![hands holding tablet displaying start up planning](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_b87429e92b4b405488edf1ed71f1363c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_29,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_b87429e92b4b405488edf1ed71f1363c~mv2.png)
Starting a business in the UK can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure long-term success.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an experienced professional branching out on your own, here are 30 important things to think about when starting a business in the UK, including essential marketing activities:
![statistics icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_c3e227f5699f406ea0e286d68fce8efa~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_c3e227f5699f406ea0e286d68fce8efa~mv2.png)
Market Research:
Conduct thorough market research to understand your industry, target audience and competitors.
![note book with tick boxes and pen icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_d432eb318898438b8b3c0f4f0ea7cac6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_d432eb318898438b8b3c0f4f0ea7cac6~mv2.png)
Business Plan:
Develop a detailed business plan outlining your goals, strategies and financial projections.
![legal scale icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_d141d0895e4e4e7aab0e09848cb7a5d9~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_d141d0895e4e4e7aab0e09848cb7a5d9~mv2.png)
Legal Structure:
Choose the right legal structure for your business, such as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company.
![business profile icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_0f39a3af67a741d4a7d0277e7eff5133~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_0f39a3af67a741d4a7d0277e7eff5133~mv2.png)
Business Registration:
Register your business with Companies House and comply with legal requirements.
![tax money icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_7fa205cad3244777a7fd3b9af2fb7cec~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_7fa205cad3244777a7fd3b9af2fb7cec~mv2.png)
Tax Considerations:
Understand your tax obligations, including VAT registration and
corporate tax.
![business verification icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_8d4cf0abdba24635bd144f621eeb72d4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_8d4cf0abdba24635bd144f621eeb72d4~mv2.png)
Business Name:
Choose a unique and memorable business name and check its availability.
![yellow shield icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_d3942b09debe43f8b47cd176a37f3cf7~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_d3942b09debe43f8b47cd176a37f3cf7~mv2.png)
Intellectual Property:
Protect your brand through trademark registration if applicable.
![hand holding bag of money icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_0093209a265349249a2b3ab0020d3804~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_0093209a265349249a2b3ab0020d3804~mv2.png)
Banking and Finances:
Open a business bank account and set up accounting systems.
![umbrella icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_5e3f81f3d7384f17bdbd2164164ef68b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_5e3f81f3d7384f17bdbd2164164ef68b~mv2.png)
Insurance:
Get the right insurance coverage, including liability and business property insurance.
![certificate icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_25164a7794134703abcd359b9032a470~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_25164a7794134703abcd359b9032a470~mv2.png)
Licenses and Permits:
Identify and obtain any necessary licenses and permits for your business.
![suitcase with law scale icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_3c8dda6940694254b0af470ea6901f49~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_3c8dda6940694254b0af470ea6901f49~mv2.png)
Employment Laws:
Familiarise yourself with UK employment laws and regulations.
![recruitment icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_c61bc0134ae04beb9f756a1de4887e55~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_c61bc0134ae04beb9f756a1de4887e55~mv2.png)
Recruitment:
Plan your hiring strategy and create job descriptions for key roles.
![contract icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_0edc112de9af4194b00e2de9a327e4cc~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_0edc112de9af4194b00e2de9a327e4cc~mv2.png)
Employee Contracts:
Develop clear and comprehensive employment contracts.
![health and safety icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_f75675293413473a907b8fee28934b9e~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_f75675293413473a907b8fee28934b9e~mv2.png)
Health and Safety Compliance:
Ensure your business premises comply with health and safety regulations.
![data protection icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_638714d8678a45bb9b48f939d1418234~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_638714d8678a45bb9b48f939d1418234~mv2.png)
Data Protection:
Comply with GDPR regulations for handling customer and employee data.
![cybersecurity icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_d76aee6cc4f8416abfebd10b7fe4a863~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_d76aee6cc4f8416abfebd10b7fe4a863~mv2.png)
Cybersecurity:
Implement cybersecurity measures to protect your business from online threats.
![location pin icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_a1a8f3524f0c4bf789a6ee4db7082ef6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_a1a8f3524f0c4bf789a6ee4db7082ef6~mv2.png)
Location:
Choose a suitable location for your business based on your target market and budget.
![networking icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_5409484b75dc44afa4ad2ef49f78ee14~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_5409484b75dc44afa4ad2ef49f78ee14~mv2.png)
Networking:
Build a professional network through industry events and online platforms.
![online presence icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_a206c9c7e115417eb5acc39e160e7c08~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_a206c9c7e115417eb5acc39e160e7c08~mv2.png)
Online Presence:
Create a professional website and establish a strong online presence.
![social media reactions icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_d854401f4cc74721a5abd8b145bcc68f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_d854401f4cc74721a5abd8b145bcc68f~mv2.png)
Social Media Strategy:
Develop a social media strategy to engage with your audience and promote your business.
![content elements icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_e2c24b83b932428482fe47e1e67b6da1~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_e2c24b83b932428482fe47e1e67b6da1~mv2.png)
Content Marketing:
Plan and execute a content marketing strategy to establish thought leadership.
![seo icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_7e10229702b240c6807cc7422e093333~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_7e10229702b240c6807cc7422e093333~mv2.png)
SEO Optimisation:
Optimise your website for search engines to increase visibility.
![email icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_fc6d0653d86c45fea566790689e3d6ad~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_fc6d0653d86c45fea566790689e3d6ad~mv2.png)
Email Marketing:
Utilise email marketing to nurture leads and keep customers informed.
![customer service icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_6522d2a782964c09a26104f90a6a4943~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_6522d2a782964c09a26104f90a6a4943~mv2.png)
Customer Service:
Develop excellent customer service practices to build a positive reputation.
![financial icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_fd0c07782cc240a78b93d40a58649741~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_fd0c07782cc240a78b93d40a58649741~mv2.png)
Financial Management:
Keep accurate financial records and monitor cash flow regularly.
![budgeting icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_c1dde791aa404337a05523e83db3a66f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_c1dde791aa404337a05523e83db3a66f~mv2.png)
Budgeting:
Create a realistic budget for your business operations and marketing activities.
![adaptability icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_a46c221280fe4af08007023dfecc6396~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_a46c221280fe4af08007023dfecc6396~mv2.png)
Adaptability:
Stay adaptable to changing market conditions and customer needs.
![book with light bulb icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_19b48a3e84114b918993cac358d8f4f3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_19b48a3e84114b918993cac358d8f4f3~mv2.png)
Continual Learning:
Stay informed about industry trends and continually upgrade your skills.
![feedback icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_6f60866b5daa4238b08823be37cdcd75~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_6f60866b5daa4238b08823be37cdcd75~mv2.png)
Feedback Mechanism:
Establish a feedback mechanism to gather insights from customers and employees.
![exit plan icon](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/076d79_7d031c3819cd41779079dfeef5c9d3be~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_51,h_51,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/076d79_7d031c3819cd41779079dfeef5c9d3be~mv2.png)
Exit Strategy:
Develop a clear exit strategy for your business, even if it's in the distant future.
Starting a business in the UK is a multifaceted process that requires attention to detail and a proactive approach. By considering these 30 important aspects and implementing a robust marketing strategy, you can lay a solid foundation for the success and growth of your business. Need some advice get in contact with Baobab Marketing, a Norwich Marketing Agency.