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Starting a business : Start a business
Ready to start? Here's your guide to setting up your own business, with expert guidance and support.
Start a business
Starting out
Decide how you will deliver your business and explore your idea to see if it will succeed.
Choosing a business model
Your business model is how you deliver your business and how it makes money. You could start from scratch, selling services or products, or buy into an existing business or franchise.
Testing and validating your business idea
Establish that your idea is something that can make money, that there’s space in the market for you and that your finances are solid enough to get you through the first year.
Going full time with your business idea
Making the leap from side hustle to full time business is a big step. Find out what you need to consider.
Business planning from the King's Trust
Get business plan guidance and templates, and read top tips for business planning from The King's Trust.
Setting up a business
Find a name and brand for your business and choose how you want to structure it.
Naming your business
A strong business name makes you memorable to customers and helps you stand out from competitors, but it must comply with naming rules.
Creating your business brand
Your brand is how you will connect with your customers. It sets the tone for how you present your business to the world.
Protecting your business name and brand
Your trading name and brand are examples of intellectual property. They are not automatically protected, so you will need to register these if you want to stop others from using them.
Comparing business structures
The structure you choose affects the tax you pay, who controls the business, and what happens to your business debts.
Setting up a formal business
You may need to register your business with Companies House or simply register for Self Assessment with HMRC. How you formally set up your business depends on the structure you have chosen.
Get legal advice
Lawyers For Your Business from the Law Society can put you in touch with solicitors with the right experience for small and medium businesses.
Managing money
The right advice can help you operate finances smoothly and meet your tax obligations.
Find an accountant or tax adviser
Find local accountants who offer a free initial consultation on the website of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales.
How to understand tax codes
Understand your employees' tax codes, and when you'll need to change or update them.
Contact HMRC
Get in touch with HMRC for help and guidance on self assessment, National Insurance, VAT and Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
Business insurance
You'll need to get cover for various elements of your business, including liabilities, assets and motor insurance.
Choose the right business insurance
Business insurance gives you essential protection against unexpected costs. The Association of British Insurers website explains insurance types and legal requirements.
Understanding employers' liability insurance
You must get employers' liability (EL) insurance as soon as you become an employer. EL will help you pay compensation if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of the work they do.
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Talk to an adviser free of charge
The Business Support Service can answer your questions on starting, running and growing your business. You can access this free service by email, phone, WhatsApp or live chat. Available Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (except bank holidays).
Phone 0800 998 1098
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