03 · Protect
Put sensible protection around the business.
A few simple checks can save time and money later. Start with the risks that would be hardest to deal with, then decide what cover or advice you need.
Understand business insurance
Public liability, employers’ liability and professional indemnity cover different problems. Learn the difference before comparing prices.
Read the insurance guide- Separate legal requirements from sensible precautions
- Check exclusions, limits and excesses—not just the premium
- Update cover when the team, work or turnover changes
Get the right help
Know what you are buying
Accountant or bookkeeper?
Understand the difference and work out which kind of support your business needs now.
Read this guide PeopleUse a payroll service
See what can be outsourced, what good support looks like and what remains your responsibility.
Read this guide DigitalChoose dependable web hosting
Backups, security and responsive support matter when your website earns its keep.
Read this guide DigitalDecide on managed WordPress hosting
Work out whether help with updates, security and recovery is worth the extra cost.
Read this guide Official help ↗Protect accounts, devices and backups
Use the NCSC’s small-organisation guide for practical cyber-security steps.
Open official help Official help ↗Check your data-protection fee
Use the ICO self-assessment to see whether you need to pay or are exempt.
Open official help Official help ↗Cover the health-and-safety basics
Start with proportionate HSE guidance for a small, low-risk business.
Open official help Official help ↗Get employment contracts clear
Read ACAS guidance on written statements, terms and employment status.
Open official help Next: GrowGrow without losing control
Put useful marketing support around the business, with ownership and measurement built in.
Go to Grow