{"id":7795,"date":"2026-05-20T15:58:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T14:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=7795"},"modified":"2026-05-20T15:58:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T14:58:19","slug":"how-to-start-a-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a small business in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to start a small business in the UK\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStarting a business requires research and dedication. Got a great idea but unsure where to start? Use our free small business toolkit today. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-20T15:58:17+01:00\">20 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to start a small business in the UK\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/keirthomasbryant\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair.jpg 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Keir Thomas-Bryant<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To start a small business in the UK,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;need to&nbsp;choose&nbsp;a business structure, register&nbsp;your business, plan&nbsp;your finances, understand&nbsp;your tax&nbsp;responsibilities,&nbsp;and set&nbsp;up the right tools,&nbsp;records,&nbsp;and insurance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s&nbsp;a lot to take on, especially when&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;juggling the excitement of a new idea with the reality of paperwork, regulations, and decisions that can feel&nbsp;high-stakes. Whether&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;turning a side hustle into something serious or launching a venture from scratch, knowing where to start makes all the difference.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting the foundations right&nbsp;will save you a lot of headaches down the line. A bit of expert advice can help you get off to a strong start, and&nbsp;our free small business toolkit&nbsp;can make it even easier to hit the ground running.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here&#8217;s what we cover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#choose\" data-level=\"2\">What to think about&nbsp;before starting a small business<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#download\" data-level=\"2\">Download your small business toolkit today<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions-on-starting-a-small-business-in-the-uk\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions&nbsp;on starting a small business in the UK<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6915,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:[null,2,16777215],&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:[null,2,0],&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;}\"><div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-adbf67e7-f26f-4f58-a954-9e67147b2f85\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-adbf67e7-f26f-4f58-a954-9e67147b2f85\"\n\t>Download your free small business toolkit: a guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose\"><strong>What to think about\u00a0before starting a small business<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before starting a small business, you need to test whether your idea is commercially&nbsp;viable, understand who your customers are, and&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the practical,&nbsp;financial,&nbsp;and legal requirements involved in getting it off the ground.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First,&nbsp;take a moment to pressure-test your idea. You&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;need every detail&nbsp;worked out on day one, but you should have a clear sense of what&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;selling, who&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;selling to, how&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;make money,&nbsp;and what support you might need along the way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This early thinking can help you choose the right business structure, understand your start-up&nbsp;costs,&nbsp;and avoid common admin surprises once you begin trading. It can also make the next steps feel less like disconnected tasks and more like part of a clear plan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few useful questions to ask include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What problem\u00a0will\u00a0your business solve?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who are your ideal customers?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Will you run the business from home, online,\u00a0or from dedicated premises?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What equipment,\u00a0materials,\u00a0or software will you need?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Will you manage your finances yourself or work with an accountant?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-steps-for-starting-a-small-business-in-the-uk\"><strong>What are the steps\u00a0for\u00a0starting\u00a0a small business in the UK?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To start&nbsp;a small business in the UK,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;need to&nbsp;choose&nbsp;the right business structure, register&nbsp;your business, plan&nbsp;your finances, meet&nbsp;your tax obligations, keep&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;records,&nbsp;and put&nbsp;the right tools and protections in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to create a business,&nbsp;these&nbsp;steps are a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-choose-your-business-structure\"><strong>Step 1: Choose your business structure<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is deciding&nbsp;what kind of business&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;going to create.