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Free Company Formation In Just 2 Minutes. Check Availability Limited Limited Highly recommended by our partners Where are you on your startup journey? Follow the SUAZ method for the best chance of success The Start Up A-Z Method Let us know how we can help Why we care about your success ⦿ Your success is our success ⦿ Your success will encourage other new business owners to work with Start Up A-Z ⦿ It makes us feel good and makes our job worthwhile ⦿ We can scale with your company and offer solutions to meet your needs as your business grows Discover our packages We’re here to get you started . Get Started Free Formation FREE Completely Free Formation Choose the additional services you need Professional Assistance Registration within 48 hours + Zempler Bank Account as an additional extra at No Cost .00 + VAT Get Started Priority Formation £5 Fast Track your Formation + Zempler Bank Account as an additional extra at No Cost .99 /mo + VAT Get Started Privacy Package £14 Fast Track your Formation A Premium Company Address Business Landline to Mobile number included + Zempler Bank Account as an additional extra at No Cost Hi, nice to meet you! We’re not just another company formation agent. We’re your Start Up A-Z We’re here from A-Z, from the moment you submit your company registration, to landing your first sale. With Start Up A-Z, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to succeed, and the support you need to thrive. 
We do more than just form your company. You’ll gain a support system to grow your business for the long haul. After all, the SUAZ team has been in your shoes. We know the ways to succeed and the things to avoid, and would love to be a part of your success story. Think of us as a free business partner who’ll have your back every step of the way. Find out more Destination Highstreet: From 0 to 7 locations in under 6 months Destination Bromsgrove came to us with a dream - to build the UK’s best high street app. Our design team built their website and created app designs to take the idea to local high street stakeholders. From there, they secured local funding to build the app with the help of SUAZ-recommended developers. Thanks to SUAZ, Destination Bromsgrove secured an effective, low-cost solution to get their name on the map.
 The result? Over 90% of high street businesses in the area now use Destination Bromsgrove to advertise their services. ⦿ 90% of High Street Businesses in Bromsgrove use Destination App ⦿ 5% of local population downloaded the application ⦿ From nothing on 12th of October to a website 21 days and a working app within 60 days ⦿ Destination have just launched in 6 other high streets. Why choose us as your company formations agent? You’ll gain more than just company formation. Some of the benefits you’ll receive include... Get an exclusive access to Business Support Club Empower your startup journey with BSC Once you’ve completed the company formation process with us, you’ll get exclusive access to a Business Support Club (BSC) account.
 You can browse BSC’s business marketplace - your one-stop shop for every service you could think of to grow your new enterprise. 

 From marketing support to accounting, you’ll find a variety of trusted suppliers who are eager and waiting to support you. Get ready to unlock your business’ full potential. Take a look at our services. We're here to help you with your new business We have articles for you to browse Do you need more information in forming a company? By Start Up A-Z Are dog walkers in demand? Find out where the most in-demand locations are to become a dog walker across the UK’s biggest cities and towns. 10 min read By Start Up A-Z How do you open a retail business? 11 min read Button By Start Up A-Z How to track & manage freelance work 12 min read Button By Start Up A-Z 10 Legal Considerations When Starting a Business 15 min read Button See all articles Got Questions About Forming A Company? Words from our clients / 4.8 / 344 Reviews Why Choose Start Up A-Z? About UK Company Formation In the UK, we use the national registrar of companies, Companies House, to form new businesses. You can do this yourself, using the Companies House website found here. It costs a one-off £12 filing fee to form your company and subject to checks, your business will be formed, usually within 48 hours. Why Choose a Formation Agent? Customer Service Most Company Formation agents are here to help and advise you, as a customer you have a right to be treated with respect and understanding through, what can be, a complex and daunting process. Extra Perks You’ll be given a few freebies and introductions alongside your company formation to introduce you to businesses and products or services that can help your company thrive. Easy Process Most formation agents have perfected the process to enable Companies to be formed in as little time, and as few clicks as possible. It’s in our, and your, interests to make the process quick and concise. Why Choose Start Up A-Z? We make things simple. With Start Up A-Z, your application can take as little as two minutes. Why? Because we make some fair assumptions along the way. We know our customers aren’t big, complex companies, they are small and starting, often meaning that a lot of the information that lengthens the Companies House process is not applicable. We support. Not only do we give help and advice to you during your company formation, but also into to the future, as you need it. We and our partners are here to be the reliable foundation stone of your business. This means your calls and questions are just as welcome on day one-thousand as day one. Should I be a Limited Company or a Sole Trader? Limited Company As a limited company, you enjoy limited liability which protects your personal assets. Unlike sole traders, a limited company is legally separate from its business owner, who has limited liability. Having 'limited liability' status means the company is an entity in its own right. This has several advantages. Assuming no fraud has taken place, 'limited liability' means you will not be personally liable for any financial losses made by the business. A limited company can give you added protection, should things go wrong. Because a limited company is a distinct entity from its owners, it may be a little easier for a company to secure business loans and investment. A limited company may benefit from tax advantages. You would be advised to seek professional help to make maximum use of the rules and regulations