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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.

Employing a family member

Employing a relative to work for your business is quite different from recruiting someone else. What additional considerations are necessary before hiring a family member and is it a wise idea?

What are the pros and cons of employing family members?

Theoretically, you'll get extra commitment because it's a family concern. Family members are often more committed because they see longer-term rewards. On the flipside, a relative who doesn't want to be involved may resent their position or might simply not be cut out for the role. Non-family employees could question why a relative is given a more senior role when other candidates are better qualified. Such appointments need to be handled sensitively, as they can harm morale.

What should I consider when employing a relative?

Ask them if they really want to work for the business. Do they have the necessary skills? What qualities will they bring? It must be a business decision and not one based on sentiment.

Ask yourself if you can afford to take them on. It may be cheaper in one respect, because if they live at home (ie in the same house as you) and help run the business, the National Minimum Wage won't apply.

Also ask yourself if you're prepared to treat them impartially and involve them in decisions as you might any other employee. A family member shouldn't be treated as a 'skivvy'.

Are there different tax rules when employing family members?

Family employees are taxed in just the same way as regular staff - through PAYE. HMRC would come down very hard on any attempted tax evasion, such as the use of cash payments.

Issues can arise where dividends are paid to family members owning shares. These payments must be distinguished from salaried pay because they won't attract National Insurance contributions or tax on dividends up to the dividend allowance of £500 in 2024/25. Dividends over the allowance are subject to tax at 7.5% for basic rate tax payers, 32.5% higher rate tax payers or 38.1% for additional rate tax payers.

HMRC will also scrutinise income shifting between family members. They'll want to make sure that if a spouse or child is being paid by the business, that they're actually doing the work to justify that salary. This is to deter higher-rate tax-payers shifting income onto lower-paid family members to avoid paying tax.

Should I give my family member an employment contract or a partnership?

It's a difficult decision that requires careful consideration. Partnerships are easy to get into but difficult to dissolve unless a properly drafted partnership agreement exists. Generally speaking, it's easier for employer and employee to join and part company using a regular employment contract.

What are the legal implications if there are problems at work?

Relatives have the same legal rights as the rest of your workforce and can just as easily bring claims for discrimination or unfair dismissal. If disputes arise, they can often become bitter and unpleasant, spreading beyond initial disagreements to affect the whole family.

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