Operations & Compliance
Once you're trading, the focus shifts from setting up to staying compliant, keeping records, and protecting what you've built. These guides cover the operational realities most founders only discover when something goes wrong.
The most common operational mistakes UK founders make are not dramatic — they are mundane. Missing a record-keeping obligation, ignoring GDPR, failing to protect a brand name, or having no plan for what happens if they want to exit. These guides address each one directly.
Legal requirement
Bookkeeping basics
What records you must keep, for how long, what expenses are allowable, and how to set up a simple bookkeeping system without an accountant.
OpenLegal requirement
GDPR & data protection
A plain-English guide to UK GDPR for small businesses — ICO registration, privacy policies, lawful basis for processing, and what to do if there is a breach.
OpenBrand protection
Intellectual property
How copyright, trademarks, patents and design rights work in the UK — what you automatically own, what you need to register, and how to protect your brand.
OpenPlanning ahead
Exit strategies
Selling your business, management buyout, closing a limited company, or passing it on — the main exit routes and what each involves for UK founders.
OpenFree tool
Business name checker
Check whether your preferred business name is available to register as a UK limited company with Companies House.
OpenFree template
Website privacy policy template
A GDPR-compliant privacy policy template for a standard UK small business website. Copy, paste, and update the highlighted sections.
OpenAll guides are grounded in official UK sources — GOV.UK, HMRC, the ICO, the Intellectual Property Office, and Companies House. For complex situations, always take professional advice.
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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.