Product family

UK startup guides for selected trades and services

A print-ready PDF guide covering registration, compliance, insurance and day-one operations for selected UK trade and service businesses. Available for the business types shown below. Open on phone, tablet or desktop. Read or print.

What's in this family

One pack, one tier

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51 Startup Guide options

Questions before you choose

Product family FAQ

Is the Startup Guide editable?

No. It is a print-ready PDF guide designed to read on screen or print.

Does it cover every possible rule for my business?

No. It gives a practical starting structure. Check current official guidance and get professional advice for your circumstances.

Why are fewer business types shown?

Startup Guides are live only for selected business types currently approved for this family.

Does it cover sole trader vs limited company?

Yes. The guide explains the practical differences between operating as a sole trader and as a limited company in the UK — the registration steps, the tax implications at a high level, and the operational differences — so you can decide which structure fits before opening. It is not financial or legal advice; verify your specific situation against current gov.uk guidance.

Does it include guidance on insurance?

Yes. The guide covers the main types of insurance UK trade and service businesses typically need to consider, including public liability and product liability where relevant. It points to what to ask an insurer; it does not select a policy for you or replace an insurance broker.

How is this different from free gov.uk guidance?

Gov.uk explains regulations in regulator language and structures information by topic. This guide is structured by the decisions a new UK business actually makes in order, in plain English, with the niche-specific operating context baked in. The two are complementary — use the guide to plan, gov.uk to verify current regulatory detail.

Will the guide stay accurate over time?

The guide is dated and reflects the regulatory and operational landscape at publish time. Major UK rules (registration thresholds, MTD timing, insurance requirements) change periodically; verify any specific date-sensitive figure against current gov.uk and HMRC guidance before acting.

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