01 · Start
Turn an idea into something real.
You do not need every answer on day one. Get the foundations right, spend carefully and leave yourself room to change your mind.
Starting online, step by step
A practical route through choosing what to sell, setting up your website, covering the legal basics and working out what things are likely to cost.
Read the starting guide- Work out the simplest version you can launch
- Keep control of your domain, website and accounts
- Know which costs are essential and which are optional
Build the basics
Choose your next job
Choose a business structure
Compare sole trader, limited company and other routes using current GOV.UK guidance.
Open official help WebsiteChoose business web hosting
Understand the types, support questions and trade-offs before you commit.
Read this guide WebsiteFind a web designer
Brief the job properly, compare like with like and keep ownership of what you pay for.
Read this guide Company setupUse a virtual office address
Think through privacy, post handling and how the address will look to customers.
Read this guide DIY websiteDecide if a website builder is enough
A straightforward option for some firms—and a false economy for others.
Read this guide WebsiteUnderstand WordPress hosting
What managed hosting changes, where the costs sit and what support should include.
Read this guide Official help ↗Find government business guidance
Browse current help with tax, funding, regulation, planning and local support.
Open official help Next: ProtectProtect the business
Once the basics are in place, add the cover and checks that help you keep going.
Go to Protect