I need to open 2 or 3 business accounts as I want to keep the finances separate from my personal accounts. They are just small businesses, not much more than hobbies but I will hopefully earn something. Cheques will be payable to the business names so I can't use personal current accounts. I've seen that most banks have free banking for a year or so but then the charges come thick and fast. Are there any accounts designed for small businesses like this?

Have a look at Nationwide. I'm not sure of their current deal but they used to not charge for the first few transactions each month.