Trusted Tools & Resources
Running a business is hard work. Over the years, we have tested dozens of tools, suppliers, and software. To save you time, we have curated a list of the ones we actually trust.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we believe will truly help your business grow.
Business Guides
Government Business Support
This is the official place for UK business advice. It has simple checklists for everything from employing your first staff member to understanding your taxes.
Resource: www.gov.uk/business
Business Disability Forum
A treasure trove of free guides specifically for small businesses (SMEs) and start-ups. They have a completely free section that teaches you how to welcome disabled customers, make your physical premises accessible, and support employees with long-term health conditions. You don’t need to be a member to access the free guides.
Resource: businessdisabilityforum.org.uk
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
While membership costs money, their website offers a lot of free public advice. If you do join, they offer legal protection and tax advice which is invaluable for new companies.
Resource: www.fsb.org.uk
Digital Boost
Need a mentor? Digital Boost connects small businesses and charities with expert volunteers for free 1:1 mentoring on digital skills, strategy, and marketing.
Resource: digitalboost.org.uk
Lloyds Bank Business Guides
You don’t have to bank with Lloyds to use their free library. They have put together a huge collection of articles and interactive tools that are surprisingly easy to read.
Resource: lloydsbank.com/business/resource-centre
Small Business Support (South West England)
If you are based in Devon or Somerset, these folks are a goldmine. For over 30 years, they have provided practical, down-to-earth business advice. They have specific support schemes for different groups, such as the Carbon Action Programme for businesses trying to go green.
Resource: businessinfopoint.co.uk
Support for Young Adults
If you are aged 18 to 30 and want to start your own business, this is the first place you should look. Their Enterprise programme is fantastic for turning a rough idea into a proper business plan.
Resource: kingstrust.org.uk
NSCS Small Business Guide
This is the UK government’s official advice centre for cyber security. It sounds serious, but their “Small Business Guide” is incredibly easy to read and can help you understand how to keep your businesses data secure and how to avoid phishing scams.
HSBC International Business Guides
For our international clients, HSBC has guides on trading in the UK. They cover complex topics like UK corporation tax, employment regulations, and business etiquette into simple summaries.
Resource: https://www.business.hsbc.com/en-gb/business-guides/uk
Business and Website Tools
Calendly
Stop the endless “back and forth” emails trying to find a meeting time. Calendly lets clients see your availability and book a slot that works for them instantly. It syncs with your calendar so you’re never double-booked, and it sends automatic reminders to reduce no-shows.
Resource: calendly.com
ClickUp
We use ClickUp to keep our entire agency organised, and it can do the same for you. It puts all your tasks, deadlines, and goals in one place so nothing ever gets lost. You can see exactly what everyone on your team is working on, which saves you from endless emails and status meetings.
Resource: clickup.com
Notion
Think of Notion as a digital notebook for your whole business. We use it to store everything from client guides to meeting notes. It acts like a blank canvas that you can turn into anything you need—a company handbook, a project tracker, or just a simple place to brainstorm ideas.
Resource: notion.com
Zoho Mail
We recommend Zoho Mail if you want a professional email address without a high monthly cost. It is secure, ad-free, and keeps your data private. It is the perfect, budget-friendly choice for getting your business email set up quickly.
Zoho Mail is free for 1 user and 1 domain.
Resource: mail.zoho.com
Google Workspace
Since most people already use Gmail, Google Workspace feels very familiar. It gives you a professional email address plus all the tools you need like Drive and Docs. It is the best way to keep your files and emails in one connected place.
Resource: workspace.google.com
HubSpot CRM
We love HubSpot because their free plan offers so much value. It helps you track every potential client and conversation easily. It is the best way to stop using messy spreadsheets and start managing your customer relationships properly.
Resource: hubspot.com
Zoho CRM
This is a great option if you need to organise your sales process without spending a fortune. It helps you track leads and automate daily tasks. It is especially good if you want a system that is affordable but can still grow with your business.
Resource: zoho.com/crm
Dashlane
Keeping your passwords safe is vital, but remembering them all is impossible. Dashlane stores all your login details securely and fills them in for you automatically. It also alerts you if any of your passwords have been leaked online, giving you total peace of mind.
