This guide shows you how to create the right impression, how to display your business name, consider whether your business name will be your brand and get your name on the web. It also outlines the specific rules that you must follow when choosing a company name for a limited company, sole trader or partnership.
Choose the right legal structure for your business
To put your business on a proper footing with HM Revenue & Customs and other authorities, you need to make sure that it has the right legal structure. It's worth thinking carefully about which structure best suits the way that you do business. There are several structures to choose from, depending on your situation. This guide will help you understand the differences between them.
Set up and register a limited company
This guide looks at the requirements that different types of limited company must meet, and will help you understand the registration process. It focuses mainly on private companies limited by shares, but will also highlight some of the special requirements for public limited companies and private companies limited by guarantee.
Set up and register a partnership
This guide looks at the requirements that ordinary partnerships and limited partnerships have to meet.
Set up and register as self-employed
Find out the consequences - and the legal requirements - of setting up as a sole trader in this guide. You will also find out how to meet your responsibilities for paying your own tax and National Insurance. Finally, our checklist will help you make sure that you have put your business on a proper legal footing.