ready income” actually means for freelancers, sole traders, and small business owners in 2026. We talk about the documents lenders usually want to see, how your tax returns aff...

Managing your husband’s business accounts without an accounting background can feel overwhelming at first, especially when invoices, expenses, tax deadlines and paperwork start piling up. In this episode, we talk about the reality many partners and spouses face when helping run a small business behind the scenes. From tracking expenses to sending invoices and staying organised, we break down the p...

Trying to understand how the UK business system actually works? In this episode, we break down the key organisations and terms every small business owner needs to know, from registering with Companies House to managing taxes with HM Revenue and Customs. You’ll learn what VAT really means for your business, when you need to register, and how your UTR fits into the bigger picture of staying complian...

If you're a UK sole trader earning over £50,000, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is about to change how you deal with HMRC, permanently. In this episode, we break down exactly what MTD means, who it affects, and what you need to do right now to stay compliant before the April 2026 deadline. You’ll learn: What Making Tax Digital actually is (in plain English) Who needs to comply, and wh...

Do you really need an accountant for your UK small business, or can you handle it yourself? In this episode, we break down when it makes sense to hire an accountant and when you can confidently manage your finances on your own. From self-assessment and bookkeeping to VAT, payroll, and tax planning, you’ll get a clear picture of what accountants actually do, and where they truly add value. If you&#...

Thinking about starting a limited company in the UK, but not sure where to begin? This episode walks you through the entire process of registering a company with Companies House, step by step. We break down what Companies House is, who actually needs to register, and what you’ll need before getting started. You’ll also learn how to complete the registration process, what happens after your company...

Managing invoices and expenses can quickly become one of the most stressful parts of running a small business, especially when payments are late, receipts go missing, and tax deadlines creep up. In this episode, we break down a simple, practical system to help UK small business owners stay on top of invoicing, track expenses properly, and avoid unnecessary stress. From sending invoices on time to...

If Stripe is stopping you from getting paid on your invoices, this episode explains exactly why and how to fix it quickly. We break down why identity verification is required when setting up invoice payments on Built For Small Business, what Stripe is actually asking for, and what happens if you skip this step. You’ll also learn how long the process takes, what documents you need, and how to compl...

Practical advice for small business owners who are building something real. Hosted by Josh, co-founder of Built For Small Business, this podcast cuts through the noise and gets straight to the conversations that matter: how to find your first client, how to run your operations without burning out, how to grow without overspending, and how to make smart decisions with limited resources. No fluff. N...

You’ve registered your business, now what? In this episode, Joshua Adeyemo, co-founder of BuiltForSmallBusiness.com, breaks down the critical next steps every entrepreneur should take after getting officially incorporated. Josh explores the often-overlooked essentials that protect your business from late payments, client disputes, and unnecessary stress, including: Setting up proper invoicing poli...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of BFSB - Built For Small Business, where host Jerrold guides aspiring founders and seasoned entrepreneurs through the startup landscape. Join us for actionable insights, expert advice, and inspiring success stories as we explore strategies for growth, funding, marketing, and leadership. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this podcast is your go-...