with regard to pensions, dividends and car ownership. Sole Trader A sole trader is somebody who runs their business as an individual, they are the sole owner of the business and any profit after tax is theirs. However, as a sole trader, you will be personally responsible for your company's debts, so your personal assets could be at risk. How do I start a Limited Company? Companies House The first thing you need to know when starting a limited company is who Companies House are. Companies House are a UK government executive agency who register UK company information. This means that they are the body that incorporates, dissolves and publishes information on all UK companies. Key Responsibilities: incorporate and dissolve limited companies examine and store company information make information available to the public What is a Limited Company? Limited by shares companies are usually businesses that make a profit. This means the company: is legally separate from the people who run it has separate finances from your personal ones has shares and shareholders can keep any profits it makes after paying tax At Start Up A-Z, we only form Limited Companies, making your options as a new business extremely straightforward. We believe that a Limited company is usually the best option for those new to business and have made a concerted effort to make the process as easy as possible. Our Simple Process Choose a company name and check if it's available. We form Ltd and Limited companies. Enter your personal information so we can add you as the companies director. Your director information will be on Companies House. Enter your company information. This will also be submitted to Companies House and be available online. Review your application and make sure everything is correct. We'll submit your application to Companies House and your company will be formed. Should I be a Limited Company or a Sole Trader? Limited Company As a limited company, you enjoy limited liability which protects your personal assets. Unlike sole traders, a limited company is legally separate from its business owner, who has limited liability. Having 'limited liability' status means the company is an entity in its own right. This has several advantages. Assuming no fraud has taken place, 'limited liability' means you will not be personally liable for any financial losses made by the business. A limited company can give you added protection, should things go wrong. Because a limited company is a distinct entity from its owners, it may be a little easier for a company to secure business loans and investment. A limited company may benefit from tax advantages. You would be advised to seek professional help to make maximum use of the rules and regulations with regard to pensions, dividends and car ownership. Sole Trader A sole trader is somebody who runs their business as an individual, they are the sole owner of the business and any profit after tax is theirs. However, as a sole trader, you will be personally responsible for your company's debts, so your personal assets could be at risk. What do I do after Company Formation? Firstly, Congratulations! If you're reading this you've probably formed a company and are looking for your next steps. It's important at this point to pat yourself on the back! You've formed a business, taken a step to personal improvement and opened up a world of opportunities. From everyone at Start Up A-Z and Business Support Club, well done! What Comes Next? You'll now need to consider what your business needs to do in order to trade legally in the UK and beyond. We'll highlight a few key areas, but we strongly recommend using the following Companies House tool to work out your next steps. Consider VAT - Are you going to turn over more than £85,000? If so, you will need to register for VAT Corporation Tax - All Businesses must register for Corporation Tax within the first 3 months PAYE - Are you planning on taking on employees? If so, you'll need to register for PAYE Licenses - What licenses do you need to run your business? Insurance - It's likely that your new business will need insurance. You can find insurance brokers on Business Support Club Grants/funding - How are you going to fund your business? There may be government help if you seek it Use The Checklist We highly recommend using the Companies House checklist. It's packed with information and will tell you all you need to know about the next steps, no matter what your business. How do I set up business bank accounts? Let's get straight to it After forming a company, one of the first things most people do is apply for a business bank account. Doing so straight away as a smart move! While you can trade through director loans and using your personal account, in practice, it's always much easier to use a business bank account. Remember, a Limited company is a separate entity, it's best to operate with that in mind. What do we recommend? You have lots of options these days when it comes to business bank accounts. The high street is competing for your custom with new online rivals. We reccomend that the quickest way to get an account open is to use your personal provider, applying for a business account through them. Having said that, there are plenty of alternatives. Consider avoiding... You should know that applying to a high street bank that you do not already have a relationship with can be a long and frustrating process. Similarly, some firms, claiming to offer business bank accounts only offer limited services through a prepaid card. Many also don't like accepting international payments so it is important to know what the limitations of the bank you are applying to are. Especially if they are a neo online bank provider. The bottom line We recommend: Setting up your account ASAP Choosing a business you already know Researching the online offerings Applying for a bank account with a good promotion How do Ready Made Companies Work? Choosing to form a new business and sourcing suppliers can lead to let-downs, dead ends & delays. A Readymade Company is pre-registered, just waiting to be transferred into your name and allowing you to start trading TODAY. Is a registered office address required by law? Yes, UK limited companies are required by government bodies such as Companies House to register an address for the receipt of official communications. By subscribing to one of our plans, you can use our Manchester address as your registered office address, establishing a credible business image while keeping your personal address private. Will you receive and forward all my mail if I become a member? All our membership plans include receiving, scanning and digitally forwarding official and statutory mail. Receiving and forwarding of business mail such as invoices and supplier communications varies depending on your chosen plan. Click HERE to see more information on our membership plans. What is the difference between statutory mail and business mail? Official government mail includes post from the following UK governing bodies: • Companies House • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) • HM Court documents (including Tribunals Services and Sheriff Court) • Office for National Statistics (ONS) • Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) • Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) • UK Government Gateway • Intellectual Property Office (IPO) • Ministry of Justice (MoJ) • The Pensions Regulator (TPR) • The Insolvency Service • UK Border Agency How can I become a member? 