Business Starter Advice Plans
Ask a business question, get an answer in minutes. Advice Plans give you on-demand answers across five specialist areas, generated using leading AI platforms and cross-checked against published sources.
£14 per month per plan, or £10 per month equivalent when you pay for the year upfront - £120 for twelve months. Monthly is rolling, annual is a paid year.
Choose your area: Business Administration, Financial, Legal, Social Media & Marketing or Procurement. One subscription covers one area. Each monthly plan includes up to 50 questions per month and each annual plan includes up to 300 questions per month, under fair usage.
Take two plans and get 25% cashback. Take all five and get at least 30%.
Answers in minutes • up to 300 questions/month per plan • 5 specialist areas • Built for UK businesses
How Advice Plans work
Ask your question
Type your question into your plan's advice area - as detailed or as simple as you like. Available 24/7.
Analysed by leading AI
Your question is processed through multiple leading AI platforms
Cross-checked
Verified against trusted UK sources
Answer in minutes
A clear, practical, professional-grade answer lands back with you - typically within minutes, even at 11pm on a Sunday.
Why not just Google it?
Googling it
Hiring a professional
Advice Plan
Cost
Free, but costs hours
£100-£200hr
From £10 month
Speed
Hours of conflicting posts
Days for a callback
Minutes
Consistency
Fifty different opinions
One person's view
Cross-checked
UK-specific
Hit and miss
Yes
Verified against UK guidance
Available
Always Available
Office hours
24/7
Five Specialist Areas. Pick What Your Business Needs.
Business Admin
Company filings, record-keeping, compliance deadlines, day-to-day admin questions.
Financial
Cash flow, budgeting, tax basics, invoicing, understanding your numbers.
Legal
Contracts, terms and conditions, employment basics, protecting your business.
Social Media & Marketing
Content strategy, platform choices, campaigns, growing your audience.
Procurement
Supplier selection, negotiating better prices, purchasing decisions.
One subscription covers one specialist area - combine plans and earn cashback: 25% back on 2 plans, 30%+ back on all 5.
Simple, Honest Pricing
All plans run for a minimum of 12 months. Fair usage: 300 questions per month per annual plan.
Specialist Answers Without Specialist Prices
A solicitor or accountant typically charges £150–£300 per hour, books you in days ahead, and works office hours. A single question can cost more than a year of an Advice Plan.
An annual Advice Plan gives you up to 300 answers a month, back in minutes, around the clock, from £10 a month - powered by the same AI platforms used by professionals worldwide, with every answer cross-checked against authoritative sources.
It's not a replacement for regulated advice when you truly need it. It's the fast, affordable first answer for the other 95% of questions.
Real Questions Our Plans Answer Every Day
What expenses can I claim as a limited company director?" (Financial)
If you're a UK limited company director, you can usually claim expenses that are wholly, exclusively, and necessarily incurred for business purposes. Many of these expenses reduce your company's Corporation Tax bill, while some can also be reimbursed to you tax-free. Office Expenses Office rent Business rates Utilities (electricity, gas, water) Internet and business phone Office furniture Stationery and printer supplies Postage and courier costs Equipment & Technology Laptops and computers Monitors and accessories Mobile phones (company-owned) Tablets Printers Software subscriptions Cloud storage Cyber security software Business Travel Fuel for business journeys Train tickets Flights Taxis Parking Tolls Hotel accommodation Meals while travelling on business You cannot claim ordinary commuting to your normal workplace. Using Your Personal Vehicle If you use your own car, you can claim HMRC's approved mileage rates: 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles 25p per mile thereafter Motorcycles: 24p per mile Bicycles: 20p per mile Business Meals Allowable when: Travelling on business Meeting clients Staff events Not allowable for your normal everyday lunch. Clothing Claimable: Uniforms Protective clothing Branded workwear Not claimable: Normal business suits Dresses Shoes suitable for everyday wear Training You can claim: Professional courses Industry conferences Books related to your trade Online learning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provided they maintain or improve existing business skills. Professional Services Accountant fees Bookkeeping Solicitor fees Business consultancy Payroll services Marketing & Advertising Website development and maintenance Web hosting Domain names Google Ads Facebook Ads LinkedIn Ads Business cards Printing Photography Branding Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Email marketing software Insurance Professional indemnity insurance Public liability insurance Employers' liability insurance Cyber insurance Directors' & Officers' insurance Contents insurance Professional Memberships Certain approved subscriptions and memberships relevant to your profession may be claimed. Banking & Finance Business bank charges Merchant fees Payment processing fees Interest on business loans Staff Welfare Tea Coffee Milk Fruit Water Small kitchen supplies Staff Entertainment Annual staff events are usually exempt up to £150 per person per tax year (including VAT), provided the exemption conditions are met. Home Office Expenses If you work from home, your company can usually claim: A proportion of household running costs (using a reasonable method) HMRC's simplified homeworking allowance where applicable Office equipment used for work Gifts Business gifts are generally allowable if they: Cost £50 or less per recipient per year Carry your business branding Are not food, drink, tobacco or vouchers Capital Assets Items such as: Computers Machinery Office furniture Company vehicles may qualify for capital allowances rather than being deducted as a normal business expense. Pension Contributions Employer pension contributions made by your company are normally: An allowable business expense Free from Income Tax and National Insurance for you (subject to tax rules and contribution limits) Expenses You Generally Cannot Claim Personal shopping Everyday clothing Family holidays Private fuel Personal fines or penalties Entertainment of clients (generally not tax-deductible for Corporation Tax, although there can be exceptions for VAT and specific situations) Personal gym memberships (unless there is a specific business exemption) Good Record-Keeping To support your claims, keep: Receipts and invoices Mileage logs Records of the business purpose for travel and meals Bank statements Digital copies of documents HMRC generally expects records to be retained for at least six years after the end of the relevant accounting period.
