Starting a business from scratch
Starting your own business can be nerve-wracking, but we're on hand to help. Here's everything you need to consider, from choosing a name to paying tax.
From creating a business plan to securing essential funding, here are some expert guides to help you launch your dream business.
Taking the first steps
Not sure where to begin? These guides selected by our experts are a good place to start.
Guide
Guide
How to get funding for a business
There are plenty of ways to get funding for a business. The right option for you will depend on the nature of your business and your financial situation.
Guide
Legal requirements for starting a business
Starting a business is exciting, but there are certain legal obligations you need to follow to avoid fines, penalties and even prosecution.
Meet new business owners
Case study
"Progress has definitely been quicker than we anticipated"
Alex Somervell and his business partner, Jonny Pryn, have recently founded a new product that hopes to address a big problem. Ask Silver is a free scam checker that uses AI to highlight whether something is a scam.
Alex shares more about this innovative idea, the importance of business insurance and why he’s keen to partner with UK banks.
Case study
"It’s important to listen to what the market’s telling you."
Beena is a CEO and co-founder of CCU International, a business with proprietary carbon capture technology that can help large and small businesses to achieve net zero by 2050.
Beena has big plans for the next 18 months, and here she reflects on the lessons she’s learned from the first two years of trading.
Case study
“You’ve got to be able to talk to people and put yourself out there.”
People start a business for many different reasons, but for Lara Solomon, it was personal.
She founded Hoopsy, which offers pregnancy tests that are 99% plastic-free, after going through IVF. She shares her story candidly when explaining her motivations for starting the business. And it’s one of the many reasons why her customers connect with the brand.
Developing business ideas
Shape your idea, sharpen your plan, start your business.
Nine simple ways to come up with a great business idea
How to get finance for a business
How to turn business ideas into a profitable company
Business planning
Plan smart, start strong – the essentials for setting up your business.
How to write a business plan in 10 simple steps
How much does it cost to start a business in the UK in 2025?
11 common startup business mistakes and how to avoid them
Choosing a business structure
Sole trader or limited company? Here’s what you need to know to choose the right structure.
What is a sole trader?
What is a limited company?
What is a business partnership?
Understanding the market
Understanding your customers is key to growing a successful business.
How to identify and reach your target audience
A step-by-step guide to conducting competitor analysis
How to do market research for a small business
Organising your finances
Organising your money means fewer surprises and better control.
How to separate your personal and business finances
Build your business credit score in five easy steps
Business financial planning explained
Securing funding
Find out how to access funding to turn your business ideas into reality.
How to get funding for a business
How to calculate startup costs for your business idea
10 ways to raise money for your startup business
Legal requirements
Learn the essential legal requirements to get your business up and running.
Does your company need a business licence?
When do I need to register my business?
What to do after you register your company
Guides
9 essential legal requirements for starting your business
Learn key requirements for starting your business, including choosing a structure and tax obligations, to ensure you're trading legally.
Read More55 trending business ideas for 2025 and beyond
Thinking of starting a business? Here are 55 practical ideas to help you get started, including AI spinoffs, low-cost options and home-based working.
Read moreHow to get funding for a new business idea
Discover seven steps you need to follow to secure funding for your startup, from testing your idea to picking the right finance option.
Where yo look for the money you needBusiness partnerships in the UK: types, how they work and key pros and cons
Discover how UK business partnerships work, the differences between general, limited and LLP structures, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Read MoreWhat is a sole trader? A no-nonsense guide to getting started
Thinking of starting a business? Learn how to take full control, manage your taxes, and keep things simple with this straightforward guide to being a sole trader.
Read MoreWhat is a limited company? A simple guide for UK entrepreneurs
Find out how a limited company can protect your personal assets, provide tax advantages, and enhance your business’s credibility.
Read MoreHow to start a side hustle in 2025 (and actually make money)
Looking to earn extra income in your spare time? Find out how to choose the right idea and turn your skills into something profitable.
Read MoreHow to write a business plan in 10 simple steps
Follow our step-by-step guide to writing a business plan and setting your business up for success.
Read MoreHow to do market research for a small business in 7 simple steps
Whether you’re a startup, launching a fresh product or just want to improve, market research connects you with your customers. Here’s how to do it.
Read MoreHow to identify and reach your target audience: a complete guide
Learn how to define, find and market products and services to your target audience using real-world examples and simple steps to grow your small business.
Read More11 mistakes to avoid when starting a business in 2025
Avoid common pitfalls that could hinder your startup’s success. Learn key strategies to navigate challenges and set your business on the path to growth.
Read MoreHow much money do you need to start a business in the UK in 2025?
Learn the key expenses to consider when launching a business, from registration fees to equipment costs, and how to budget effectively for success.
Read MoreHow to start an online business from scratch in 7 simple steps
Discover how to launch a thriving online business with expert guidance on planning, branding, marketing and growing your operation.
Read MoreHow to come up with a great business idea that works for you
Generate unique business ideas with these practical strategies. Includes tips for identifying problems, using your knowledge and observing market trends.
Read More8 practical tips to separate your personal and business finances
Discover how to differentiate your business and personal spending with this essential five-minute guide.
Read MoreWhen to register your business in the UK
Discover when to register your UK business as a sole trader or limited company with this straightforward guide to the key requirements.
Read MoreThe next 6 steps: an essential checklist for new limited companies
Registering with Companies House is just the start. Explore the key steps every new limited company needs to take to get up and running.
Read MoreStartup funding: 10 realistic ways to raise money for your business
Discover 10 effective ways to fund your business, including loans, investors, crowdfunding, and grants, with insights to help you choose the best option.
Read MoreStartup costs: how much money will you need for your business?
Startup costs vary widely depending on the type of business you want to set up. Here’s how to work out how much money you need to fund your business plans.
Read MoreHow to Get Funding for a Business
There are plenty of options for small business funding, from bank loans and government grants to angel investors and crowdfunding. We explain the benefits and pitfalls of each approach.
Read MoreStarting a business from scratch
Find out everything you need to know about starting a business from scratch, including tax, finances, insurance, market research and advertising.
Read More