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might want to become self-employed as a sole trader. Or you may want to create a limited company,&nbsp;something known as incorporation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s&nbsp;also the possibility of a partnership, which is somewhere between the two, but&nbsp;this&nbsp;is much less common because self-employment or a limited company&nbsp;tick&nbsp;most peoples\u2019 boxes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sole-trader-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sole trader<\/a>&nbsp;is the simplest kind of business entity, and legally,&nbsp;it&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;just one person: yourself. Doing your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-basic-business-accounting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounting<\/a>&nbsp;is therefore&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;straightforward:&nbsp;After&nbsp;you\u2019ve&nbsp;deducted tax, National&nbsp;Insurance,&nbsp;and expenses,&nbsp;whatever\u2019s&nbsp;left is yours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, as a sole trader,&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;also personally liable for debts your business might create.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/business-records-limited-company\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">benefits of a limited company<\/a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;immediate.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;a legal&nbsp;entity in itself,&nbsp;so&nbsp;it&nbsp;can take on debts and can own things such as cars,&nbsp;equipment,&nbsp;and properties.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The limited company will pay you a salary,&nbsp;and&nbsp;if&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;just you in the company,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;be considered the director as well as the shareholder,&nbsp;so you can claim dividends,&nbsp;too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The downside of a limited company is increased complexity. The company will have to pay&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-corporation-tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">corporation&nbsp;tax<\/a>, and the paperwork for a limited company can be difficult to understand, although a good accountant can help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;wise to speak to an accountant about your plans&nbsp;for other reasons, too.&nbsp;Accountants have bags of experience that&nbsp;they\u2019re&nbsp;always happy to share, and they can point you in the direction of free funding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-name-and-register-your-business\"><strong>Step 2: Name and register your business<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once&nbsp;you\u2019ve&nbsp;chosen your business structure,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;need to name the business and complete the right registration steps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;becoming self-employed,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;need to register as a sole trader with&nbsp;the tax office,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/hm-revenue-customs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HMRC<\/a>. If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;setting up a limited company,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;need to register the company with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/companies-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Companies House<\/a>.&nbsp;The government itself can guide you in this part of the process with its \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/business\/start-your-business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">start your business<\/a>\u201d guide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your business name should be clear,&nbsp;memorable,&nbsp;and suitable for the kind of work you do. If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;setting up a limited company,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;also need to check that your chosen name is available and follows Companies House rules.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An accountant can help here,&nbsp;too. They can register you as self-employed or create a company for you, depending on which structure is right for your plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Let your business thrive with an expert on your side<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Explore the Sage Accountant and Bookkeeper directory to find an expert suited to your location, industry, and business needs. Connecting with a powerful partner is just a few clicks away.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accountants\/find-an-accountant\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-17114\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Find an expert<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Managing HR and payroll tasks\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-3-create-your-business-plan\"><strong>Step 3: Create your business plan<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;serious about creating a business,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;need a business plan\u2014and lots of advice on the&nbsp;processes and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/size\/small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">small business solutions<\/a>&nbsp;to put in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most people, creating a business plan is one of the hardest tasks they undertake in the early days of their business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thankfully, help is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are lots of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">business plan examples and templates online<\/a>, including&nbsp;some here at Sage Advice.&nbsp;These are an excellent starting point because they ask questions that need to be answered if you hope to attract interest, and investment, in your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At a minimum, you should include the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A description of your business and\u00a0objectives.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your products or services and their pricing.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who you\u00a0anticipate\u00a0your customers to be.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who you consider your competitors.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What people will be involved, in terms of staffing, existing investors, or even mentors.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where and how\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0going to\u00a0operate\u00a0the business.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0need a dedicated space, such as an office.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0need a vehicle.