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Good managed automated franchises like self-service lockers or laundry

Y
I’d also add that beyond talking to existing franchisees, it’s important to dig into the unit-level economics. Ask for anonymized P&Ls, payback periods, average downtime, and how much revenue is truly “hands-off” versus requiring local intervention (maintenance, customer support, site acquisition).


For automated models like lockers or laundries, service SLAs and maintenance response times are critical — a “passive” franchise can quickly become very active if machines are down. I’d also check how much control the franchisor keeps over pricing, locations, and capex decisions.


If the brand is new to a location, a discount or additional support (reduced fees, guaranteed marketing spend, or buy-back clauses) seems reasonable, as the franchisee is effectively de-risking market entry for the brand.


Ultimately, reliability shows not just in reviews, but in transparency and how willing the franchisor is to share uncomfortable data.
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Regional Magazine distribution - Menzies? EDI? is the hassle worth it?

J
I feel your pain with Menzies—dealing with big distributors can be a proper nightmare. If you’re only quarterly and regional, the "big distributor" route can definitely eat into your margins quickly, but getting into Tesco is a massive win for brand visibility, so I can see why you’re tempted.

Regarding the EDI side of things, it’s worth looking at TrueCommerce. I’ve seen them handle this kind of setup quite well; they’re generally much more approachable than the big legacy systems and make the whole process feel a lot more manageable for smaller publishers who aren't tech experts. If you can get the EDI side streamlined and affordable through them, it might just make the Tesco deal worth the hassle.
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Shopify store sole trader

alamest
Yes, this is covered by your tax return categories.


• Shopify/PayPal transaction fees usually go under Bank, credit card and other financial charges.
• Shopify monthly fees, domain and account costs are typically Office costs or Other business expenses.
• Payments to EU freelancers are normally Wages and other staff costs, or Professional fees if they’re contractors rather than employees.


As long as everything is wholly for the business and you keep good records, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. If unsure, an accountant can confirm.
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Have you ever outsourced admin support? How did it work for you?

P
On the other side of things (as the VA), I've found it works best when there are clear SOPs. If you want things done a certain way then be upfront with this, We don't mind (Well i don't!) some of my clients use Looms to show how they like it done. Means I can go back to it without bothering them.

The flip side, I've had a client say they had so much admin that needed doing but didn't actually want to hand anything over. That became difficult and we ended up deciding it wasn't the right time for them.

Some people don't feel they need it because they handle it themselves, but what's important to be aware of is it eating into evenings and weekends when you should be focusing on growth... or life!
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Does this Sh** actually work?

cjd
I don't know why this has only just occurred to me, but of course, it's AI generated bollocks.

I was imagining some poor underpaid, jobbing writer having to produce that tortured, extended metaphor and hating himself for it but his clueless client loving it.

"This email was almost certainly written using an AI text generator. This is classic LLM boilerplate B2B language."
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Starting up a SaaS

Paulina
I’m currently building a small Software as a Service and I’m looking for a few local businesses to test it and give honest feedback.

The software is designed specifically for service-based local businesses (such as salons, groomers, gyms, clinics, home services) and focuses on reducing manual admin work — things like handling enquiries, bookings, follow-ups, and keeping everything organised in one place.

Right now, I’m looking for real businesses that would be open to trying an early version for free and sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what’s missing. The goal is to make sure this solves real problems before going any further.

If you run or manage a local business and are open to testing something new (no obligation, no sales pitch), I’d really appreciate your input. I’m happy to explain more or give access privately.

Thanks in advance for any feedback or advice.
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Is it necessary to file accounts, confirmation statement and verify ID for a business that is in the process of being dissolved and struck off?

D
NKUK said:
I have 2 UK limited companies. One was just a holding business for investments, the other is related to music/performing/recording.

I've filed accounts and done confirmation statements for both in the past. I dissolved the holding company on 31st October and applied to strike it off the Companies House register, and my application was accepted. However, when I look at my company on Companies House, it's status is not yet dissolved, but it's listed as Active — Active proposal to strike off.

I've received some emails saying that a confimrmation statement and director identification statements are due for this company by 22nd January. My question is, do I need to submit these, given that I've applied to dissolve/strike off the company? And would any further accounts need to be submitted once the company is officially listed as dissovled?