1. Choose the plan that best fits your business and subscribe. You will be directed to the business support club platform where you can avail of our services. Fill in the required details and choose your preferred payment method using PayPal or Stripe. 2. Once you have successfully paid, your account will be set up. We will send you a simple questionnaire to inform us of your company details and personal details. You will also be required to supply photo identification and proof of address. After completing the information needed, we will notify you that your account is set up and activated. 3. You will receive a confirmation email with the address you can use. Then, change your registered office address on Companies House HERE or through post. Statutory mail will then be received at our address and forwarded to you. For more advanced plans, business mail will also be received and forwarded to you. Alternatively, you can also subscribe to a plan by contacting us at 0330 320 1929 or sending us an email to help@suaz.co.uk. We can also gladly assist you by appointment should you prefer to visit our location at Bartle House, Manchester. Are your plans flexible? Yes, at SUAZ we make it easy to upgrade your plan by providing add-on options for any excess mail when you need it. For inquiries and requests, you can contact us at 0330 320 1929 or send us an email to help@suaz.co.uk. We can also gladly assist you by appointment should you prefer to visit our location at Bartle House, Manchester. Can I use my virtual office address as a Director Service Address? Yes, our premium plan includes one (1) use of our address for the director or officer of your company. Anyone registered as a director or officer of a UK limited company must be prepared to give a correspondence address that will be visible on the public register. To use our address as your Director Service Address, subscribe to our premium plan HERE. How can I change the Registered Office Address of my company? You can change your registered office address online or by post. You can sign into the Companies House Webfiling service HERE or submit an AD01 form by post. You must complete the change within 14 days the change took place. What IDs and documents do you require to subscribe to any membership plan? At SUAZ, we see to it that we comply to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and ‘Know Your Customer’ requirements and regulations. We will need a proof of ID and proof of address to proceed with your application which can be as follows: Proof of ID: • Passport • Photocard driving licence • Government-issued ID card Proof of address: • Utility bill • Bank statement • Mortgage statement How long is your contract? Our contract length PLACE HERE …Please note that we do not automatically renew your contract at the end of the term. However, we will send you a renewal notice email one month before the term ends. Can the SUAZ virtual office address be used on my ‘Google My Business’ profile? We do not have services for this at the moment. However, other business directories may allow its use as your business address. Do you have a virtual receptionist to answer my business calls? As our virtual office packages currently do not include a virtual receptionist, SUAZ offers a virtual receptionist with a separate plan. You can click HERE to know more about our virtual receptionist services. Can I hold physical meetings at your location? Yes, if you have subscribed to our premium plan, you get access to our meeting room for 30 minutes per calendar month. Additionally, with our professional plan, you get a sign-up bonus of 1 hour use of our meeting room. The meeting room can accommodate up to (how many pax?) PLACE HERE Why do I need a Registered Office Address? UK limited companies are legally required to have a UK registered office. Our registered office service covers use of our address for official government mail only. This address cannot be used for general business correspondence, for which you must also purchase our Business Address Service (Our Virtual Business Plus package covers both official and business mail). Using a Registered Office Address has the added benefit of protecting your personal address from appearing on the public register. What is included as official mail and is mail forwarding free? Official government mail includes post from the following UK governing bodies: Companies House HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) HM Court documents (including Tribunals Services and Sheriff Court) Office for National Statistics (ONS) Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) Government Gateway Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Ministry of Justice The Pensions Regulator (TPR) The Insolvency Service UK Border Agency How does the Telephone Answering Service work? We will give you a London (0203) phone number which you can either use as your own number or you can divert calls to it when you are busy. When your number is called, we answer it in your company name. We then let the caller know that the extension is busy, you are in a meeting or calls are going to voicemail (or anything else as instructed by you). We will take a message and their contact information, which are all immediately uploaded to your online admin account and sent to you by email and via the MYCO smartphone app. What's included in the Document Filing service? We can file your yearly confirmation statement directly with Companies House. It's is a legal requirement which can be done by you, or we’ll take care of it on your behalf to