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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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