Skip to main content
Thinking about starting a business? Have an idea to explore – or ready to launch? The MEC Resource Centre is here to support you

Search

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

UK taxpayers urged to get on the HMRC app

4 November 2024

HMRC has launched a new advertising campaign promoting the app to coincide with Talk Money Week.

This Talk Money Week (4 - 8 November), taxpayers are being urged to "Do One Thing" and get on the HMRC app to save time and simplify managing their money and tax.

More than 1.7 million people are already using the HMRC app every month, which enables users to access services such as making a Child Benefit claim, finding your National Insurance number and a tax calculator to estimate your take-home pay.

Between July and September 2024, 711,382 new users downloaded the app, and there was a 39% increase in app activity compared to the same period last year - up from 20.93 million sessions to 29.22 million. And nearly £300 million has been paid to HMRC via the app so far this financial year.

HMRC is encouraging anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded the free and secure HMRC app, one of the UK’s top-rated finance apps, to do one thing and get on it today.

The most popular features used on the app between July and September this year were:

  • Check State Pension contributions - 1.9 million sessions
  • Manage Child Benefit - 1.6 million sessions
  • View annual tax summaries- 1.4 million sessions

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

"One of the main priorities for HMRC is improving its customer services and this incredibly useful and user-friendly app is a great example of how tax can be made much easier for people.

"Whether you’re a student looking for your National Insurance number or a new parent wanting to claim Child Benefit, the HMRC app has a range of tools for you, at your fingertips. I urge everyone to download it today."

The HMRC app is rated 4.7/5 and 4.8/5 respectively on the Google Play and Apple Store and ranks among both of their top ten finance apps.

HMRC has launched a new advertising campaign today aimed at 18-34-year-olds to "get on it" with the app, showcasing how it can help them remain in control of their tax affairs and finances amidst their busy daily lives. This includes an attention-grabbing new advert streaming on multiple video on demand channels that can also be viewed on the HMRC YouTube channel.

Written by Mike Sullivan, press support officer, HMRC.

Stay up-to-date with business advice and news

Sign up to the lively and colourful newsletter for new and more established small businesses.