Plus as we use Dashlane, it allows you to share your passwords with us securely.
Resource: dashlane.com
Surfshark VPN
We recommend Surfshark to keep your business data private, especially if you ever work from coffee shops or hotels. It encrypts your internet connection so hackers can’t see what you are doing. It also lets you check how your website looks from different countries, which is great for international businesses.
Resource:surfshark.com
Zoho Sign
If you are already using other Zoho tools like their CRM or Mail, Zoho Sign is the perfect addition. It connects seamlessly, allowing you to send contracts directly from your existing apps without switching tabs. It is secure, and incredibly good value for money compared to the big names. They offer a free plan that lets you send up to “5 envelopes” for free per month.
Resource: www.zoho.com/sign
DocuSign
We recommend DocuSign for securely signing contracts and documents online. It is a great tool for cutting down on paperwork and getting client agreements signed faster, without the hassle of printing and scanning. It also keeps a secure audit trail, so you have digital proof of every signature.
Resource: docusign.com
Fyxer (Inbox Organiser)
We recommend Fyxer for business owners who are overwhelmed by their email inbox. It is a great tool that acts like a digital executive assistant; it automatically organizes your emails, drafts replies in your own writing style, and even joins your calls to take notes for you.
Resource: fyxer.com
Loom
We recommend Loom for explaining complex ideas without typing long emails. It is a great tool for recording your screen and voice at the same time, perfect for giving feedback on a design or showing a colleague how to do something, which can be shared with a simple link.
Resource: loom.com
Image Color Picker
We built this tool to help you add a modern touch to your designs. Sometimes a flat colour can look a bit plain, so this tool lets you blend two colours together smoothly. It is perfect for creating eye-catching backgrounds for your buttons or website headers that look professionally designed.
Resource: https://sitedesignsquad.com/colors/
Favicon Generator
We created this tool to handle the small details that matter. A “Favicon” is the tiny icon that sits in your browser tab next to the website name. This tool takes your main logo and automatically resizes and formats it into that perfect little square, making your site look polished and trustworthy.
Resource: https://sitedesignsquad.com/colors/
Need a hand getting it onto your site? If you don’t want to mess with the settings yourself, you can order a Quick Fix here, and we will install it for you.
Gradient Generator
We created this tool to handle the small details that matter. A “Favicon” is the tiny icon that sits in your browser tab next to the website name. This tool takes your main logo and automatically resizes and formats it into that perfect little square, making your site look polished and trustworthy.
Resource: https://sitedesignsquad.com/colors/
Money & Finance
Free Business Debt Support
If you are facing debt, we recommend reaching out to the Business Debt Line. They offer free support for small businesses and self-employed people that are facing business or personal debt. They can help create budgets and negioate with creditors.
Resource: businessdebtline.org
Grant Finder
Looking for funding? The UK government has a searchable database of grants and loans available for small businesses. You can filter by your industry and location (including options for us here in the South West).
Resource: www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
The British Business Bank
This is a government-owned development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses. They have excellent free guides on how to manage cash flow and business debt.
Resource: www.british-business-bank.co.uk
Revolut Business
If you find traditional high-street banks a bit slow and clunky, Revolut is the opposite. It is fast, modern, and built for businesses that live online. Their business account has tons of helpful features that help with expense tracking, accepting payments, staff expenses approval, etc.
Resource: business.revolut.com
Monzo
If you want a bank that feels less like a stiff institution and more like a helpful app, Monzo is the one. It is incredibly intuitive and takes the stress out of managing daily finances. Monzo has a free and premium banking option.
Offer: Sign up for a business account with the link below and get up to £50 cashback. New customers only.
Resource: Monzo.com
Stripe
Stripe is an incredibly secure and reliable payment processor. If you need to take payments through your website or a booking system, we typically recommend Stripe. They’re easy to use, and allow you to take payment via card, bank transfer, Klarna and many other payment methods.
Resource: stripe.com
Square (For Shops & Cafes)
Square offers a complete “Point of Sale” system, with white sleek terminals. Their software helps you manage your stock and inventory as well as taking payments. They’re an affordable easy to use solution.
