Start up hub

  • Some smiling whilst looking at a computer screen, with a notepad and pen next to them too

    Setting goals for your small business

    Setting goals is crucial for the success of any small business by providing direction, motivation, and a clear framework for measuring progress.

  • A person sat at a desk on a laptop, with lots of pink, orange and yellow post-it notes

    How to start a small business

    Starting a small business can be a challenging but greatly rewarding journey, especially when you equip yourself with a clear understanding of the steps involved in building a business.

  • Girl wearing a red backpack and sunglasses looking into the distance

    How to balance freelancing with being a mum

    For many mothers in the UK, freelancing has become a great way for them to grow their careers around their children.

  • A business owner's hand pointing at a chart on their computer.

    Find out your business’ cyber risk

    Discover your business' cyber risk score with our fast and easy cyber risk assessment.

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    Does your side hustle need insurance?

    Starting your own side hustle is a brilliant way to boost finances, especially as we navigate the current economy

  • A freelancer using her phone to manage her business finances.

    Top 5 accounting apps for self-employed and freelancers

    Taking the leap into self-employment can be an exciting venture but it can also have its challenges. Managing your finances correctly will be crucial to your success as a freelancer and for many, keeping track of your earnings and expenses to complete your tax returns can seem like a mammoth task.

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    Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner

    The challenges faced by small business owners can be varied, with some harder to overcome than others.

  • Small business owner working at laptop and holding their phone.

    Starting up 2024: In conversation with Small Business Owners

    Throughout January, Markel Direct will be shining a spotlight on small business owners and freelancers. Across our social media channels, we’ll be celebrating some of our own customers who have taken the leap into self-employment and finding out what drove them to start their own business.

  • Small business owner sat at her desk working from an iPad.

    Starting a side hustle

    Over the last five years, we’ve seen a boom of side-hustle businesses, with a report by Henley Business School revealing that side-businesses now contribute over £70bn to the UK economy.

  • Small business owner sat at her desk working from an iPad.

    Becoming self employed: Top tips to get started

    Making the move to become self-employed can be an exciting time. Whether you’re a personal trainer, yoga teacher or plumber, working for yourself provides you with the flexibility to control how much you earn and the creative freedom to carve out a fulfilling career for yourself, and the best part is, you get to be your own boss.