What you need to do to set up depends on your type of business, where you work and whether you take people on to help.
Register your business
Most businesses register as a sole trader, limited company or partnership.
Sole traders
It’s simpler to set up as a sole trader, but you’re personally responsible for your business’s debts. You also have some accounting responsibilities.
Find out more about being a sole trader and how to register.
Limited companies
If you form a limited company, its finances are separate from your personal finances, but there are more reporting and management responsibilities.
Some people get help from a professional, for example an accountant, but you can set up a company yourself.
Partnerships
A partnership is the simplest way for 2 or more people to run a business together.
You share responsibility for your business’s debts. You also have accounting responsibilities. Find out more about being in a partnership and how to register.