Resource: squareup.com
PayPal
While we prefer Stripe for its lower fees and cleaner technology, we can’t deny the power of the PayPal brand. Some customers simply refuse to type their credit card details into a website. They feel safer logging into PayPal. Adding this as a second payment option at your checkout can sometimes increase your sales because it builds instant trust.
Resource: paypal.com/uk/business
Zoho Invoices
We love Zoho Invoice because it is completely free forever. It lets you create professional invoices, track your expenses, and even see when a client has viewed your invoice. It is perfect if you are just starting out and want a powerful tool without a monthly fee. Free for up to 500 invoices.
Resource:zoho.com/uk/invoice
Sage
If you need accounting software, Sage is a good choice for businesses that need robust features like stock management or advanced payroll. Suitable for businesses of all size.
Sage is also a British Business, founded in the 80s in Newcastle.
Resource: sage.com
MileIQ
We recommend MileIQ for tracking your business mileage automatically. It is a great tool that runs in the background on your phone, logging every drive you make. You simply swipe to classify a trip as “business” or “personal,” ensuring you claim back every penny you are owed on your tax return without the hassle of a paper logbook.
Resource: mileiq.com
Invoice Generator
We created a free invoice generator for those who need a quick, easy way to produce an invoice. It is a great tool that lets you simply type in your work details and downloada professional PDF invoice.
Accessibility Resources
Hemingway Editor
Rocket Lawyer also offers trademark registration services. Applying for a trademark can be tricky. If you select the wrong “class” (business category), your application can be rejected, and you lose your application fee. Rocket Lawyer’s experts guide you through the process to ensure it is done right the first time.
Resource: rocketlawyer.com/trademark
Coolors Contrast Checker
We recommend Coolors because it is far more visual than the standard checkers. Instead of just giving you a number, it shows you a real-time preview of how your text looks on the background. It also gives you a simple “Score” (like Super, Good, or Poor) so you don’t have to memorize the technical ratios yourself.
Resource: coolors.co/contrast-checker
NVDA (for Windows)
We recommend NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) for Windows users. It is completely free and is one of the most popular screen readers in the world. We highly recommend this for Windows users who need a screen reader.
Resource: nvaccess.org/download
VoiceOver (for Mac, and iOS)
We recommend VoiceOver because it is already built into your Mac, iPhone and iPad you do not need to download anything. Whether you/a staff member needs a screen reader or you’re just interested in testing one it’s a great tool.
On Mac you can turn it on or off instantly by pressing Command + F5 on your keyboard.
On iPhones or iPads its found under Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver.
TalkBack (for Android)
We recommend TalkBack for testing your website on Google or Samsung phones. It is part of the Android Accessibility Suite.
TalkBack is found in your phone settings under Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack.
Access to Work (UK Scheme)
We recommend looking into this government scheme if you or any of your staff have a disaiblity and would like support or reasonable adjustments in the workplace. They help by doing an assessment and recommending things like equipment, tools, software, support workers. Both employed and self employed disabled people can apply. The disabled person must apply themselves.
Resource: gov.uk/access-to-work
Legal Tools and Resources
Rocket Lawyer (Contracts & Agreements)
When you need a formal document like a contract for a new employee, a partnership agreement, or standard terms of service we recommend Rocket Lawyer.
Resource: rocketlawyer.com/gb/en
Trademark Registration Services by Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer also offers trademark registration services. Applying for a trademark can be tricky. If you select the wrong “class” (business category), your application can be rejected, and you lose your application fee. Rocket Lawyer’s experts guide you through the process to ensure it is done right the first time.
Resource: rocketlawyer.com/trademark
The Information Commissioner’s Office
If you handle customer data (like names, emails, or phone numbers), you likely need to register with the ICO. Go to their site and take the free “self-assessment.” It takes 5 minutes and tells you if you need to pay the data protection fee (usually around £35-£40 a year).
