Legal
Make sure you are properly set up as a limited company, partnership or appropriate structure. See the separate article on legal structures.
Ensure you have key documents in place such as:
- standard contract terms
- employment contracts
- freelancer contracts
- non-disclosure agreements if required
Contracts
Have a standard contract with terms and conditions.
Get everything in writing before you begin a service or deliver a product of any significant size. This includes expectations for both parties. If everything is laid out properly up front, there are less chances of things veering off course.
Also get a purchase order or whatever the client needs in place to pay you, this will speed up payments.
Set Up your Company
The Companies House website gives you all the advice you need on how to set up your company.
You can start a company in one of three ways:
- Use the Business Link / Companies House Web Incorporation Service
(for a private company limited by shares, with model articles)
Access the Business Link / Companies House Web Incorporation Service - Use a Formation Agent
You can use a formation agent to incorporate any type of company and they can also provide you with specialist advice.
Access the list of Formation Agents - On paper by completing the necessary forms and sending them directly to Companies House
View more information on filing paper incorporations with Companies House