"Do I need terms and conditions on my website?" (Legal)
The short answer is yes. While most UK businesses are not legally required to have Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) on their website, they are one of the most important legal documents you can have. Without them, you're leaving your business exposed to unnecessary legal and financial risk. What Are Website Terms and Conditions? Website Terms and Conditions are a legal agreement between you and the people who use your website. They explain: How your website can be used Your products or services Payment and refund terms Intellectual property rights Limitations of liability Dispute resolution Governing law (typically England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland) They help protect your business if disagreements arise. Are Terms and Conditions Legally Required in the UK? For many informational websites, no. However, if your website: Sells products Offers paid services Accepts bookings Provides subscriptions Allows users to create accounts Offers downloadable content Collects payments online then comprehensive Terms and Conditions are strongly recommended—and in many cases other laws require you to provide specific contractual information to consumers. Why Every Business Should Have Them Good Terms and Conditions can help you: Limit your legal liability Protect your content and branding Set payment terms Explain cancellation and refund policies Prevent misuse of your website Resolve disputes more easily Demonstrate professionalism and build customer trust What Should They Include? Most UK business websites should include sections covering: Business details Website use Products or services Prices and payments Delivery (if applicable) Cancellations and refunds Intellectual property User responsibilities Limitation of liability Privacy and data protection references Governing law The exact content depends on your business model. Don't Forget These Other Legal Documents Terms and Conditions are only one part of website compliance. Depending on your website, you may also need: Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Cookie Consent Banner Returns Policy Shipping Policy Acceptable Use Policy These documents often work together to help you meet your legal obligations. What Happens If You Don't Have Terms and Conditions? Potential consequences include: Greater legal exposure if disputes arise Difficulty enforcing payment or cancellation terms Reduced protection for your intellectual property Lower customer confidence Increased business risk While you can still operate without T&Cs in many cases, doing so means you have fewer contractual protections. Final Thoughts Terms and Conditions are one of the simplest ways to protect your business. Whether you're selling products, offering services, or simply running a professional website, having well-drafted T&Cs helps define your relationship with customers and reduces the likelihood of disputes. For UK businesses, it's also important to ensure your Terms and Conditions are tailored to your business activities and kept up to date as your services and legal obligations evolve. Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If your business has complex requirements or operates in regulated sectors, consider obtaining legal advice to ensure your documentation is appropriate.
"How do I stop one late-paying client wrecking my cash flow?" (Business Admin)
One late-paying client can create a domino effect. If you're waiting on a large invoice to be paid, you may struggle to pay suppliers, wages, tax bills or invest in growth. The key is to reduce your dependency on any single customer while tightening your payment processes. Here are practical ways to protect your cash flow: Invoice Immediately Don't wait until the end of the month. Send invoices as soon as the work is completed, with clear payment terms and due dates. Shorten Your Payment Terms If you currently offer 30 days, consider reducing this to 14 days or requesting payment upfront for new clients or larger projects. Ask for Deposits For larger jobs, request 25-50% before work begins, with the balance due at agreed milestones or on completion. Automate Payment Reminders Most accounting software can send reminders before and after the due date, reducing the need for awkward conversations. Chase Overdue Payments Promptly Contact clients as soon as payment becomes overdue. A polite phone call is often more effective than repeated emails. Build a Cash Buffer Aim to keep enough cash in reserve to cover at least two to three months of operating expenses. This reduces the impact of delayed payments. Avoid Client Concentration If one customer accounts for a large proportion of your revenue, losing or waiting on their payment creates significant risk. Try to diversify your client base so no single customer represents more than around 20% of turnover. Consider Late Payment Interest For UK business-to-business transactions, you may be entitled to charge statutory interest and claim debt recovery costs under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation. Including this in your terms can encourage prompt payment. Use Direct Debit or Card Payments Where possible, make paying you easy by accepting online card payments or recurring Direct Debits for ongoing services. Monitor Your Cash Flow Weekly A simple rolling 13-week cash flow forecast helps identify problems before they become critical, giving you time to act. The Bottom Line Strong businesses don't just focus on making sales—they focus on getting paid. Good credit control, clear payment terms, and a diversified customer base can prevent one late-paying client from putting your entire business under financial pressure.