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What equipment, materials,\u00a0supplies,\u00a0or other assets\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0need.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How you intend to make your business a success.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Any key financial figures.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The volume of sales you expect.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Profit-and-loss statement projections\u00a0for the first three years.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The level of investment\u00a0required.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Really dig down into details and be as pragmatic as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-4-secure-funding-and-open-a-business-bank-account\"><strong>Step 4: Secure funding and open a business bank account<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you know what you need to start your business, you can work out&nbsp;the financial details.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your business plan should outline the level of investment&nbsp;required.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;unsure&nbsp;which funding or tax&nbsp;routes&nbsp;might&nbsp;apply&nbsp;to you, professional advice can help you avoid mistakes early on.&nbsp;Good accountants&nbsp;can&nbsp;even&nbsp;point you in the direction of free funding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also speak to a bank, or sign up online, to create an account specifically for your business,&nbsp;even if&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;planning to be a sole trader.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The taxman has the legal right to examine your business accounts,&nbsp;and if you use your own bank account, it can become intrusive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-5-understand-your-tax-responsibilities\"><strong>Step 5: Understand your tax responsibilities<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax is one of the most&nbsp;important areas&nbsp;to understand when starting a small business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;self-employed,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;usually pay Income Tax and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-employed-national-insurance-tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Class 2&nbsp;and Class 4 National Insurance<\/a>&nbsp;through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-self-assessment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Self Assessment<\/a>.&nbsp;If you run a limited company, the company will have to pay corporation tax, and you may also need to pay tax on your salary and dividends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll&nbsp;also need to consider whether to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/register-for-vat-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register for VAT<\/a>. This may be&nbsp;required&nbsp;if your taxable turnover goes above the VAT registration threshold, but some businesses choose to register voluntarily before they reach it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your tax responsibilities will depend on your business structure,&nbsp;your&nbsp;income,&nbsp;and how you&nbsp;operate, so this is another area where speaking to an accountant can help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"create\"><strong>Step 6: Set up your financial record-keeping<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Good financial records make it easier to understand how your business is performing, complete tax&nbsp;returns,&nbsp;and stay prepared if HMRC asks to review your accounts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll&nbsp;need to keep clear records of money coming in and going out of the business. This might include invoices, receipts, expenses, bank statements,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/payroll\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">payroll&nbsp;records<\/a>, VAT&nbsp;records,&nbsp;and details of business assets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple, consistent record-keeping process will make tax returns,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-cash-flow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cash&nbsp;flow<\/a>&nbsp;planning,&nbsp;and business decisions much easier to manage. It will also free up time&nbsp;for you to&nbsp;dedicate&nbsp;to improving the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good cash flow forecasting spreadsheet can also help. You can use it to predict funds flowing in and out of your business over the next 12 months, which is vital if you want to address any cash shortfalls early.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-7-choose-the-right-accounting-software\"><strong>Step 7: Choose the right accounting software<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-step-7-choose-the-right-accounting-software\">\u00a0Using the right tools from day one will significantly reduce the amount of admin work you have to do\u2014and leave more time to pursue your dreams and goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounting software<\/a>&nbsp;will&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/invoicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">issue and send invoices<\/a>&nbsp;for you, for example,&nbsp;and even chase them up.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-step-7-choose-the-right-accounting-software\">It\u00a0will\u00a0also help you keep financial records, manage cash flow, track\u00a0expenses,\u00a0and stay on top of your tax responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-8-get-the-right-business-insurance\"><strong>Step 8: Get the right business insurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-step-8-get-the-right-business-insurance\">\u00a0Before you start trading, you should also consider what business insurance you may need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The right cover will depend on what your business does, whether you work with customers in person, and whether you employ anyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you may need public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance,&nbsp;employer\u2019s&nbsp;liability insurance,&nbsp;or cover for business equipment,&nbsp;vehicles,&nbsp;or premises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-step-8-get-the-right-business-insurance\">Taking time to get the right insurance can help protect your business if something goes wrong, and&nbsp;it&nbsp;may also be required by clients, landlords,&nbsp;lenders,&nbsp;or regulators.