Secondly, I'm looking to dissolve the music related company and apply to strike it off the register in the next few days. The next accounts are due by 31st January and the confirmation statement is due by 5th May. Do I still need to file these after applying to dissolve/strike it off?

Thanks.
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No need to file CS and final accounts with Companies House if dissolving although you may need to submit CT600 to HMRC.
I believe you will also have to verify your ID with Companies House before you apply to dissolve the second Company.
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Tenancy Agreement

P
Yes. Vehicles used in business.
Yacht is moored about 90 miles away in a Solent marina. Journey to/from undertaken in one or other vehicle.

I also offer my services as a consultant. I visit my customers in one or other vehicle.

I use vehicles to collect parts for vehicles/boat.

Boat is used commercially and has been since acquisition in 2009. Boat belongs to Ltd Co - naturally also funded by Ltd Co.

Regards
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Self assessment - utr question/advice and back dating freeagent

D
tracey. said:
Yes, everything is up to date, there was one request for more information back in september and it was a simple query. Spreadsheets completed exactly as they asked. I havent made any payments - I asked about this when I returned the signed copy of their letter of engagement, the person who has now left suggested setting aside some money per month which i have done but not paid them anything as nothing has been requested.
Just looking at the LofE, there is a paragraph headed TIMETABLE' - the services we undertake will be carried out on a timescale to be determined between us on an ongoing basis. I am assuming that even though theyve messed me around for this long, the occasional email with 'itll be ready by Friday' is covered by this paragraph
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If you have provided everything they have asked from you, and you have repeatedly asked for the accounts to be completed as you have stated, then I cannot see how the Accountants can argue, just make sure you have evidence of all correspondence.
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Giving Customers Credit - Alternative To Experian

StrategyDoctor
Offering credit can be risky and quite often we have to take the risk to secure the business. So it is about risk management.

Following on from some of the other replies, if the data itself is fine and the real issue is that Experian are a difficult supplier to deal with, then is switching about: customer service, usability, onboarding/support, monitoring alerts, and how easily your team can run a check? If it is then some alternatives are:-
  • Creditsafe (UK company credit reports / risk scores / monitoring).
  • Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) (credit reports + monitoring/alerts products).
  • Equifax UK – Commercial Credit Reports (business customer creditworthiness / reports).
In my experience they are similar and the preference is what you like and understand - but in general they use the same (historic) data, so provide the same generic information and only as as a guide to past financial strength (as @Mark T Jones states).
  • Some ideas for practical alternatives (or add-ons) to reduce risk beyond “pass/fail” credit checks:
    • Let the customer earn your trust: first order pro-forma or card, then move to 14 days, then 30 days once they’ve demonstrated excellent payment behaviour.
    • Tiered credit limits: “Pass = 30 days” but with an initial cap (e.g., first 30 days exposure capped at £X, then increases after 2–3 clean payments, etc).
    • Trade references (and actually verify them!), plus do a quick check for accounts overdue / recent director changes on Companies House (basic governance red flags).
    • Deposits or stage payments on larger first orders or custom/non-returnable items.
    • Clear stop-supply rules (e.g., 7 days overdue triggers credit hold; no exceptions without MD/director sign-off).
    • Ongoing monitoring for existing customers (not just new ones) so you catch deterioration early. Most businesses get hit the hardest when a long standing customer goes broke, they ignore or not looking for the signals and break their own rules because they are a loyal customer.
Most tools are broadly comparable as they use historic and filed data, so the biggest protection usually comes from tightening the credit policy and limits framework, not relying on a single score.

It would be interesting to hear what other members use as part of their credit policy?
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Do Ad/Marketing Agencies use freelance writers?

B
Many shops stick to in-house teams to protect their margins, but your real "in" is that manufacturing background. Most agency editors spend half their lives fixing technical errors from generalist writers; if you pitch yourself as the expert, you’re solving their biggest problem.

At £110 per article, you’re actually a bit of a bargain for them. Most UK agencies will be billing the client £300–£500 per post, so your rate leaves them with a large margin. Try targeting Content Leads on LinkedIn instead of generic info@ boxes. Sell the fact that you won't need your hand held through a technical brief.
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