save you the hassle. We’ll also send ongoing reminders yearly to make sure you don’t forget. How can SUAZ offer company formations for free? Here at SUAZ, we believe that it shouldn’t cost you a fortune to follow your dream. We also know that starting a business isn’t cheap, which is why our company formation service is completely free - so you can keep your hard-earned cash to make your business the best it can be. Wondering how we make our money? Our upsells are bonus features that can help your business get a head start. We also introduce you to other businesses and sometimes earn a commission from doing so. When can your business be up and running? We try our best to get your business up and running as quickly as possible. Submissions sent before midday usually come back to us the same day, but this can’t be guaranteed as delays do happen. We try to get all applications back within 36 hours, but if there are issues with your application such as your company name being flagged for extra checks, this can delay the process. What kind of company can you set up? Here at SUAZ, we form limited companies. Operating as a limited company can give your business credibility and your customers confidence in your business. And once your company name is registered as a limited company, it's protected by law and no one else is allowed to use it. As for the industry or nature of your company, the choice is yours - all we ask is that your company has only a single director. Why should you set up a company? Setting up your own business can be life-changing. When you’re your own boss, you’ll be motivated to do the best work possible and make your work life exactly how you want it. You’ll be in charge of your work-life balance, can follow your passion and fulfil what may be your life-long dream. And while it may take a while to get your company off the ground, you’ll be working towards complete financial independence and security. With SUAZ, you’ll have all the support you need to set up your company quickly and successfully, knowing that you’ve got experts at hand. Can you set up a company on your own? You can set up a company on your own through Companies House. It costs a one-off filing fee of £12 to form your company and should all be approved, your business will usually be formed within 48 hours. Using a company formation agent like SUAZ can alleviate any stress or confusion that comes with starting a business. We can take care of everything for you and give you the support and guidance you need, so you can focus on making your business dreams a reality. What support is available after you’ve set up your company? We’re not only here during your company formation process. We’re here when you need us every step of the way, as and when you need a helping hand. Whether you have a question about your business, or have misplaced one of your documents , we’re always at the end of the line. What else do you need to start a business? What you need to get your business up and running will ultimately depend on the nature of your business. Once your company is formed, your next steps are: Checking if you need any licences or permits Making sure you have the right type of business insurance Sorting out your business’ address - if you’re looking to avoid the cost and maintenance of renting an office space, our virtual office address service may suit you Organising your business’ finances - with our Company Pro package you’ll get a Trilogy Business bank account to get you started Can you close your company down if you change your mind? It’s always a good idea not to rush into starting a business - make sure you’re both mentally and financially ready. If you have any doubts, feel free to get in touch with us and ask any questions before you jump into any decisions. But if you change your mind and decide it isn’t the right time to start your business, you’ll have the option to dissolve it - you’re only human after all! Just let us know and we can help you dissolve your company for £24.99. Can you set your UK company up from abroad? If you live abroad, you can still buy a company formation package from us to make your dreams a reality. Just bear in mind there may be extra KYC/AML checks that we’ll need to carry out depending on your nationality and place of residence. We’ll also need notarized legal documents and potentially translations to progress your application. Can you help with startup finance? If you’re looking to start your own business, you’ll know that it can take a significant amount of money to get it off the ground. Instead of applying for a bank loan and waiting for it to be approved, or dipping into your hard-earned personal savings, you can give your business the financial boost it needs to thrive with Start Up A-Z’s fixed-rate finance. Take a look at how our startup finance can help your business to grow. What should you list as your company address? When starting a business, you’ll need to decide where your place of work will be. For new businesses just starting out, it can be costly and often unnecessary to rent and maintain an office space. But having a company address can help your business to establish a professional image from the get-go. If you’re looking for a company address without the cost of renting an office space, our virtual office packages could be just what you need. Virtual office gives you a mailing address right in the heart of Manchester to help you establish a professional image, and maintain your privacy too. How do I book a meeting room? Our meeting rooms are bookable online via your account admin panel under the tab titled 'Meeting Space'. This tab will only appear if you are eligible to book a meeting room. You can also reserve a meeting space on the go by downloading our ‘MYCO Meeting’ app on Android or the App store. Bookings are not official until you have received a confirmation email from us. What are the partnership perks with Business Support Club? Search our extensive marketplace to source trusted local and national product and service providers, to help get your new business off the ground. Looking for... Branding experts? Certified accountants? Legal specialists? Stationary suppliers? Printers? Domain and email hosting? Web developers? They're all on BSC... plus more! Reduce your costs Save time and effort It's free and you'll love it! Frequently Asked Questions See all FAQs Ask us a question! Contact Us help@suaz.co.uk Tel: 0330 320 1929 Bartle House, Oxford Court, Manchester M23WQ CRN: 12478555 Name Email Message Submit Thanks for submitting!