"Which social platform should a local trades business focus on?" (Social Media & Marketing)
For most local trades businesses (plumbers, electricians, builders, decorators, roofers, landscapers, etc.), the best platform isn't the one with the most users—it's the one where local customers look for recommendations and proof of your work. Here's how I'd prioritise them: Facebook – Best Overall Ideal for local communities and neighbourhood groups. Customers frequently ask for recommendations and referrals. Easy to showcase before-and-after photos, customer reviews, and completed projects. Facebook Ads can target people within a specific radius of your service area. Instagram – Best for Visual Trades Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, decorating, carpentry, flooring, and renovations. Reels showing transformations perform particularly well. Builds trust through regular project updates. TikTok – Best for Fast Growth Short videos of jobs in progress can gain significant reach. Educational content like "3 signs your roof needs replacing" or "Why your boiler pressure keeps dropping" attracts potential customers. Works well for businesses wanting to stand out from competitors. LinkedIn – Lower Priority Better suited if you target commercial clients, property managers, or developers. Less effective for residential lead generation. Recommended Strategy If you're a typical local trades business: 70% Facebook 20% Instagram 10% TikTok Post: Before-and-after photos Time-lapse videos Customer testimonials Maintenance tips Meet-the-team content Behind-the-scenes footage The Biggest Mistake Many tradespeople only post when they need work. Instead, post consistently—2 to 4 times a week—so when someone asks, "Can anyone recommend a plumber?" your business is already familiar and trusted. Remember: people don't usually choose the cheapest tradesperson—they choose the one they trust. Consistent, local, authentic social media content helps build that trust long before a customer gets in touch.
"How do I get a better deal from my main supplier?" (Procurement)
If your main supplier has been reliable, don't start the conversation by asking for a discount. The strongest negotiations focus on the overall commercial relationship, not just price. Here are some practical ways to secure a better deal: Review your current spend Before negotiating, understand: How much you've spent over the last 12 months. Which products or services you buy most frequently. Whether your purchasing has increased over time. How important your business is to the supplier. If you're one of their larger customers, you have more leverage than you may think. Ask for value, not just lower prices Consider requesting: Better payment terms (e.g. 30 days to 60 days). Free or faster delivery. Reduced minimum order quantities. Longer warranties. Free training or support. Annual price freezes. Improved service level agreements (SLAs). These can often be easier for suppliers to agree to than an outright price cut. Use data in the conversation Instead of saying: "Can you reduce your prices?" Try: "We've spent approximately £48,000 with you over the past year and expect that to grow. I'd like to review our commercial terms and explore how we can make the partnership even stronger." Time it well Suppliers are often more flexible: At the end of the month, quarter or financial year. Before contract renewal. When you're increasing order volumes. When launching new products or locations. Show you're reviewing the market Obtain one or two competitor quotes. You don't need to threaten to leave—simply let your supplier know you're reviewing the market as part of your normal purchasing process. Bundle your purchases If you're buying from several suppliers, ask whether consolidating more spend with your main supplier would unlock: Better pricing. Volume discounts. Rebates. Preferred customer status. Be prepared to give something Negotiation works both ways. You could offer: A longer contract. Larger or more predictable orders. Earlier forecasts. Faster payment. Exclusivity on certain product lines. In return, ask for improved commercial terms. Example conversation "We've really valued working with you over the last few years. As we're reviewing our operating costs, I'm looking at all of our supplier agreements. We'd like to continue growing our business with you, so I'd like to discuss whether there's scope for improved pricing, payment terms or other commercial benefits." This approach is collaborative rather than confrontational and often leads to better long-term outcomes. The biggest mistake to avoid Don't negotiate without alternatives. Even if you intend to stay with your current supplier, understanding what competitors offer gives you confidence and helps you identify whether your existing terms are competitive. A supplier is much more likely to improve their offer when they know you're making an informed commercial decision rather than simply asking for a discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the answers written by AI?
Yes - and that's the point. Answers are generated using leading AI platforms and cross-checked against authoritative sources. That's how we deliver professional-grade answers in minutes for £10–£14 a month instead of £150+ an hour.
How fast will I get an answer?
Typically within minutes, any time of day or night.
How many questions can I ask?
Up to 50 questions per month, per monthly plan and up to 300 questions, per annual plan.
Does one plan cover everything?
Each plan covers one specialist area. Subscribe to 2 plans for 25% cashback, or all 5 for at least 30% cashback.
Is this regulated financial or legal advice?
No. Answers are general guidance to inform your decisions. For matters needing regulated advice, we recommend consulting a qualified professional.
What's the commitment?
Monthly rolling or Annual plans run for 12 months, billed monthly at £14/month or annually at the equivalent of £10/month.
Answers are generated using leading AI platforms and cross-checked against published sources before they are sent to you. They are provided for general information only.
They are not regulated legal, financial, tax or other professional advice and they are not a substitute for it. Business Starter does not provide regulated professional services.
Responsibility for decisions taken and for obtaining professional advice where it is needed, remains with the business owner.