How-to
No jargon, no upsells. Every guide is the real screen-by-screen process — with the gov.uk links and the bits they don't tell you.
The hardest part of starting a UK business isn't strategy. It's working out which form, on which website, by which deadline. These guides walk you through the actual interfaces, the timings, and the gotchas — written by people who've done it more than once.
15 min · Tax
Register as a sole trader
How to get a UTR, register for Self Assessment, and avoid HMRC's most common rejection.
Open30 min · Legal
Set up a limited company
Companies House registration from name check to first confirmation statement.
Open20 min · Tax
Register for VAT
When you must, when you shouldn't, and how to pick a scheme that saves you tax.
Open45 min · Tax
File a Self Assessment return
A walk-through of HMRC's online form, with examples for sole traders and side hustlers.
Open40 min · People
Set up PAYE for your first employee
Register as an employer, pick a payroll tool, and run your first month.
OpenGuides containing tax or payroll figures are reviewed against the current 2026/27 GOV.UK and HMRC guidance; check the cited source before acting.
Partner offers
Promotions are independently checked against provider terms. We may receive a referral fee if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
Business banking
Reader offerTide Business Account
£200 Cash FREE
Earn up to £200 only when you complete both milestones: £75 for eligible Tide card transactions and £125 for the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone.
REFER200New eligible Tide members only. The reward is conditional on both milestones; provider terms, eligibility and payment timing apply.
Business credit card
Reader offerCapital on Tap Business Credit Card
7,500 bonus points
7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction within 30 days of signing, subject to Capital on Tap’s current partner terms.
SETTINGUP18+, UK-resident qualifying company applicants. Credit subject to status and affordability.
18+ and UK requirements apply. Tide: Earn up to £200 only when you complete both milestones: £75 for eligible Tide card transactions and £125 for the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone. New eligible Tide members only. The reward is conditional on both milestones; provider terms, eligibility and payment timing apply. Capital on Tap: 7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction within 30 days of signing, subject to Capital on Tap’s current partner terms. 18+, UK-resident qualifying company applicants. Credit subject to status and affordability. We may receive a commission if you sign up; it does not change the provider’s offer or pricing.