Business reference
Useful Information for a New SME
A plain-English guide to the everyday jobs of starting and running a small UK business — from advertising and getting customers to posting, payments, and records.
Postage & delivery
UK 1st Class letter
£1.80
Up to 100g.
UK 2nd Class letter
91p
Up to 100g.
Mailmark franking: 1st Class
£1.77
Up to 100g; a 3p saving per letter before machine costs.
Mailmark franking: 2nd Class
88p
Up to 100g.
Postage prices can change. Always check Royal Mail before buying postage.
Check Royal Mail prices ↗Customer enquiries
Missed calls
Reply fast
Call back promptly or use an AI receptionist to capture the job details.
New job details
Record the basics
Name, phone, postcode, job type, urgency, photos, and preferred time.
Quotes
Set an expiry date
State what is included, excluded, and when the quote expires.
Reviews
Ask after completion
Send a simple review request once the customer is happy.
Money & records
Invoices
Use a unique number
Keep a copy of each invoice and clearly show payment terms.
Receipts
Keep business evidence
Save receipts and records for sales, costs, and payments.
Payment reminders
Be polite and clear
State the invoice number, amount due, and payment deadline.
Bank account
Keep it separate
A dedicated business account makes day-to-day tracking easier.
Business essentials
Insurance
Match it to the work
Check the cover needed for your trade, customers, tools, and vehicles.
Data protection
Protect customer details
Only collect information you need and keep it secure.
Terms
Put promises in writing
Agree scope, price, timings, and changes before work begins.
Important dates
Use reminders
Track renewals, tax deadlines, licences, and insurance dates.
Companies House authentication code
What it is
Your company’s filing code
A private six-character code for one company. It authorises official online filings, much like a signature.
Where to look first
Check company records
Look through old Companies House post or ask the accountant or company-formation agent who originally set up the company.
If you do not have it
Request a new code
Sign in to Companies House WebFiling, add your company using its company number, and request an authentication code.
How it arrives
Posted to the registered office
Companies House sends it by post to the company’s registered office address, rather than by email.
Keep it safe
Treat it like a PIN
Only give it to a trusted accountant or authorised filer. Never put it in a public form, email it widely, or share it in a chat.
This code is for official Companies House filing. It is not an API key and is not needed to use our Search Companies House research tool.
Official guide: authentication codes ↗Social media posting
Facebook
Local trust and updates
Post completed jobs, customer reviews, helpful tips, offers, and local updates. Include a clear way to call, message, or request a quote.
Instagram
Show the visual result
Use good before-and-after photos, short Reels, Stories, and simple captions. Tag the service area where appropriate.
TikTok
Short, useful video
Show a quick tip, a job transformation, a behind-the-scenes clip, or answer a common customer question. Start with the result or problem.
Pinterest
Ideas people can save
Post vertical images or videos of finished work, design ideas, checklists, and seasonal inspiration that links back to your website.
X
Timely conversation
Share short updates, useful observations, local news, and replies to relevant conversations. Keep each post focused on one message.
For every platform: use real work where possible, protect customer privacy, add a clear call to action, and reply to genuine questions promptly.
Social media advertising
Start with one goal
Choose the outcome
Pick one: calls, messages, lead forms, website visits, bookings, or sales. Do not try to optimise one small ad for everything.
Facebook & Instagram ads
Reach local customers
Use Meta Ads Manager. Test a strong image or short vertical video and target only the locations you can realistically serve.
TikTok ads
Awareness, consideration, conversion
Use a natural-looking short video. Set a budget, define the audience, and measure the action that matters to the business.
Pinterest ads
Inspiration to enquiry
Promote useful, visual Pins to people looking for ideas. Strong vertical creative and a relevant landing page are important.
X ads
Real-time reach
Choose an objective, target relevant location, interests, keywords, or conversations, then monitor clicks and enquiries.
Begin with a small test budget. Run more than one creative, track calls or enquiries, and only increase spend on adverts that create profitable work.
Meta advertising guide ↗Getting your first customers
Make your offer clear
Say what you do
Use one short sentence: what service you provide, the area you cover, and the easiest way to contact you. Put it on every advert and profile.
Information boards
Advertise locally
Ask to place a simple, permission-based notice on community, supermarket, library, gym, café, church, school, or local shop noticeboards. Include your service, area, phone number, website or QR code.
Flyers and business cards
Give people something to keep
Use a large phone number, clear service list, service area, and a simple offer. Deliver only where permitted and ask local businesses before leaving cards.
Google Business Profile
Help nearby customers find you
Create and keep a profile up to date with your real contact details, opening hours, service area, photos, and reviews.
Ask for referrals
Turn good work into more work
After a successful job, politely ask the customer to recommend you and leave a review. Make the review link easy to use.
Keep adverts honest. Only use customer photos, names, and reviews with permission. Check local rules and get permission before putting up notices or distributing flyers.