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Go Self Employed

Not sure if self-employment is right for you?

This section explains what it really means to work for yourself, including the advantages, potential risks, and the key decisions to think about before starting a business.

If you’re still deciding what type of business to start, have a look at our business ideas below. You’ll also find practical guides on choosing a business structure, registering with HMRC, and understanding what happens in the first few months of trading.

If you’re ready to get started, begin with our 15 steps to becoming self-employed.

You can also compare the two most common structures in the UK: sole trader vs limited company.

Business ideas

  • 10 businesses you can start for £100
  • 10 small business ideas for teachers
  • 10 business ideas for retirees
  • Starting a business at university
  • Setting up a coffee shop
  • Start a dog walking or pet sitting business
  • Start a taxi or private hire business
  • Start an Airbnb business

Getting started

  • 15 steps to becoming self-employed
  • Sole trader vs limited company
  • Starting a business in the evenings
  • How to start an eBay business
  • How to set up a business partnership

Registering and legal basics

  • How to register as self-employed
  • What happens if you register as self-employed late?
  • What counts as your business start date?
  • Choosing a business name as a sole trader
  • Do sole traders need to register with Companies House?
  • Professional memberships and registrations for sole traders
  • Do you need a partnership agreement?

Running your business

  • Can you be employed and self-employed at the same time?
  • Running multiple businesses as a sole trader
  • Can sole traders pay family members?
  • Taking on your first employee
  • Using a PO box as a business address
  • Self-employed while claiming benefits

Ending or changing your business

  • How to close a sole trader business properly
  • Selling a sole trader business
  • What happens if a sole trader dies?
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Top driver for becoming self-employed is the desire to “be my own boss.”

September 24, 2024
The biggest motivator for people to go it alone is the desire to be their own boss. We look at why now - in 2024 - is a great time to start a new business.
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How to start an eBay business: what you need to know

May 11, 2024
Are you thinking of joining in and trying your hand at becoming an eBay seller? Here's what you need to know about getting your new business off the ground.
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Starting a business at university: practical tips from a student founder

October 4, 2023
A real student founder shares practical advice on starting a business at university, using spare time, campus resources, and real-world experience.
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