12 Reasons to Start a Business Today 12 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories 1. You understand your strengths 2. You know your niche inside out 3. You have something new to offer 4. Affordable, accessible and simple-to-use technology 5. Remote working is now the norm 6. Financial freedom 7. Be your own boss 8. Better job satisfaction 9. Use innovation and creativity 10. Grow your network and collaborate 11. It’s exciting 12. Support is readily available What’s stopping you from starting a business today? Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Perhaps you're looking for a new challenge, or to tick a lifelong dream off of your bucket list. Whatever the reason, it’s never too late to start your own business. In fact, you may be left wishing you’d done it sooner! So, what are the main reasons for starting a business ? From being your own boss to financial independence, becoming an entrepreneur can be truly life-changing. But if you need a bit more convincing, we’ve put together this list of reasons for starting a business that are sure to inspire you. 1. You understand your strengths Starting a business that reflects your own strengths and interests ensures you’re passionate about your product or service, and have the motivation to succeed. If you’re struggling for a business idea, listing your strengths or passions is a good place to start. Passion is the driving force behind successful entrepreneurs, there to remind you why your business exists, should times get tough. Perhaps your friends would describe you as a creative person, and you love nothing more than getting your hands dirty. Starting an arts and crafts business may be right up your street! Whether you’re an impressive baker, wanting to start a food business , yoga teacher or gifted wordsmith, your talent could deliver a product or service that others will love. Starting a business gives you a chance to share your expertise and turn your talents into your livelihood. 2. You know your niche inside out Having expert knowledge of your product or service could stand your business in good stead to compete effectively in your industry. After all, a clear market niche or unique selling point (USP) helps to target customers who are genuinely interested in your product or service, and are more likely to buy from you rather than elsewhere. Take starting a restaurant as an example. Instead of opening an Italian restaurant that serves every Italian dish you can think of, you could focus on offering local dishes from a specific region of Italy. Knowing your niche inside out can help to establish a level of trust between you and your customer, as you’ll be seen as an expert in your industry. 3. You have something new to offer While many people may be able to do what you do, they won’t do it how you do! Your approach or idea may be entirely unique, giving you the competitive edge to succeed. Perhaps you have a product idea that has never been done before, that you’re certain will take off. If you’re sure you have a new, exciting concept to offer and the enthusiasm to get you there, what are you waiting for? Starting a business and have no ideas ? We can help with that. 4. Affordable, accessible and simple-to-use technology There’s no denying that technology can be key to supporting your business venture, with 90% of all SMBs making use of digital communications tools . But you don’t need to fork out significant money on expensive tech for your business to thrive. Remember, the cost of technology to get your business up and running is usually a one-off expense, and doesn’t need to cost the Earth. Once you’ve got the technology and equipment to support your journey, you’ll feel ready to roll. See more on the costs of starting a business . 5. Remote working is now the norm The working world has certainly changed since the pandemic, with 44% of Brits working from home at least some of the time. So if you’re hesitant to start a business due to office rental costs, you’ll be relieved to hear that times have definitely changed and you can start a business from home . Remote working is a top reason to start a business - not only will you be able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, but you can also save on office rental costs. Looking for a business address but want to avoid renting a physical office space? Our virtual office service can offer you a professional office address for you to establish a professional image, all while having the freedom to work from wherever you like. 6. Financial freedom One of the more obvious reasons for starting a business is making money - you can’t underestimate the financial freedom that starting your own business can bring. When working for an employer, there’s usually a cap on your salary unless you’re on commission or receive a bonus. Whereas, when you’re your own boss, the financial possibilities really are endless! As a business owner, you get to decide how much you charge and the hours you work. And if you’re in need of some extra cash, you could up your prices or put in some extra hours. 7. Be your own boss Say goodbye to the 9-5, company procedures and Monday morning meetings. When you start your own business, you’re in the driver’s seat. Perhaps you’ll work a four-day week, offer your staff unlimited annual leave or put a stop to Friday afternoon calls! What you say goes. 8. Better job satisfaction Considering the average retirement age in the UK is 64.5, dreading Monday morning should really be avoided, right? When you’re a business owner, the Sunday scaries really are a thing of the past. Your business will be something you truly care about, enjoy and feel motivated to get up for every morning. 9. Use innovation and creativity Consider yourself a creative person? There’s no better way to use your forward-thinking than starting your own business. Creativity challenges the norm and embraces innovative ideas, which can help you create products or services that are sure to make their mark in your industry. If your product or service is out of the box, you’re likely to outshine competitors and capture the attention of potential customers. 10. Grow your network and collaborate Starting a business opens the door to collaboration, meeting like-minded professionals and learning from others. You could attend conferences and networking events for entrepreneurs to grow your industry knowledge. One thing’s for sure, there will be plenty of others in your position who are eager to meet and support you! 11. It’s exciting If you’re looking for reasons for starting a business, the excitement of new beginnings should be enough to convince you. While the unknown may sound daunting, it’s exciting too - the possibilities are truly endless and there are no limits to what you can achieve. You’re in charge of your own destiny and what your business can become, and there’s no better feeling than that. 12. Support is readily available We’re not going to downplay it - starting a business is a big deal, and it’s only natural to have worries about your dreams not going to plan. But you’re not alone in this new chapter. There is a wealth of information available online on how to start a business that can put you at ease. The government also has a Business Support Helpline for free advice about starting your business and financial support you may consider. In need of a helping hand? Our experts here at SUAZ are readily available whenever you need them to guide you through the company formation process . What’s stopping you from starting a business today? There are two things that are important to start a business - a great business idea and the motivation to get you where you want to be. We believe you have what it takes to make your dream come to life. The reasons to start a business listed above should show you that there’s no feeling quite like being your own boss! Our expert company formation service is there to guide you through the process of forming your company, with support there whenever you need it. There’s no reason to wait - form your company today with SUAZ. Recommended Readings

