Thickbroom Enterprise CIC

19/06/2026

How long should you keep invoices and receipts for?

Longer than you’d probably expect!

HMRC requires you to keep business records for 6 years, including invoices, receipts and anything that supports your tax return/company account figures.

You can keep records digitally but they need to be clear and accessible if you’re ever asked for them.

If you’re not sure what you should keep or for how long, reach out for free guidance.

15/06/2026

Happy National Women’s Enterprise Week 2026!

We’re celebrating the women who are building, growing and shaping businesses in our Hertfordshire and Essex communities.

We’re proud to have helped many female founders feel more informed, confident and excited about their first business.

To all the women leading, creating and inspiring: we’re here to support you every step of the way.

12/06/2026

How do you run a business on a budget?

The key is to know your numbers, not fear them.

A budget doesn’t mean you have to say ‘no’ to everything - it helps you understand what you can say ‘yes’ to, without putting strain on your finances.

Download our free monthly budget and monthly cashflow templates from our website to get visibility over your finances.

https://thickbroom-enterprise-cic.co.uk/downloadables/

Start simple, review them regularly and adjust them as you learn what suits your business.

They come with instructions but please reach out if you need further guidance!

05/06/2026

Is it too late to fix my finances?

Usually not! It depends on the situation but most of the time things can be improved with the right guidance.

The best time to start doing things properly was yesterday; the second best time is today.

If you’re feeling unsure, worried that you’ve made a mistake or left it too late to ask for help, we’re here for you.

We offer free advice to first-time business owners in their first 500 days of trading. Get in touch for some help.

05/06/2026

Last night we were among the privileged few to sponsor Arise Innovation Hubs’ celebration of the fantastic businesses that call the Hubs our home.

Our Co-Ordinator, Angela, spoke about the reason why we exist: to give accessible advice to all about how to set up a company, giving first-time business owners the ‘wings’ to ‘soar off’ into success!

We focus on those foundational first 500 days of business: when everything is new, exciting and a little bit terrifying! We think every founder deserves to have the knowledge and confidence to start up successfully, whether you’re a sole trader or limited company. We want to help you get it right from the start.

If you’d like to learn more about our free support to first-time business owners, please visit our website for free resources and get in touch for your 1-2-1.

03/06/2026

Shannen and Angela go head-to-head to answer some of the most commonly-asked business questions.

(Unfortunately) it ended in a tie!

This means we need a tie-breaker question... What else would you like to ask about being a business owner?

Send us a message or drop it in the comments below!

29/05/2026

Free business training for start ups!

Ambitious Essex are generously hosting a FREE 2-day course to help turn your start-up idea into reality.

Across the two days, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Develop and test your business ideas
✅ Understand your customers and target market
✅ Build a practical and realistic business plan
✅ Explore finance and funding opportunities
✅ Create strong foundations for long-term success

Click below to secure your place:

Free 2-day course! Turn your idea into reality with tools, knowledge & confidence. Perfect for aspiring & early-stage entrepreneurs.

29/05/2026

What’s a Shareholders’ Agreement?

It’s a document that explains how shareholders work together:
✔ Who owns what
✔ How decisions are made
✔ What happens if someone wants to leave

It’s not a legal requirement but it can save you headaches down the road.

27/05/2026

Why do you need a business bank account?

A bank account is absolutely essential when starting a business as a sole trader or limited company. It helps you track your incomings and outgoings easily, without getting confused with your daily spending.

Don't be alarmed if your application is rejected, though! Not all banks want your business and that's okay!

Start with the bank you use personally, as they already know you and will have fewer checks to run on you to satisfy their regulator.

Never give up - a bank account is vital!

Get in touch if you need any help.

25/05/2026

What should you do as a small business when someone isn’t paying their invoice?

1. Check when the invoice was sent and received

2. Send a polite reminder (they may have genuinely forgotten)

3. Be clear about payment terms and deadlines

4. Keep communication professional and in writing (i.e. over email)

5. Know when to stop work if payment is overdue

Make sure you’re upfront with payment terms for new clients, so you always have something to fall back on.