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"download\">Download your small business toolkit today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/#gate-adbf67e7-f26f-4f58-a954-9e67147b2f85\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free small business toolkit<\/a>&nbsp;is all you need to get your business started. It&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;three downloads:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guide:\u00a0this information-packed guide is designed to help you achieve success by addressing typical challenges\u00a0encountered\u00a0by small businesses in the first few years. It includes potential funding sources that all businesses need to know about.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business plan template:\u00a0this lets you update or complete your strategy for success. All you have to do is follow the instructions in each section, entering your own information.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cash flow forecast template:\u00a0this can be used to predict funds flowing in and out of your business over the next 12 months. This is vital, and you can use it along with the advice in our guide to address any cash shortfalls.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small business toolkit<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get your free guide, business plan template and cash flow forecast template to help you manage your business and achieve your goals.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-adbf67e7-f26f-4f58-a954-9e67147b2f85\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free toolkit<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t4,088 readers have downloaded this guide\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1282134863-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Man working on laptop at desk and looking at business priorities\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1282134863-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-on-starting-a-small-business-in-the-uk\"><strong>Frequently asked questions\u00a0on starting a small business in the UK<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-on-starting-a-small-business-in-the-uk\">\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779288573307\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the typical cost of starting a small business\u00a0in the UK?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The cost of starting a small business in the UK\u00a0varies widely\u00a0depending\u00a0on what you do, how you\u00a0operate,\u00a0and whether you set\u00a0up as\u00a0a sole trader or limited company.\u00a0<br>\u00a0<br>Some businesses can start with\u00a0relatively low\u00a0upfront costs, especially if you work from home, use equipment you already\u00a0own,\u00a0and register as self-employed.\u00a0<br><br>Your start-up costs may include\u00a0registering\u00a0the business, buying equipment or materials, setting up a website, paying for insurance, opening a business bank account, using accounting\u00a0software,\u00a0and getting professional advice.<br><br>If you set up a limited company,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0also need to register it with Companies House, which costs around \u00a3100.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779288583324\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Does being self-employed count as a small business?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, being self-employed can count as running a small business.\u00a0\u00a0<br><br>In the UK, many small businesses are run by sole traders, which means one person owns and runs the business as a self-employed individual.\u00a0<br><br>As a sole trader, you keep your business profits after tax, but\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0also personally responsible for any debts the business creates.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0usually need to register with HMRC and complete a\u00a0Self Assessment\u00a0tax return.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779288624445\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How much can self-employed people earn?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There\u2019s\u00a0no fixed limit on how much self-employed people can earn. Your income depends on your prices, costs, customers,\u00a0and\u00a0industry\u00a0and how much work you take on.\u00a0<br><br>However, the more you earn, the more important it becomes to keep\u00a0accurate\u00a0financial records, understand your tax\u00a0responsibilities,\u00a0and plan for payments such as Income Tax and National Insurance. <br><br>If your taxable turnover goes over the VAT registration threshold, or you expect it to,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0also need to register for VAT.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779288647869\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do self-employed people have the same tax requirements as other small businesses?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Self-employed people have tax requirements, but\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0not\u00a0exactly the same\u00a0as limited companies.\u00a0\u00a0<br><br>If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0self-employed as a sole trader,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0usually pay Income Tax and Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance through\u00a0Self Assessment.\u00a0<br><br>A limited company is a separate legal entity, so it has different tax and reporting responsibilities, including Corporation Tax.\u00a0Both sole traders and limited companies may also need to register for VAT if they go over the VAT threshold or expect to.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779288671550\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Which small businesses are easiest to start in the UK?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The easiest small businesses to start in the UK are usually those with low upfront costs, simple equipment\u00a0needs,\u00a0and no requirement for dedicated premises.<br><br>Examples might include freelance services, consulting, tutoring, cleaning, online selling, pet services, home-based creative\u00a0businesses,\u00a0or local trades.\u00a0<br><br>That\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0mean\u00a0that these businesses\u00a0require\u00a0no planning.