Helpful Tax, Estate & Business Planning Resources
Welcome to our Helpful Resources page. Here, you'll find a curated selection of expert guides, checklists and downloads designed to assist with all aspects of UK Tax, including Inheritance Tax (IHT), estate planning, probate, business restructuring and business succession.
These free resources aim to help you minimise tax liabilities and effectively plan ahead for the future.
Our Publications
Explore our expert tax guidance publications, designed to simplify complex tax concepts and provide actionable advice for individuals, businesses, and professionals. Our books cover essential topics, practical strategies, and up-to-date insights to help you navigate the ever-changing world of taxes with confidence and ease
The Ultimate UK Business Start-Up Guide
Dreaming of starting your own business but unsure where to begin?
This book gives you the complete, no-nonsense roadmap to turn ideas into income and ambition into action.
Written by experienced UK business and tax consultants Terry Hodge and Phil Dickinson, this guide takes you step-by-step from your first spark of an idea to running a profitable, compliant, and sustainable company in the UK.
Inside, You Will Learn How To:
- Validate your idea and build a brand that stands out
- Choose the most tax-efficient structure (sole trader, limited company, or LLP)
- Register your business properly with HMRC and Companies House
- Manage cash flow, payroll, and compliance with confidence
- Use AI and digital tools to save time and boost productivity
- Hire, protect, and scale your business the smart way
- Plan for tax efficiency, growth, and future exit strategy
Each chapter combines real-world experience, checklists, templates, and practical insights from Bespoke Planning Solutions LLP, specialists in helping UK entrepreneurs build businesses that last.
Who This Book is For
Perfect for:
- First-time founders
- Freelancers or consultants ready to go limited
- Side-hustlers turning skills into income
- Ambitious SME owners preparing to scale
- Anyone who wants to start and grow a UK business - the right way
Why This Guide Stands Out
Unlike generic “start-up” guides written for US or Global markets, this guide is 100% UK-focused, covering:
- Current tax rules and UK legislation
- UK Funding (Start Up Loans, Growth Loan, SEIS, EIS and Grants)
- Practical steps for HMRC, Companies House, VAT, PAYE, and more
- Real case studies from UK entrepreneurs
This is not theory; it is a working playbook based on decades of hands-on experience.
Build it once. Build it right.
Turn your idea into a profitable, compliant, and future-proof business with The Ultimate UK Business Start-Up Guide.
The Ultimate Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning Guide
The Ultimate Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning Guide: Structure Your Affairs and Secure Your Family’s Future
Are you prepared for the 40% inheritance tax that could be levied on your estate? Don’t let poor planning erode your family’s wealth!
Written by Terry Hodge & Phil Dickinson, seasoned experts in tax and estate planning, this book is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to navigating the complex world of Inheritance Tax (IHT).
- Discover essential structures and strategies that could save your heirs hundreds of thousands of pounds.
- Master the latest tax laws and exemptions to maximise your estate’s protection.
- Learn how to use trusts, gifting, and business reliefs to reduce or eliminate IHT liabilities.
- Real-life case studies illustrate how others have successfully shielded their wealth from excessive taxation.
- Navigate the recent budget changes (2024 updates) and their impact on your estate.
- Estate planning for international assets and expats - ensure a global approach to tax efficiency.
Whether you're starting your estate planning journey or reviewing an existing strategy, this expert guide will help you secure your family’s financial future while staying compliant with HMRC rules.
Take action today - don’t leave your family with an unnecessary tax burden.
Free Resources -
Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
IHT & Business Succession Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for business owners to plan for succession, optimise tax efficiency, and minimise IHT through structured ownership, Family LLP's, Family Investment Companies (FICs), and Business Relief strategies.
IHT & Estate Planning Toolkit
A comprehensive guide for individuals and families to efficiently manage estate planning, minimise inheritance tax (IHT), and ensure tax-efficient wealth transfer using trusts, gifting strategies, and legal planning.
Lifetime Gift Tracker
A structured tool to track tax-free gifts, monitor Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs), and ensure compliance with Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules.
Covers annual exemptions, 7-year rule, taper relief, and gifting strategies to minimise tax liabilities.
IHT Reliefs & Exemptions Quick Guide
A step-by-step guide to maximising tax efficiency and reducing inheritance tax liabilities.
Covers Nil-Rate Band, Business & Agricultural Relief, tax-free gifting allowances, charitable donations, and trust planning strategies.
Family Inheritance Discussion Guide
A structured checklist to help families plan inheritance, minimise tax liabilities, and ensure a smooth wealth transition.
Covers wills, trusts, IHT strategies, business succession, and effective family communication.
IHT Calculator Guide
A step-by-step guide to estimating inheritance tax liabilities, applying reliefs, and optimising tax efficiency.
Covers Nil-Rate Band, Residence Nil-Rate Band, Business & Agricultural Relief, gifting strategies, and common IHT calculation mistakes.
Guide to Writing a Will
A step-by-step checklist to ensure your will is legally sound, tax-efficient, and aligned with your wishes.
Covers asset distribution, executors, trusts, inheritance tax planning, and key legal considerations for a secure estate plan.
Probate & Executor Duties Checklist
A step-by-step guide for executors managing the probate process.
Covers legal responsibilities, estate valuation, inheritance tax (IHT) obligations, asset distribution, and financial reporting to ensure compliance and a smooth estate administration.
Business Start-Up Resources
Simple Business Plan Template
Plan your business with clarity and focus.
This one-page form helps you define your mission, products, target market, operations, and financial goals; all in plain English. Ideal for start-ups, side hustles, and small businesses that want structure without the jargon.
✅ Clear sections for every key area
✅ Perfect for investor or bank summaries
✅ Keep your goals concise and measurable.
12 Month Cash-Flow Snapshot
Stay in control of your money from day one.
Use this quarterly tracker to forecast income, expenses, and running balances over your first trading year. It helps you spot cash-flow gaps early and make confident decisions about spending and growth.
✅ Plan income and costs by quarter
✅ Monitor actuals vs. forecasts
✅ Reduce the risk of financial surprises
Shareholder / LLP Agreement Planning Factsheet
Agree the essentials before involving a solicitor.
This factsheet outlines the key decisions every partnership or multi-owner business should make; from ownership and voting rights to profit shares and exits. It ensures your legal agreement is built on solid, pre-agreed principles.
✅ Covers capital, voting, profit, and exit rules
✅ Prevents future disputes
✅ For use before a formal agreement is drafted
Onboarding & Compliance Checklist
Meet your early legal, tax, and operational duties.
This checklist keeps your start-up compliant and organised from day one; covering company setup, banking, insurance, data protection, HR, and marketing. Tick off each step to build a complete compliance record.
✅ Covers all core start-up requirements
✅ Printable or digital use
✅ Forms part of your compliance file
GDPR & Privacy Policy Template
Protect your customers and your business.
A simple, editable privacy policy that helps small businesses comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Perfect for use on websites, enquiry forms, and client onboarding packs.
✅ Covers data collection, use, and retention
✅ Includes lawful bases and subject rights
✅ Ready to adapt for your business