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Limited Company? 4 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories What do you need to set up a company? Registering a limited company Register a limited company yourself Use a company formation agent How quickly can you register a company? How can you speed up the process? What to do after registering your company Your duties as a director Setting up a limited company with SUAZ Our formation packages Set up your limited company today with us Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Decided you’re ready to make your business dreams a reality? The next step in getting the ball rolling is registering your company. Starting a business is an exciting time, so it’s understandable that you’ll want to get things moving as quickly as possible. While setting up a company may sound complicated, the process shouldn’t take long. So, how long does it take to set up a limited company? Here, we’ll explore the usual timeline for getting your business registered and how working with a company formation agent can speed up the process. What do you need to set up a company? When setting up your company, there are some details you’ll need to provide about yourself and the nature of your business. Here’s the information you’ll need to include in your application: Your company name Your office address - if you’re looking to avoid the cost of renting an office space, a virtual office address may suit you Details of the company director - their full name, date of birth and address The industry your business will operate in Your contact information You’ll also be asked for the details of people with significant control (PSC) of your company, and your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, which is used to describe the nature of your business to Companies House. It’s also important to note that at SUAZ, we ask that you have only one company director, who is also the shareholder. Registering a limited company While you may assume that registering your limited company will be complicated and time-consuming, the registration process is relatively straightforward. Provided you have all your details to hand, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can get your new business ready to go. In the UK, all companies need to be registered by Companies House - the executive agency of the government. You can choose to register your limited company yourself, or with the help of a company formation agent. Register a limited company yourself You can submit your application online through Company House’s website for a £50 fee. If your application has no issues or delays, your new company should be incorporated within 24 hours. If you choose to submit your application by post, this will cost £71 and will usually take longer to be processed. Use a company formation agent To take some weight off your shoulders, you may prefer to use a company formation agent to register your company. They can form your limited company with Companies House on your behalf (with the registration fee included in your company formation package , and completely free with SUAZ), and offer you professional assistance every step of the way. Once your company is all set up, they’ll be there as and when you need support, whether you have a question about your business, have misplaced a document or simply need a helping hand. How quickly can you register a company? How quickly you can register your company will depend on the route you take. If you choose to register your company by yourself, aim to register your limited company first thing in the morning on a weekday to avoid delays. Most online applications are processed within 24 hours, while postal applications usually take over a week. With a company formation package, it will depend on when your submission is sent and if there are any extra checks that need to be made. On average, submissions sent before midday usually come back the same day, though this can’t be guaranteed. Here at SUAZ, we aim to get all applications back within 36 hours. If there are issues with your application, such as your company name being flagged, this can delay the process. How can you speed up the process? Looking to get your limited company set up as quickly as possible? It’s often small mistakes on your application that delay the process. Here are some common errors to watch out for, to improve your chances of success: Your company name is already taken or is too similar to an existing company - don’t worry, we’ll let you know straight away if your company name is available when you apply through us Your company name contains a ‘sensitive’ word, such as a swear word or discriminatory language Your company director is under 16 years of age You’ve misspelt something like your name or address You’ve provided your initials rather than your full name However, sometimes delays are out of your control. Companies House often has a backlog, particularly on Monday mornings due to weekend applications. Looking to skip the queue? Our Quick Formation package includes the Companies House filing fee and pushes your application to the top of our pile. What to do after registering your company Once your company has been registered, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing your business is official. You’ll be sent your Certificate of Incorporation which confirms your company’s existence, your company number and the date your company was formed. Soon after your company has been set up, you’ll receive a letter from HMRC which will let you know your tax obligations and requirements. It’s important that you register for Corporation Tax within three months of starting to do business to avoid a penalty. Your duties as a director Becoming a company director is both a big achievement and a big responsibility. But by taking things one step at a time, you should settle into your role. As company director, you’re legally responsible for the day-to-day running of your company. You’re also in charge of filing accounts and your confirmation statement with Companies House each year. Here are just some of your duties as company director for you to bear in mind: You need to follow the company’s constitution and its articles of association - both are written rules about running the company, as agreed by its members. The constitution covers what powers you have as director. You must act in the company’s best interests at all times, including acting fairly to all members of the company and considering the consequences of your decisions You must