You’ve got the brave idea, now it’s time to lay the groundwork.
It can be a disorientating experience setting up a business. You’ll encounter strategy, HR and finance, and accounting, collectively, perhaps for the first time. You’ll find straightforward guidance on starting up and maintaining your new business in our business hub, so you can focus on building your vision.
It can be a disorientating experience setting up a business. You’ll encounter strategy, HR and finance, and accounting, collectively, perhaps for the first time. You’ll find straightforward guidance on starting up and maintaining your new business in our business hub, so you can focus on building your vision.
Before you start
Starting a business is no small undertaking. To make sure you hit the ground running, we’ve covered the most important elements of business prep. From your business plan and strategy to your funding options, learn how you can best build your business.
Do you know how to start a business?
How to start a business (external link)
Starting a small business (external link)
Do you know how to start a business from home?
The ultimate guide to setting up a home business (external link)
Top tips on setting up a home office
Do you have a business plan?
How to write a business plan (external link)
Do you have a business plan template?
Business plan examples (external link)
Business plan format (external link)
Do you have a business strategy?
Shape your strategy (external link)
Do you know how to fund your business start-up?
When you start
Whether you’re a sole trader, partnership or limited company, you’ll need to know the legal process of setting up. Explore the paperwork and potential costs involved in making your business official.
Do you know how to register your business?
How to register a business (external link)
Do you have the right business name?
Choosing a business name (external link)
Top tips on choosing the perfect business name (external link)
Do you know how to set up as a sole trader?
Setting up as a sole trader (external link)
Registering as a sole trader with HMRC (external link)
Do you know how to set up as a freelancer?
Start working for yourself (external link)
Guide for first time freelancers (external link)
Do you know how to set up as a limited company?
Setting up a limited company (external link)
Limited company explained (external link)
How much does it cost to set up a limited company?
Your responsibilities
Time to put your HR hat on and get to grips with tax, insurance and hiring workers. Learn how to insure your business, submit the right tax paperwork to HMRC, and delve into hiring your first worker.
Are you clued up on small business taxes?
A guide to small business taxes (external link)
A list of all business taxes (external link)
Do you know how to file taxes for your business?
Filing your business taxes (external link)
Common small business tax return errors
Do you know about the various types of business insurance?
What is public liability insurance?
What is professional indemnity insurance?
What is employers' liability insurance?
Are you looking to hire your first employee?
Challenges to hiring talent (external link)
Staff employment checklist (external link)
Are you familiar with employment law?
Running your business
Stay in control of the day-to-day, with advice on bookkeeping, accounting and general operations. Understand how to keep your business records in order and learn what your accountant can do for you.
Do you know how to carry out bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping for small business (external link)
Does your business have an accountant?
Top tips on hiring an accountant (external link)
Do you know where to go for business start-up advice?
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