Tom West joined Crunch in 2015 following a successful political communications campaign at the Brighton and Hove Green Party. He excels at converting complex jargon into simple, easily-digestible explanations. As Community and Social Manager, he oversees the Crunch Chorus Community - the largest self-employed network in the UK.
A keen creative - Tom has performed in over 20 countries with his punk rock band, and also moonlights as a writer and backstage producer at live entertainment company, RIPTIDE Wrestling. He lives in Sussex with his partner (a self-employed florist) and their Romanian rescue dog.
Strategic business partnerships give small businesses and startups the opportunity to grow their company. We explore multiple partners and the benefits.
Since June 2016, UK companies have been required to maintain a PSC register of decision-makers. We explain what you need to do to stay compliant.
The chances are slim, but accidents happen. Make sure you're prepared with our free business continuity plan template.
Having been involved in an identity theft scam on Elance , I've since learnt a few things about the risks of using these freelance marketplaces.
Understanding and managing your cash flow is a vital part of running a successful business. Here are some helpful tips, plus a handy Cash Flow Forecaster.
If you’ve landed a job interview, congratulations! Now here are some things you should and shouldn't do while interviewing for a job.
Recruiters aren't exactly renowned for their transparency. Decipher the jargon with this guide.
Talk positively about the great things you've done, and win clients over. Our jargon-free advice on creating a great freelancer portfolio or contractor CV.
Our four top tips explore how contractors can get rate rises without jeopardising professional relationships with their clients.
Changes to the benefits system with the introduction of universal credit will mean that the UK’s self-employed workers could lose out on top-up payments in their leaner months. We take a look at the facts and what it could mean for freelancers and contractors.
If you’ve got a feasible business plan, you might be entitled to a weekly allowance worth up to £1,274 over 26 weeks.
At Crunch, our mission is simple: we’re taking the stress out of accounting by reducing both cost & time. Find out more about Crunch with our short video.
The UK is holding out for a hero, and there’s an unlikely one riding over the horizon ready to whip us all into shape - the humble bicycle.
Does your workstation feel like a torture garden? Jo Blood is an expert in workstation ergonomics and has some tips for very tall desk workers.
Ever wondered about Middle-earth economics? What impact would all that gold have on inflation and the cost of living for the average Hobbit?|Ever wondered about Middle-earth economics? What impact would all that gold have on inflation and the cost of living for the average Hobbit?
Never to pass up an opportunity to stuff our faces, we have happily munched our way to five of our favourite street food startups in Brighton.|Never to pass up an opportunity to stuff our faces, we have happily munched our way to five of our favourite street food startups in Brighton.
Using the controversial typeface on your small business’ branding may be a faux pas worth avoiding. Here's why so many people hate Comic Sans.
A collection of the most righteous put-downs to petty complaints which sent the companies viral. Pull up a seat and enjoy!
Lorem Ipsum is dummy text used when designers want to have a realistic idea of the size of copy. We look at the funny alternatives to regular Lorem.
Universal Credit combines & simplifies many benefits & tax credits into a single payment - but improvements can be made to the programme.
Now in her third year as a Crunch client, Siân's business finances are looking better than ever. Here's why...
Freelance writer, digital editor and social media manager Lauren Bravo shares her experiences of being self-employed with us.
Continuing our Crunch Chorus Stories series, Melissa McClements shares her experiences of running her own freelance writing business.
Continuing our Chorus Stories series, Shoreham Pottery owner Alice Maplesden shares her experiences of running her own business.
The mission at Explaain is to make it 10 times easier to read the news. Here's how Jeremy Evans built the company from the ground up & his top tips for you.
Web consultant and front end developer Jim Callender of CallenderCreates shares his experiences of being self-employed.
Vicki Jakes – a freelance digital project and marketing consultant – opens up about going self-employed, the challenges she's faced and her future goals.
Going back to full-time work, or retiring? This article explains everything you need to know about how to de-register as self-employed.
If you're an aspiring freelance sound engineer, these tips from Phil Hutchins will help you work out where to start and whether the time is right.
Would you pay more National Insurance to receive the same benefits as full-time employees? We explore a policy proposal from the RSA's Entreprenerial Audit.
Why does self-employed sick pay need to happen? Humans who need to recover shouldn’t have to worry about finances, especially if it's a serious illness.
Do you want to compete for a job, or do you prefer to bow out and leave the gig to your competitors? What do you do?
We take a closer look at the clauses you should be considering, including Payment terms, kill fees, and substitution clauses.
Missed our webinar 'Mortgages for contractors - how to prepare yourself for your application'? Don't worry - we’ve uploaded the video and slides.
What do the world's biggest entrepreneurs have in common? Compare them to yourself with this essential list.
Did you know that you could make a substantial tax saving on your premiums by taking out what is called ‘relevant life insurance’?
Executive Income Protection- A tax efficient way of protecting your income. Here's what you should know and how to make the most of it.
The new Marriage Allowance policy will allow some couples to potentially save on the amount of income tax they pay.
An EYC enables you to amend (‘update’) any payroll data previously submitted to HMRC for an employee or director of your limited company after 19th April, for the preceding tax year, even if your payroll is closed.
Missed our Self Assessment webinar for Hermes drivers? Don't worry, the recordingis available to view - we also recorded a Q&A to answer your questions.
Transformational energy coach and animal communicator, Ruth Bradshaw, discusses working from a log cabin, appearing on This Morning, and leaving egotistical managers behind.
Films, animation, high-end TV, children’s TV, video games and theatre productions can be subject to Corporation Tax relief for creative industry workers.
You aren’t able to claim expenses for glasses or contact lens unless they’re prescribed during your time at work, specifically for ‘monitor or screen work’.
If your tax code is incorrect, you could be paying more tax than you need to or even underpaying tax. Here's what you should do:
Partnership agreements protect your self-employed business if things go sour with clients. We explore what the benefits are and what you should do.
I have been with Crunch for many years. I wanted to express my appreciation for the exceptional services provided by Crunch. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and expertise have been invaluable in managing my finances effectively. Working with them has been a pleasure, and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable accountants.
MoreAs someone that’s new to being self employed, Crunch made the whole set up process easy. From my initial call to understand the process, the check ins to see how I was doing to actually going ahead. Once I was set up the support team were amazing at answering the millions of questions I had and they’re always at the end of the phone or email if I need them. I even had a full 45 minute call to walk through the full system which was amazing.
MoreI've always been impressed with email responsiveness but Andrea on the phone today was first class. Solved my headache on the first call (I had made an error, though I was initially convinced I hadn't!). Endlessly patient. And then proactively pointed-out a few other areas of my accounts that needed attention and walked me though various changes, explaining what was needed and why. Stayed beyond opening hours to help me complete everything. Couldn't be more impressed.
MoreCrunch boasts over a decade of experience by assisting a plethora of businesses with professional advice and guidance from experts.
Our Knowledge articles, jargon-free business guides, tools and calculators as well as tutorial videos can help answer your questions.
Our free self-employed community, Crunch Chorus, boasts over 71,000 members like you.