Going Self-Employed: What to Set Up First

Before taking your first job, make sure you can legally do the work, price it properly and keep a clear record of the money. A full logo and a large website can wait.

Set up the business basics

• Choose the appropriate business structure and registration.
• Arrange insurance for the actual work and any people you employ.
• Check trade qualifications, registration and notification requirements.
• Set up separate records for income, costs and tax.

Use GOV.UK's sole-trader guidance or the relevant company guidance. A sole trader and limited company have different duties.

Set a rate before you quote

Include overhead, travel and unpaid time, not only your former employed hourly wage. Agree scope, price, VAT position and payment terms in writing. Use the pricing calculation as a starting point.

Start with a manageable patch

Put your work, area, hours and phone number on your local profile. Add a few real work photos. On the next new call, ask how the customer found you and put the answer beside the booking.

Keep the first month visible

Record every sale and cost, invoice promptly and set aside tax from a calculation suited to your circumstances. Review paid jobs and cash left after costs before making larger fixed commitments.

Updated 27 October 2026 · Report a factual error