Resource: ico.org.uk
ACAS (Employment Advice)
If you are planning to hire staff, ACAS is the bible of UK employment law. They have free, legally compliant templates for employment contracts, disciplinary letters, and holiday forms. They also provide free, impartial advice on how to treat staff fairly. Using their templates can save you from a tribunal later on.
Resource: acas.org.uk
1st Formations (Company Registration)
If you want to become a Limited Company, this is the easiest way to do it. They handle all the paperwork with Companies House for you. You just fill in an online form. They can set up your company in just a few hours. They also offer a “Registered Office” service, so you don’t have to put your home address on the public register.
Resource: 1stformations.co.uk
Sage
If you need accounting software, Sage is a good choice for businesses that need robust features like stock management or advanced payroll. Suitable for businesses of all size.
Sage is also a British Business, founded in the 80s in Newcastle.
Resource: sage.com
FreshBooks
If you have decided to leave the accounting to someone else and just want to send invoices and get paid, FreshBooks is great. They’re focused mostly on sending invoices and you can send automated “late payment” reminders to clients who forget to pay you (which saves you having that awkward conversation!).
Resource: freshbooks.com
FreeAgent
We recommend FreeAgent because it strips away the confusing jargon and makes accounting simple for small business owners. It handles your invoices, expenses, and tax returns automatically. It connects directly to your bank to save you time, and if you use NatWest or Mettle, you can often get it for free.
Resource: Freeagent
Expensify
We recommend Expensify for managing your receipts without the paper mess. It is a great tool where you simply take a photo of a receipt, and it automatically reads the details and saves it, so you don’t have to worry about losing that screwfix receipt before tax time.
Resource: expensify.com
Business Networking
Sterling Networks
Another great option is Sterling Networks. They have 22 different networking groups between Bristol and Birmingham that each run a business breakfast. Giving you a regular chance to network. For our Somerset clients, the nearest group is currently Bristol.
Resource: sterlingnetworks.co.uk
British Chambers of Commerce
We recommend the British Chambers of Commerce for the instant credibility they provide. They connect you with trusted businesses locally and globally, offering practical support to help your company grow.
Resource: britishchambers.org.uk
Institute of Directors (IoD)
We recommend the IoD for business leaders who want to move beyond standard networking. It is a great place to meet other directors for serious, strategic conversations and peer support, rather than just sales pitches. They have an active South West branch, along with a national network for advice and training.
Resource: iod.com
Your Local Town Chamber
Don’t ignore the smaller groups! Almost every town has its own mini-chamber or business forum. These are often much cheaper to join than the county-wide ones and are brilliant for finding local tradespeople to work with.
Resource: Google “Town Camber of Commerce” or “Town Business Forum”
Somerset Chamber of Commerce
This is the big one. If you are serious about growing your business in Somerset, this is where you go. They run over 90 events a year, from “Business Breakfasts” in Taunton to evening drinks in Weston-super-Mare. They also organise the Somerset Business Awards. Even if you don’t win, entering is a brilliant way to get your name out there.
Resource: somerset-chamber.co.uk
Online Groups
UK Business Forums
We recommend UK Business Forum for its supportive, level-headed community. It is a great place to get practical advice on startups and marketing from other business owners, without the noise of larger social networks.
Resource: businessforum.uk
Reddit Small Business UK
We recommend the r/SmallBusinessUK community on Reddit for honest, no-nonsense advice. It is a great place to see what other UK business owners are really struggling with and succeeding at, from VAT questions to marketing tips, without the “hustle culture” pressure you find elsewhere.
Resource: businessforum.uk
Business Women in (Facebook)
This is a very active group that supports business women. They have online meetups that are free for premium members or you can opt to pay-as-you-go.
Search for: “Business Women In” on Facebook.
Wiltshire & Somerset Business Community (Facebook)
This is a very active group. It is great for local announcements and finding suppliers.
Search for: “Wiltshire & Somerset Business Community” on Facebook.
Taunton Matters & Bridgwater Matters
These groups are mostly for local news and chat (“Has anyone seen my cat?” or “Why is the traffic bad?”). But on Friday’s they allow local businesses to share an advert in the group. You can also look for people asking for recommendations.
Search: “Taunton Matters” or “Bridgwater Matters” on Facebook.
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