Rapid Formations

30/09/2026

Most directors are still paying themselves like it's 2022.

The dividend allowance has been slashed to £500. Dividend tax rates just went up again in April 2026. Employer National Insurance (NI) thresholds have moved, too.

While the old "low salary, big dividend" playbook hasn't disappeared, the maths behind it has changed, and a lot of directors haven't rerun the numbers.

Here's the current shape of it for 2026/27:

➡️ £5,000 salary: sits right at the employer NI threshold, so it costs the company nothing extra

➡️ £6,708 salary: the Lower Earnings Limit, protects your State Pension record for a small NI cost

➡️ £12,570 salary: an annual salary up to the NIC Primary Threshold, a popular strategy if your company is eligible for Employment Allowance

➡️ Dividends are taxed separately from other income, with the applicable rate depending on your tax band and the dividend allowance. (Dividend tax rates are on slide 8)

The right salary depends on whether you're a sole director or have other staff on payroll. Get that wrong and you're paying employer NI for no reason.

If you haven't checked your salary/dividend structure since the last Budget, now's the time. Here's our guide on how to take money out of a limited company (with our free Dividend Tax Calculator). 👉 https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-take-money-out-of-a-limited-company/

24/09/2026

Finding the right business mentor can be a game-changer, but where do you actually start?

You don’t necessarily need to pay for one. Try these routes first:

🤝 Start with your existing network – A former colleague, manager, or industry contact could have exactly the experience you need

🌱 Look for free mentoring schemes – Organisations such as Growth Hubs and MentorsMe connect entrepreneurs with business support

💬 Build relationships through networking – Business communities and industry events can help you meet people who understand your challenges

💻 Reach out on LinkedIn – If there’s someone whose experience you admire, get in touch for a short conversation

The right mentor isn’t necessarily the person with the biggest profile. Look for someone with relevant experience, time to commit, and a willingness to challenge your thinking constructively.

For more tips, check out our latest guide: https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-to-find-a-business-mentor/

👉 Have you ever had a business mentor? What’s the best piece of advice they’ve given you? Let us know in the comments.

Wondering how to find a business mentor? Discover where to look, what to ask, and how to choose the right fit for your business.

23/09/2026

What do you do when your teenager comes to you with a business idea? 🤔

With a new school or university year getting underway, some young people may be thinking about earning extra money, building practical experience, or starting something that could strengthen their CV for the future.

For parents and guardians, supporting a young entrepreneur can mean more than offering encouragement. There are practical questions around money, contracts, banking, tax, school, and choosing the right business structure.

The good news is that young people can start trading early. There’s no minimum age to operate as a sole trader in the UK, while teenagers aged 16 and over can register a limited company and become a director.

Check out our parents' guide to find out how you can help your child test a business idea without spending too much, how to create a simple business plan, and more. 👇

Support your teen's entrepreneurial journey with our detailed guide. Learn the steps to starting a business and find helpful resources.

02/09/2026

Ever walked into a busy networking event and wondered: “Who am I actually supposed to talk to?”

Networking can feel awkward when you’re starting out, especially if you don’t have an established network. But it gets much easier when you have a plan.

Here's how to network with purpose and make it count:

🎯 Selection – Choose events that match your goals and the people you want to meet

📝 Preparation – Research attendees, practice your pitch, and make sure your online presence is ready

💬 Conversation – Start naturally, ask questions, listen, and focus on building genuine connections rather than making a sale

🤝 Continuation – Follow up within a day or two, keep your promises, and stay in touch

Remember: The event itself is only the beginning. The real value of networking comes from the relationships you build afterwards.

Need more advice for both in-person and online networking? Check out our guide for a full list of conversation starters, faux pas and tips for using (and not using) AI. 👇

Discover how to grow your business through networking, with actionable tips on building genuine business connections, in person and online.

31/08/2026

You’ve started trading, and you've finally got customers ready to buy. Then someone asks: “Do you take card?” 💳

If the answer is no, you could be making it harder for people to pay you. And if you are accepting cards, choosing the wrong setup could mean unnecessary fees, complicated systems or cash-flow headaches.

