If you’re running a small business or freelancing in the UK, understanding what you can claim as business expenses can make a huge difference when it comes to your tax bill. The good news? You can claim a wide range of costs that are “wholly and exclusively” for business purposes. Whether you’re a sole trader or running a limited company, this guide breaks down the most common allowable expenses—clearly and simply. ✅ What Counts as a Business Expense? In HMRC’s eyes, a business expense must be essential to your work—not personal. If something is used for both business and personal purposes, you can usually only claim the business portion. 📌 Common Expenses You Can Claim Here are some of the most typical costs small business owners can deduct: 1. Office Costs Rent (if you rent office space) Utilities (e.g., electricity, water) Internet and phone bills (business portion) Stationery and postage Office furniture (desks, chairs) 2. Working from Home If you work from home, you can claim a portion of: Heating, electricity, water Council tax Rent or mortgage interest Internet 🧮 HMRC allows a simplified flat rate depending on hours worked from home—or you can calculate actual costs proportionally. 3. Travel Costs Business travel (train, bus, flights) Fuel and mileage (45p/mile for first 10,000 miles, then 25p) Parking fees Accommodation (if staying overnight for work) Meals (if you’re staying away from home) 🚫 Not allowed: commuting from home to your usual workplace. 4. Marketing and Advertising Website hosting Logo design and branding Paid ads (Google, Facebook, etc.) Business cards, flyers Social media tools 5. Software and Subscriptions Adobe, Canva, Notion, Microsoft 365 Project management tools (e.g. Trello, Asana) CRM systems 6. Professional Services Accountant or bookkeeper fees Legal advice Business coaching or consulting 7. Training and Education Courses, books, or subscriptions that help you improve your business skills ✔ Must be related to your current business—not for starting a new trade. 8. Equipment and Tools Laptop or desktop Camera, microphone, phone Specialist tools related to your industry You might claim these as capital allowances if they’re long-term assets. 9. Insurance Public liability insurance Professional indemnity insurance Business equipment insurance 10. Banking and Finance Business bank account fees Interest on business loans or overdrafts Payment processing fees (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) ⚠️ What You Can’t Claim Some things are always off-limits: Personal expenses Client entertainment (e.g., taking them out to dinner) Fines or penalties Clothing (unless it’s a uniform or protective gear) 📋 Keep Good Records Always keep receipts, invoices, and records of every expense. You don’t need to submit them with your tax return, but HMRC can ask for proof at any time. Digital tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or even Notion and Google Drive can make record-keeping simple. 🧠 Final Thoughts Understanding what you can (and can’t) claim helps you: Pay less tax legally Keep your finances organised Make better business decisions It might feel overwhelming at first, but once you get used to tracking your expenses, it becomes second nature.

Why having a website is no longer optional in 2025 — and how it can help you grow faster, get more clients, and stand out from the crowd. If you’re self-employed, just finished a course, or started offering services to clients, there’s one simple thing that can make or break your success: 👉 Your online presence. In today’s world, people Google before they message, and if they can’t find you online—or what they do find doesn’t look credible—they move on. Fast. Whether you’re a beauty specialist, dog trainer, consultant, coach, or handyman, the truth is the same: if people can’t find you online, they won’t trust you. ❌ The Problem with Relying on Word-of-Mouth or Social Media Alone We get it—word-of-mouth works. So do Instagram and WhatsApp chats. But they have serious limits: Your DMs get messy You can’t control how you’re presented Your availability, pricing, and services are unclear You’re constantly repeating yourself to each new client And let’s face it: if someone’s comparing you to another provider who has a clean, professional website with photos, testimonials, and clear booking info… they win. ✅ What a Website Can Do for You Having a simple website changes the game completely. It acts as: Your business card Your portfolio Your 24/7 assistant Your trust-builder Here’s what it allows you to do: Showcase your work, story, and personality Explain your services clearly and professionally Add a contact form, booking calendar, or FAQ Collect inquiries while you sleep It saves time, builds credibility, and makes your business look real. And no, it doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Even a one-page site can do wonders. 📈 Why Now Is the Best Time If you’re just getting started, momentum is everything. Your first few clients will check you out. If you send them to a clean, helpful website, they feel confident and more likely to book. It’s also the best way to: Raise your prices (because you look professional) Filter out time-wasters (with clear info and forms) Build your brand from day one And here’s the thing: websites are Google’s best friend. That means if someone in your area searches for your service, your site can actually show up—even without ads. 🧪 Real Example: Results Without Ads One of our clients, a dog trainer, launched her website with us a few months ago. No paid ads. No big social media following. Today, she’s showing up on the first page of Google, and she’s already getting new client leads through the contact form on her site. That’s the power of visibility. 🚀 Ready to Get Started? If you’ve been thinking about getting a website but aren’t sure where to start (or think it’s too expensive), we can help. At MonoWeb, we work with self-employed people, side hustlers, and new business owners to create clean, effective websites that actually get results — not just look good. 📩 Contact us here and let’s get your business online the right way or email us at hello@monoweb.co.uk