Business, finance and legal
Poor business skills are one of the main reasons people working in media get themselves into difficulties.
If you do some freelance work, operate a small business or production company, it's not enough to be good at what you do. You have to get organised and devise a system to keep track of your: finances; contracts and pay; VAT, tax and National Insurance; and copyright.
If you don't, you won't make ends meet and you could find that you have the Inland Revenue or Customs and Excise breathing down your neck.
Finding a system that works for you doesn't have to be a lonely struggle. With some advice and planning, you could make your life a lot easier. In this section you'll find basic business advice to help you, whether you're employed, have your own business, or do freelance work.
Sharpen your business skills
Working as a freelancer or running a business demands a range of extra skills in addition to the skills, products and services you create or sell.
Read MoreCopyright
This is a complex area of law which can give rise to a lot of unnecessary disputes. However, if you take simple precautions from the start, you'll be able to protect your ideas.
Read MoreVAT
Registration forms are available from your local VAT office, and you may either complete these yourself or ask your accountant to do it.
Read MoreTax
Each type of employment has different implications for your rights, your tax status and the type of deductions you can make.
Read MoreNational Insurance
As a general rule decisions on your National Insurance status ought to be consistent with decisions on your tax status.
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Starting a business? Check out NESTA's Creative Enterprise Toolkit
NESTA's enterprise resource toolkit contains tried and tested methods for teaching enterprise skills to creative individuals who are thinking about setting up a business.
Read MoreDiary services
Diary services are a valuable resource, putting you forward for jobs when approached by companies, they will also organise your diary. Some specialise in placing freelancers.
Read MoreRunning your business
In this section, you'll find information on looking after your company, fulfilling your responsibilities to the public and developing your projects.
Read MoreBusiness support links
Find here a list of the best organisations to check for help and advice for the business, finances or legal aspects of your career.
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