The first things to do:

[peterjhale]

There's a ton of things to consider:

> Registered a company name (if limited company)
> Register directors etc at the same time
> Get an accountant
> Register for VAT (if sales, not profits are over £58k per year)
> Complete PAYE returns - your accountant can give you these


To set up for communications :

> Get a phone number - you can get a free 0845 # - I'll post that later
> Get your website address - domain name
> Get your business cards
> Register yourself online - everywhere !

Any one else ?

[Cougar]

I agree with these points. For my business start up I had to add

- evaluate software packages/databases needed to operate my business
- deal with data protection issues and register with the Information Commissioner because of the personal data I need to keep on clients
- obtain and compare quotes for profesional indemnity insurance
- order technical resources and reference materials (my purchasing power was low as I was buying one of everything not 1,000's as my previous employer did!)
- devise a system to log and track incoming communications (regular post, faxes, emails)
- deal with junk mail - some of it might not be! (if you set up a ltd co you get plenty of paper mail as other businesses track new cos being set up and put you on their mailing lists!)

I'm sure there are plenty of other similar experiences in our on-line community.

best
Philip

[peterjhale]

Hi Philip

Welcome to our forums

It's tough starting up - so much to consider, but worth it in the longer term (that's why we write business plans - you cover off all the questions you hadn't thought of )

If you have a website why not add it into your signature ?