Directory
The people, schemes and tools worth knowing.
A hand-picked directory of free or low-cost UK business support — every link points to an official, government or established organisation.
Quick answer
Use this directory when you need verified UK startup support: start with GOV.UK, HMRC and Companies House for legal duties, then use British Business Bank, local growth hubs, mentoring bodies and licence finders for funding, practical advice and compliance checks.
On UK Startup
Before you go hunting elsewhere — here are the working tools and deep guides we've built on this site.
Calculators
Take-home, dividend tax, VAT, employer NI, Self Assessment.
How-to guides
Register as a sole trader, set up a Ltd, register for VAT, file SA, set up PAYE.
Templates
UK invoice, NDA, contractor agreement, cashflow forecast.
Independent comparisons
Best UK business banks, accounting software, website builders, card readers.
Industry guides
Cleaning, dog walking, freelance, e-commerce, consultancy, café.
Insurance hub
Public liability, professional indemnity, employer's liability, contents.
UK business glossary
From UTR to IR35 to PSC — 30+ definitions in plain English.
Insights & analysis
Considered takes on UK SMB policy, tax changes and funding markets.
Funding by nation
Specific grant and loan landscapes for England, Scotland, Wales and NI.
Government & official
GOV.UK — Set up a business
The single source of truth for registering, taxes and employer obligations.
Companies House
Register limited companies, file accounts and search the public register.
HMRC
All UK business tax — Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE.
ICO
Data protection, GDPR and the £40–£60 annual data fee most businesses owe.
Funding & finance
Mentoring & community
Be the Business
Free mentoring matching UK SMEs with experienced business leaders.
The Prince's Trust
Funding, training and mentoring for founders aged 18–30.
Enterprise Nation
A large UK small business membership network with events and advisers.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Membership body offering legal helpline, insurance and lobbying.