avoid conflicts of interest and avoid any situations where your loyalties as director may be divided. For more information on your duties as a director, you can take a look at the Companies Act 2006 for some light reading! Setting up a limited company with SUAZ Starting your own business can be life-changing, but getting things sorted out can feel like hard work. There are a lot of boxes to tick, making it easy to miss a step or forget something important. That’s where we can help. Setting up your limited company with SUAZ means everything is taken care of. With our company formation process, we’ll submit your application to Companies House on your behalf for free and you’ll have our support every step of the way. We’ve streamlined the application process so you can get your company set up in as few clicks as possible. Company formation doesn’t need to feel daunting or be time-consuming. Instead, you can leave the complicated side of things to us, so you can focus on your exciting new venture. Our formation packages Our formation packages group together everything you need to start your business, with expert support at every stage of your journey. All our packages form your limited company with Companies House for you, to save you the hassle. You can choose a company formation package that best suits your needs. Our Free Formation offers exactly what the name suggests - free company formation, with our experts’ support as and when you need it. For only £5, our Quick Formation package pushes your application to the top of the pile on Companies House’s submission list. If you’re looking to start your company on the right foot, a Privacy Package may be right for you - you’ll get several benefits such as a virtual office address which can help you avoid renting an office space, and give your professional image a boost. Our Privacy Plus package includes tax registrations and a printed certificate of incorporation to alleviate your admin worries. If you’re looking for a package that covers all bases, including a year of Trilogy Banking to keep your business’ finances organised, our Company Pro package may be just what you’re looking for. Set up your limited company today with us There’s no feeling quite like starting your own business. Being your own boss can open the door to financial freedom, flexible working hours and job satisfaction. If you’re looking to start your own business, why not let us take care of the hard work? Our company formation service can deal with the complicated stuff so you can focus on exciting new beginnings. We've given you one less reason to wait - apply to form your company today. Recommended Readings

< Back The Accountancy Partnership Who are they? All-inclusive accountancy service. When you join you will get your own dedicated accountant from one of our UK-based offices, who will get to know you and your business in detail. Your dedicated accountant will always be on hand to answer any questions about your business. You can contact them via email, or phone, or meet them in person any time you like. Key Points The Accountancy Partnership offers: Unlimited help and advice A FREE no obligation consultancy call with one of their support team Low fixed monthly accounting fees for Limited Companies Regular business recommendations, such as Tax efficiency reviews, to ensure that you are getting the most out of your business Access to your own dedicated accountant Completion of your accounts and tax returns Access to simple online accounting software Previous Next Available Services Services available for Sole Traders, Partnerships, Contractors, Freelancers, and Limited Companies Accounts Tax returns VAT returns Bookkeeping Payroll Self Assessment

Do I need an accountant as a limited company? 12 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories How can an accountant help a limited company? Company tax return Filing annual accounts Advise on accounting software Bookkeeping VAT returns Payroll Reduce room for error Reduce tax Is it worth getting an accountant for a limited company? Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Starting a limited company comes with a lot of big decisions to make, especially around your financial responsibilities. From tax filing to legal and compliance requirements, there’s a lot to get your head around, especially if you’re new to entrepreneurship. If you’re asking the question ‘Do I need an accountant as a limited company?’, chances are it could benefit you. In fact, a whopping 92% of SMBs use the service of an accountant , with half of them using their services at least weekly. Using an accountant can alleviate any worries you may have about managing your business’ finances, so you can focus on the exciting stuff like steering your business towards success. We’ve put together this blog which covers the role of accountants for limited companies, the key benefits they can offer and whether it’s worth the investment for your new enterprise. How can an accountant help a limited company? Starting your own business often requires you to wear several hats, especially to begin with. You’ll be figuring out how to market your product or service, becoming your own boss and running the day-to-day operations. Another key responsibility is managing the financial side of the business, which can feel daunting. Just some of the financial responsibilities you’ll need to take care of as a business owner include: Dealing with Corporation Tax: Calculating and paying your Corporation Tax is an important responsibility - should you miss a deadline or make an error, you may need to pay a penalty. End-of-year accounts: You’ll need to prepare and file your annual accounts with Companies House and ensure they comply with accounting standards. Managing VAT returns: You’ll need to manage VAT invoices, calculate VAT due and submit your returns to HMRC. You’ll usually need to submit a VAT return to HMRC every 3 months, known as your accounting period. Your company’s payroll: If you have employees, you’ll need to take care of your company’s payroll. This involves calculating income tax, National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and making sure your employees are paid the right amount on time. Handling HMRC and Companies House filings: You’ll need to keep up with your Companies House and HMRC filings to stay compliant with legal requirements. Your personal tax return: You’ll need to submit a personal tax return each year which can feel complicated, especially if your income includes money from other sources or dividends. Your annual confirmation statement: You must file a confirmation statement at least once a year to ensure the details Companies House holds about your company are up to date. Ongoing bookkeeping: Keeping records of all your transactions and bank statements as a business is key for financial health and compliance. Quite the list, isn’t it? These tasks may sound unnecessary or time-consuming, but are crucial for running a successful business and ensuring you adhere to legal requirements. But you’ll be relieved to hear, should you choose to hire an accountant, the above will all be taken off your hands. Working with a finance professional means you can delegate these responsibilities to an expert who has the knowledge and experience to manage them correctly. This can alleviate