Why it matters
startups often have lumpy income and no plan for the good months. Turning surplus into a growing, tax-efficient pot is how short-term earnings become long-term security — which a regulated adviser can help with.
Financial guidance
Investments & tax-efficient saving for startups
Cash in the bank quietly loses value to inflation. This guide explains how startups can put surplus income to work using tax wrappers like ISAs, and the things worth weighing up before investing.
The short answer
Once you've built a cash buffer, a regulated adviser can help startups put surplus money to work — typically via tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs (up to £20,000 a year, tax-free growth) and pensions, in a diversified portfolio matched to your timescale and appetite for risk.
The basics
In plain English
- Stocks & shares ISAs and the annual allowance
- Diversified portfolios matched to your goals and risk appetite
- Regular investing from surplus income
- Tax-efficient use of allowances (ISA, pension, capital gains)
- Reviews as your life and goals change
How to get regulated advice
If and when you want it
- 1Understand the basics
This page explains, in plain English, what this area involves — so you know the questions worth asking.
- 2Find an authorised adviser
Regulated advice can only come from an FCA-authorised firm. You can search the FCA register, or ask us for an introduction to Equity & General, the firm we have an introducer agreement with.
- 3No obligation
Any introduction is optional and free. If you go on to take advice, the adviser explains any fees before anything goes ahead.
Common questions
Straight answers
How much do I need to start investing?
Less than most people think — but the right first step is usually a cash buffer, then tax-efficient wrappers like an ISA. A regulated adviser will tell you what's right for your situation.
Are investments safe?
All investing carries risk — the value can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you put in. A regulated adviser matches a portfolio to how much risk you're comfortable with.
What's the tax benefit of an ISA?
Growth and withdrawals from an ISA are tax-free, and you can invest up to £20,000 a year across ISAs. A regulated adviser can advise on using these and other allowances effectively.
General information only. This page explains a topic in general terms. It is not advice, a personal recommendation or a financial promotion, and it does not invite or encourage you to buy any product or service. Everyone's circumstances are different.
Regulated financial advice can only be given by a firm authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority — you can find one on the FCA register (register.fca.org.uk). Buzz Accounting is not authorised to give regulated financial advice. We have an introducer agreement with Equity & General (E&G), authorised and regulated by the FCA (No. 474163); if you would like, we can introduce you — that is entirely optional and there is no obligation.
The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invested. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Will-writing, trusts and some estate-planning services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
