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How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.

The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

Good advertising puts the right marketing message in front of the right people at the right time, raising awareness of your business.

Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.

Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.

Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.

Exhibitions and events are valuable for businesses because they allow face-to-face communication and offer opportunities for networking.

Deadline looms for registering as self-employed

2 October 2023

Anyone who has earned income as a self-employed worker in the 2022/23 tax year must register for Self Assessment by 5 October if they haven't done so already.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding anyone who is new to Self Assessment for the 2022/23 tax year that they must register online by 5 October 2023.

How to register as self-employed

You can register for Self Assessment on the GOV.UK website. Taxpayers that need to do this include anyone who has:

  • Worked on a freelance basis in the past tax year;
  • Set up a side hustle to earn money in addition to their PAYE job;
  • Starting renting out a property as a landlord.

In fact, if a taxpayer has any income that they have not already paid UK tax on, they need to register for Self Assessment on GOV.UK. They will then receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing their tax return. The deadline for taxpayers to file their tax return online and pay any tax owed for the 2022/23 tax year is 31 January 2024.

How to stop Self Assessment

If a worker thinks they no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022/23 tax year, they should tell HMRC before the deadline on 31 January 2024 to avoid any penalties.

HMRC has a wide range of resources to help customers file a tax return, including a series of video tutorials on YouTube.

Written by Rachel Miller.

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