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UK Startup

The complete guide

From idea to your first invoice — the UK start-up roadmap.

Ten practical steps that take you from a kitchen-table idea to a registered, trading UK business. Read in order, or jump to the bit you're stuck on.

A hand-drawn paper roadmap with a brass compass, fountain pen and paperclips on a linen surface

Quick answer

Start by validating demand, choosing a legal structure, registering with HMRC or Companies House, setting up tax, banking and bookkeeping, then work through insurance, marketing, invoicing and hiring. This page links each step to a detailed UK-specific guide or calculator.

  1. 01

    Validate the idea

    Test demand before committing money. Industry-specific guides cover the realities for cleaners, freelancers, e-commerce, cafes, consultants and dog walkers.

  2. 02

    Choose your legal structure

    Sole trader, partnership or Ltd — each changes how you're taxed and who's personally on the hook. Use our take-home calculator to see which keeps more cash on your numbers.

  3. 03

    Register the business

    Sole traders: HMRC Self Assessment. Limited companies: £50 at Companies House. Step-by-step walkthroughs for both, including the gotchas that delay people.

  4. 04

    Understand your tax duties

    Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, NI, VAT (over £90k), and PAYE if you employ. Free calculators for each and a step-by-step VAT registration guide.

  5. 05

    Sort your finances

    Open a business bank account, apply for a Start Up Loan if needed, look at regional grants. We compare the main UK business banks and break down funding by nation.

  6. 06

    Set up bookkeeping

    Use Making Tax Digital–compatible software from day one. Independent comparison of Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and the free options.

  7. 07

    Insurance & contracts

    Public liability, professional indemnity, employer's liability (legally required if you hire). Plus copy-paste UK contractor agreements and NDAs.

  8. 08

    Brand & website

    Secure your domain, build a simple website, set up Google Business Profile. We compare the main UK website builders so you don't waste a month on the wrong tool.

  9. 09

    Find your first customers — and invoice them

    Direct outreach, referrals, content, partnerships. Track what works. When the money lands, send a proper UK invoice with late-payment language built in.

  10. 10

    Hire and grow

    Your first employee means PAYE, employer's NI, pensions and contracts. Plus mentors and growth hubs that can shortcut years of trial and error.