How to Start a UK Business: The Complete Checklist
From choosing a company structure to registering with Companies House and filing for VAT — everything you need to start a limited company and launch your startup in the United Kingdom.
Starting a business in the UK is more straightforward than many people think, but the order of steps matters. Getting your company registered, your tax obligations sorted, and your online presence established before you take your first customer can save you months of rework later. This guide walks you through how to start a limited company, how to register a business in the UK, how to register on Companies House, how to register for VAT, and how to build a digital presence that makes you easy to find.
Choose Your Business Structure
Most UK founders choose a private limited company (Ltd) because it separates personal and business liability. Sole traders are simpler but expose personal assets. Partnerships work for co-founders with shared responsibility. If you plan to raise investment or scale, a limited company is the standard route.
Pick a Company Name and Check Availability
Your company name must be unique on the Companies House register. Use the free name availability checker before you file anything. Avoid names that are too similar to existing brands — Companies House can reject them. Also check that a matching .co.uk or .com domain is available, because your online presence starts with your name.
Register with Companies House
Registering a limited company costs £12 online and usually takes 24 hours. You need a registered office address (can be your home if you rent or own it), at least one director, and one shareholder. You will also need a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that describes what your business does. Once approved, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation and your company number.
Register for Corporation Tax
HMRC will send you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) after Companies House approves your registration. You must sign in to HMRC online and register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting to trade. Missing this deadline can result in penalties, so add it to your checklist immediately after incorporation.
Register for VAT (If Required)
You must register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £85,000). You can also register voluntarily if it makes sense for your business — for example, if you sell to other VAT-registered businesses and want to reclaim input VAT. VAT registration is done through HMRC and typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Set Up Business Banking and Insurance
Separate personal and business finances from day one. Most UK banks offer free or low-cost business accounts for startups. You should also consider public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and employers' liability insurance if you plan to hire. Many landlord agreements and B2B contracts require proof of insurance.
Build Your Online Presence Before You Launch
Register your domain, set up a professional email, and create a landing page that explains what you do and how customers can contact you. Claim your Google Business Profile, list your services on relevant directories, and make sure your phone number and address are consistent everywhere. Your online presence is often the first impression a customer gets.
Quick-Start Checklist
- Choose limited company or sole trader
- Check name availability on Companies House
- Reserve matching domain name
- Register with Companies House (£12)
- Receive Certificate of Incorporation
- Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC
- Register for VAT (if over threshold or voluntary)
- Open business bank account
- Arrange business insurance
- Build landing page and Google Business Profile
- List on local directories
- Set up professional email
Ready to get your new business found online?
Once you are registered, we help you build a professional online presence that turns searches into customers.