Here's what you need to consider:

💳 Match the payment method to how you sell – card readers or Tap to Pay for face-to-face sales, payment links for remote customers, and virtual terminals for phone payments

💰 Look beyond the headline transaction fee – check monthly charges, fixed fees, dispute costs, and payout fees before choosing a provider

🔐 Don’t forget security – even if your provider handles compliance, you still need to protect your card readers, Wi-Fi, and customer data

🧪 Test before you launch – make a small payment, check the payout and refund process, and iron out any issues before your first real customer

Want to make sure your business is set up to take payments smoothly? We cover everything in our new guide. 👇

Learn how small businesses can take card payments in the UK, from card readers and online checkout to costs, providers, and setup steps.

17/08/2026

You’ve registered your limited company. But can you actually start trading yet? 👀

For many businesses, the answer is yes. But if you’re entering a regulated industry, you may need a licence or permit before you can legally operate.

🍽️ Food businesses need to register with their local authority at least 28 days before trading

🍺 Businesses selling alcohol may need both premises and personal licences

💳 Financial services businesses generally need FCA authorisation

👶 Childcare providers need to register with the relevant regulator

And there are also location-based requirements like planning permission, building regulations approval, or music licences.

Want to make sure you’re ready to trade legally? Watch our video for more examples and practical advice to get started. 👇

What licences or permits do you need to start a business in the UK?...

11/08/2026

When you work with family, business disagreements can feel very different. 😡

A difference of opinion between relatives can quickly become personal, especially when family relationships, ownership, and business decisions overlap.

Clear roles, open communication, and agreed processes can help keep disagreements from damaging either the business or the relationships behind it.

Looking for tips? Our guide explores practical ways family businesses can manage conflict, from setting clear expectations to using mediation when needed: https://www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/family-business-conflict-management-guide/

💬 What do you think is the biggest challenge when running a business with family: separating work from personal life, agreeing on decisions, or planning for the future?

Learn how to manage and resolve conflict in your family business. Discover strategies to minimise the risk and the impact of conflict.

06/08/2026

⏰ Last chance to apply!

If you're an aspiring with a business idea and have an offer to study at an officially-recognised higher learning institution, there's still time to apply for the Rapid Formations Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme.

The scholarship aims to assist with the financial costs of study so you can develop the skills you'll need to take the next step on your entrepreneurial journey.

But don't leave it too late. The application deadline is fast approaching.

Find out if you're eligible and submit your application here. 👇

Find out about Rapid Formations' Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme for students in the UK.

04/08/2026

Planning some time off? Don't forget your out-of-office email.

A good automatic reply does more than tell people you're away. It sets expectations, keeps communication moving, and helps your business look professional while you're offline.

Before you switch on your out-of-office message, make sure you:

📅 Clearly state when you'll be back

📧 Include an alternative contact for urgent enquiries

✍️ Keep your message short, friendly, and professional

⏰ Avoid promising an immediate response when you're on leave

Whether you're taking a long holiday or just a few days away, a well-written out-of-office email helps you disconnect without your inbox at the back of your mind.

Looking for more tips? We've put together free out-of-office email templates you can copy and customise. 👇

Copy-and-paste out-of-office email templates for your time off. Built for small business owners to save time and keep business ticking when you're away.

04/08/2026

How many shares should you issue when you set up your startup? It’s a simple question, but one that can have big consequences later.

Getting your share structure right from the start can make things easier when you bring in co-founders, attract investors, or grow your company.

Before issuing shares, founders should think about:

📊 How ownership will be split between shareholders
🤝 What happens if new investors join in the future
💷 How much capital the company may need to raise
📄 Whether the right agreements are in place

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best structure depends on your goals, your team, and where you want your business to go.

💬 Founders: how did you decide on your initial share split? Did you get it right the first time? Let us know in the comments below.

Learn how to issue shares in your limited company, from share classes to allotment rules. A practical guide for UK startup founders.