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.
OpenEvery guide is updated against gov.uk and HMRC guidance for the 2025/26 tax year.
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
Up to £200 cash
£75 after at least £100 of eligible Tide card transactions in 30 days, plus £125 when the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone is met.
REFER200New customers only. 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 in the three months after approval, 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: £75 after at least £100 of eligible Tide card transactions in 30 days, plus £125 when the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone is met. New customers only. Terms, eligibility and payment timing apply. Capital on Tap: 7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction in the three months after approval, 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.