Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules when you start up. Learn how to set up a business.

Registering as a sole trader means you are self-employed. It is quick, easy and cheap to set up. We explain how to register as a sole trader.

Registering a limited company is more complicated than registering as a sole trader but you get greater protection. Learn how to set up a limited company.

A good business name can be a powerful marketing tool. Discover how to choose a company name and how to register your business name.

Buying a franchise gives you a ready-made brand, with an established trade mark and successful format. Find out why it can be a winning format.

Many businesses use their websites to generate additional revenue. Some start up exclusively online. Learn how to start an online business.

When you start your own business, you'll face tough challenges and decisions. We share some of the key sources of free and paid-for advice.

A social enterprise is a business operated to benefit society. Learn about the benefits and rules involved in running a social enterprise.

Buying a business can be less risky than starting one from scratch. Discover the pros, cons and potential pitfalls of buying a business.

A guide to the costs of starting a business in the UK including registering a business, banking, building a website and buying accounting software.

How to start a business: everything you need to know, from choosing a business name and registering a company to writing a business plan.

How to make money with a side hustle: side hustle business ideas, set up costs, side gig income potential and side hustle tax rules.

Six ways to ensure your trade business gets off to a flying start - from top-notch customer service to keeping on top of your paperwork.

How to register your business with Companies House, how to register as a sole trader and how to register your business name as a trade mark.

How to start your own business with no money, including starting a side hustle, selling online and using free marketing tools.

Check the key considerations and legal requirements when forming a business to prevent expensive mistakes.

You must display your company name at its registered office and at the place where it keeps its company records for inspection, says Andrew Millet.

The register of members of a single-member company must contain an express statement to the effect that the company has only one member.

Franchising allows you to set up a business following a proven formula - although you'll be subject to restrictions. Our guide to franchising.

Actress and singer Daniele Coombe owns the Exeter franchise for Monkey Music, for pre-schoolers. She explains how and why she became a franchisee.

Laura Clarke, partner at WBW Solicitors, answers key questions about franchise agreements and says the agreement needs to be in writing.

Buying a business can be less risky than starting one. If the business has customers, then it has income. But it will need upfront investment.

Heather Baker had no previous experience of running a business, but when a local business came up for sale the opportunity was much too good to miss.

Based in north-east Scotland, Polished Bliss is a small specialist car care business run by four passionate individuals. Here's their story.

Josh Barling is joint owner and CEO of eCommerce agency Sellerdeck. He shares his top tips for setting up an online store.

At first glance, Bookdonors, a Selkirk-based social enterprise, appears simply to sell books to raise money for good cause. But there's more to it.

Long neglected farm buildings in rural Worcestershire were renovated to provide a home for The Fold Bransford Community Interest Company.

How can would-be entrepreneurs turn their dream into a reality? In this case study Rosie Ginday of Miss Macaroon shares how she built her business.

When ill health left Fay Miladowska out of work, The Prince's Trust enabled the young designer to launch her highly successful greetings card business.

Running your own small business can be lonely and it can be difficult to know what to do when faced with new challenges unless you have a mentor.