/ Business
What do I actually need to start a business in the UK?
Register with HMRC (or Companies House), a business bank account, insurance, and a way for customers to find and pay you.
/ 01
The short version
The admin is lighter than people expect. The marketing is heavier.
/ 02
What actually matters
- • Sole trader: register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
- • Limited company: incorporate at Companies House (£50) and register for Corporation Tax.
- • Separate business bank account — even sole traders should.
- • Public liability and professional indemnity insurance as relevant.
- • A domain, a website and a Google Business Profile.
/ 03
The bit most people get wrong
Most people over-invest in setup admin and under-invest in the thing that actually gets customers: being findable and credible.
/ 04
What to do next
Register your domain and Google Business Profile in your first week, not your third month.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get starting up right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
Sole trader or limited company?
Sole trader is simpler; limited is usually more tax-efficient above around £30–40k profit. Ask an accountant.
Do I need an accountant?
For a limited company, effectively yes.
/ Related
Should I hire a marketing agency or a freelancer?
Business
What is a privacy policy and do I need one?
Business
How do I write a quote that gets accepted?
Business
How do I get customers to pay on time?
Business
Should I be a sole trader or a limited company?
Business
How do I work out my hourly rate?
Business
Still not sure?
Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.
Book a call →