How-to
The admin, demystified.
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
Exclusive reader offers
Two offers we genuinely recommend to UK founders. We earn a small referral fee if you sign up — you pay nothing extra.
Business bank account
Reader offerTide Business Account
£200 free cash
£75 when you complete £100 of card transactions within 30 days, plus a further £125 when you deposit £5,000 within 7 days. No credit check, open in 5 minutes.
REFER200Business credit card
Reader offerCapital on Tap business credit card
7,500 free points
Get 7,500 points (worth £75) when you complete your first card transaction within 30 days. 1% uncapped cashback. Up to £250k credit limit.
SETTINGUP18+, UK residents only. Offers are subject to each provider's terms. Tide: £75 paid after completing £100 of card transactions within 30 days of opening, plus a further £125 paid after depositing £5,000 within 7 days (total £200, code REFER200). Capital on Tap: 7,500 points (≈ £75) after first card transaction within 30 days; credit subject to status. We may receive a commission if you sign up — it doesn't change the offer to you.