Business Start-Up Checklist

A practical checklist of the legal, tax, financial and practical steps for starting a business in the UK. Each task shows whether it applies to a sole trader, a partnership or a limited company, so you can work through only what is relevant.

• In the weeks before you start trading
• When changing structure, for example a sole trader incorporating a company
• As a handover list with your accountant or business partner

• Read down the column for your structure: ✓ means it applies, “If needed” means it depends on your business, – means it does not apply
• Tick the Done box as you complete each task and add dates in the notes table at the end
• Use the other checklists in this pack for detail on tax registration, insurance and brand protection