Business start-up support
Starting a business means making a lot of decisions quickly, and some of them are hard to undo. We help you pick the right structure, get registered with HMRC and Companies House, find any grants or government-backed funding you could apply for, and set up simple systems from day one, so you can focus on winning customers.
What’s included
Sole trader or limited company
We compare the tax, National Insurance, paperwork and personal risk of each option, based on what you expect to earn and where you want the business to go.
Company formation
As a Companies House authorised agent, we register your company, set up the shares and help with the identity checks that directors now need.
Registering with HMRC
We register you for Self Assessment or Corporation Tax, for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) if you will pay a salary, and for VAT when you need to or when it makes sense to do it early.
Bookkeeping set-up
We set you up with cloud software that works with Making Tax Digital (MTD), connect your bank feed and show you a simple weekly routine.
Government grants and start-up funding
We search for the grants and government-backed schemes you could apply for, such as Start Up Loans and local business grants, check your eligibility and help you prepare the business plan and cash flow forecast they ask for.
Your first-year tax diary
A clear list of every deadline in your first year, so nothing catches you out.
How it works
Get in touch
Tell us about your idea, your plans and how you expect to get paid.
Our recommendation
We recommend the right structure and explain why, in plain English.
We register everything
Companies House, HMRC, VAT and PAYE, handled for you.
Ready to trade
Bookkeeping set up, deadlines in your diary and a named contact for questions.
Who it’s for
- People leaving employment to work for themselves
- Side businesses that are starting to grow
- Sole traders thinking about going limited
- Trades and contractors starting out on their own
Ready to start your business?
Frequently asked questions
Should I be a sole trader or a limited company?
It depends on your expected profits, the risks of your work and your plans. A limited company protects your personal assets and can be more tax-efficient as profits grow, but it brings more paperwork and public records. We run the numbers for your situation before you decide.
When do I need to register for VAT?
You must register if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or if you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days alone. You can also register voluntarily below that if it suits your business.
When do I need to tell HMRC I’m self-employed?
You need to register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you started trading. We can do this for you as soon as you start.
Are there government grants for new businesses?
Some, but true grants for start-ups are limited, competitive and often tied to your area, sector or an innovation project. More common is government-backed finance, such as a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, which offers up to £25,000 per person with free mentoring. Unlike a grant, a loan has to be repaid. We check what is available to you and help you apply.
Do I need PAYE if I’m the only director?
Often, yes, if you pay yourself a salary. We will check whether you need to register as an employer and set it up if you do.
This page is general guidance, not personal tax or financial advice. Every business is different, so talk to us about your situation.
Related services
Talk to us about your business
Email us, or ring us on 0330 043 6441.