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0still need to think about your business structure, pricing, customers, tax, insurance, financial\u00a0records,\u00a0and whether you need any\u00a0licences,\u00a0qualifications,\u00a0or specialist equipment.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1779288689310\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can you start a small business with no money?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You may be able to start a small business with\u00a0very little\u00a0money, especially if you already have the skills,\u00a0equipment,\u00a0and space you need.<br><br>For example, a service-based business can often be cheaper to start than one that needs stock, vehicles,\u00a0premises,\u00a0or specialist machinery.\u00a0<br><br>Even so,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0sensible to map out your costs before you begin. Your business plan should cover where and how\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0operate, what materials or assets\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0need, how\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0fund the\u00a0business,\u00a0and what financial support might be available.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/create-business-plan\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCreating a business plan\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/start-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to start a business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-1043 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-alternative-finance tag-cash-flow tag-crowdfunding business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/0J9A9593.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T13:25:08+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/a-business-guide-to-borrowing-money\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA business owner&#8217;s guide to borrowing money\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tIt&#8217;s a necessary requirement for most businesses but the good news is that it needn&#8217;t be painful of even expensive. Here&#8217;s how to borrow in the best way for your business growth and success.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-1543 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-continuity tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-start-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-740534235-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T11:19:49+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tFree template: How to write a business plan\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-4239 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-create-business-plan tag-start-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/starting-and-planning\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-612742822_super-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-612742822_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-612742822_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-612742822_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-05T10:02:11+01:00\">5 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to start a business\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-30262 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-cash-flow tag-payments business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/purchase-requisition-vs-purchase-order\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Running a business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-27T10:47:56+01:00\">27 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">5 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tPurchase requisition vs purchase order: Key differences and how they work\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-18419 post type-post status-publish format-audio has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers tag-grow-business tag-start-business tag-sound-advice-podcast tag-startup-stories post_format-post-format-audio business_type-small-business industry-ecommerce\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sound-sdvice-started-business-with-spice-girl-christopher-money\/?scroll=1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Christopher Money and Emma Bunton\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/05\/Blog_S3_Ep8-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M9.75 1.5C8.793 1.5 8 2.293 8 3.25v8.377a.8.8 0 0 0 0 .243v4.38c0 .957.793 1.75 1.75 1.75h5.5c.957 0 1.75-.792 1.75-1.75v-4.377a.8.8 0 0 0 0-.243V3.25c0-.957-.792-1.75-1.75-1.75zm0 1.5h5.5c.147 0 .25.102.25.25V11h-6V3.25c0-.148.102-.25.25-.25m-4.012 7.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v4.5A4.76 4.76 0 0 0 9.749 21h2v2a.76.76 0 0 0 .216.537.74.74 0 0 0 .534.223.76.76 0 0 0 .535-.223.74.74 0 0 0 .216-.537v-2h2A4.76 4.76 0 0 0 20 16.25v-4.5a.76.76 0 0 0-.216-.537.74.74 0 0 0-.535-.223.75.75 0 0 0-.75.76v4.5a3.24 3.24 0 0 1-3.25 3.25h-5.5a3.24 3.24 0 0 1-3.25-3.25v-4.5a.755.755 0 0 0-.469-.707.8.8 0 0 0-.293-.055zM9.5 12.5h6v3.75c0 .147-.102.25-.25.25h-5.5a.24.24 0 0 1-.25-.25zm3 1a.997.997 0 0 0-1 1 .997.997 0 0 0 1 1 .997.997 0 0 0 1-1 .997.997 0 0 0-1-1\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-21T15:30:08+01:00\">21 May, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">31 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tI started a business with a Spice Girl\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting a business requires research and dedication. Got a great idea but unsure where to start? Use our free small business toolkit today. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":280,"featured_media":3389,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[139,9],"tags":[24,13,12],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,74],"imagine_tag":[77,200,109],"coauthors":[369],"class_list":["post-7795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-guides-templates","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-cash-flow","tag-create-business-plan","tag-start-business","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Keir Thomas-Bryant","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/12\/GettyImages-606923937_super.jpg","imagine_tags":{"77":"Accounting software","200":"Payroll","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/280"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7795"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30225,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7795\/revisions\/30225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7795"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}