Small Business Startup Guide (UK)
Thinking of starting a small business in the UK? This 27-page beginner guide walks you through the decisions in a sensible order, in plain UK English, with an invented worked example ("Sam's candles") so you can see every method in action.
What's inside (14 chapters):
- Is your idea worth testing? Five cheap ways to check demand before you spend
- Sole trader or limited company? A side-by-side comparison (UK, checked 15 Oct 2026)
- Registering with HMRC and Companies House: what, when and where, with official GOV.UK links and the date checked
- Business name rules and simple branding on a small budget
- A one-page business plan, with a quick SWOT
- Pricing for profit: full cost, minimum price formula and a market check
- Your startup budget, contingency and ways to fund a start
- Bookkeeping basics, records and Making Tax Digital timeline
- Insurance overview (what is compulsory and common types of cover)
- Other rules to check: consumer law, product safety, data protection, licences
- Cash flow and break-even, with a 12-month illustration
- Getting your first customers and a simple marketing plan
- A 90-day launch plan and weekly rhythm; staying on track after launch
- Startup checklist, official GOV.UK links page and glossary
Prices in £. UK tax and legal points checked on GOV.UK on 15 October 2026.
Created with AI assistance. General information for people starting a small business in the UK only. Fee, tax and legal points are as at October 2026 and can change: always check GOV.UK and speak to an accountant or solicitor about your own situation. Not professional, legal, tax or financial advice. No income, sales or profit results are promised or implied; the worked example and its figures are invented and illustrative, not a forecast. Sold by Fernbrook Guides; not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any marketplace, platform, software provider or UK government body. Price includes VAT where applicable (collected by Lemon Squeezy, our merchant of record). Refunds: email teamaijjgroup@gmail.com within 14 days of purchase for a full refund; if a file is faulty, we fix it, replace it or refund you; your legal rights are not affected. Personal use only.