any fears of filing something wrong or missing a deadline, so you can solely focus on growing your business. So, if you’re asking ‘Can I do my own accounts for a limited company?’, the answer is yes, but you may benefit from trusting an expert to take care of the financial side of things for you instead. We’ll cover the ways an accountant can help you in more detail below. Company tax return While you don’t legally need an accountant to help file your tax return, having one can give you the peace of mind that all the boxes are ticked and no mistakes have been made. They can help you file your company’s tax return by accurately calculating your company’s profits, expenses and any allowable deductions. They’ll ensure all of your financial records are organised correctly, and use this information to calculate how much corporation tax you owe. Accountants are well-versed in all areas of tax, so are confident in handling complex tax calculations. This can be a major time saver, especially as a new business owner with a never-ending to-do list! An accountant can free up your resources, so you can focus on the important and more exciting stuff like marketing your business and keeping clients happy. Filing annual accounts As a limited company , filing annual accounts is a crucial responsibility and should you miss a deadline, you may need to pay a significant penalty. Hiring an accountant will ensure that your annual accounts are prepared correctly and filed on time, so you can avoid those costly late submission fees. Just some of the ways an accountant can help with filing annual accounts include: Sticking to deadlines: As a business owner, you’ll likely have endless things to remember, making it easy to forget filing deadlines. Your accountant will prepare your annual accounts well in advance, so you don’t need to worry about missing the deadline. Avoiding late fees: As mentioned, if your accounts are filed late Companies House will impose automatic penalties starting at a whopping £150 for being just one day late . These penalties increase significantly the longer the delay. Hiring a professional means you won’t worry about missing a deadline and being out of pocket. Trusting an accountant to file your annual accounts means you can focus on running your business with the peace of mind that your accounts are all taken care of. You’ll know you comply with legal requirements and won’t face any unnecessary fines. Advise on accounting software Accounting software can streamline repetitive tasks such as invoicing and payroll, saving you time and minimising the risk of errors. Reliable software allows you to access your real-time financial data and make informed business decisions. Accountants are experts in their field, so you can trust their opinions when it comes to choosing the best accounting software for your business. Given their background and expertise, as well as their understanding of your business’ needs, they can recommend software that best suits you. You’ll know that your chosen financial management tools aren’t just effective but also the right choice for your unique business’ needs. Bookkeeping Bookkeeping is a vital aspect of business management and can be time-consuming and complicated at first. That’s where an accountant can help. They can handle your day-to-day bookkeeping tasks, from preparing financial statements to recording transactions. You’ll never need to worry about your financial records not being accurate or compliant, as you’ll be working with an experienced professional. Trusting an accountant to handle your bookkeeping responsibilities can streamline your bookkeeping processes, ensure your books are updated regularly and help you plan for future investments. Perhaps you’ll look to expand your business or buy new equipment - your accountant can take a look at your accounts and help you plan for your financial goals. VAT returns Value Added Tax (VAT) is an important financial obligation for many businesses. As a business, you need to register for VAT if your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds £90,000. You can also choose to register for VAT if your turnover is less than £90,000. As a VAT-registered business, there are several conditions you must adhere to such as keeping records of how much VAT you pay for things you buy for your business, reporting the amount of VAT you charge your customers and the amount of VAT you pay to other businesses. Your accountant can ensure that your business handles VAT correctly, pays it on time and ensures you avoid any fines or penalties. They’ll track VAT on any applicable transactions and make sure your business claims all allowable VAT. They’ll also ensure that you meet each VAT return quarterly deadline. Payroll Regardless of the size of your company, managing your payroll correctly is crucial. Payroll management involves making sure your employees are paid accurately and on time, as well as ensuring the correct amount of tax and National Insurance is deducted and paid to HMRC. Here are just some of the ways an accountant can support you with payroll management: Paying your staff: An accountant can calculate the correct wages for all your employees, including the more complicated stuff like overtime and bonuses. PAYE (Pay As You Earn): Your accountant will handle the tax side of things, making sure the correct amount of income tax is deducted from employees’ and directors’ pay under the PAYE system. Meeting deadlines: Accountants ensure everyone is paid on time and also make sure all tax and NIC payments to HMRC are delivered on time, so you won’t need to worry about any late fees or penalties. Reduce room for error An accountant’s job is to do the finance side of things correctly. This means you won’t need to worry about making a mistake on any important forms, missing a deadline, or misreporting information. They’ll double-check your financial data before it’s submitted to Companies House or HMRC and also handle any complex transactions to give you the reassurance that they are taken care of correctly, in line with tax laws. Speaking of tax laws - these regulations frequently change and it can be tough to keep up with as a business owner. With an accountant, you won’t need to worry about keeping up to date with the latest tax legislation - that’s their responsibility. You’ll have the peace of mind that you’re always compliant with any new rules or changes. Reduce tax A key benefit of working with an accountant is their understanding of tax rules and how you can minimise your tax as a business. They can advise you on any potential tax deductions, such as making the most of your director’s pay by paying yourself a smaller salary and taking the majority of your income as dividends. They can also explain which deductible business expenses you’re entitled to claim, such as office costs and travel expenses. With an accountant’s support, you’ll know the most tax-efficient way to pay yourself as a business owner, as well as any changes in tax law that may affect your business. Is it worth getting an accountant for a limited company? It’s understandable to want to keep costs down when starting a new business. But hiring an accountant for your limited company could save you significant money long term. When it comes to managing complex financial tasks such as tax returns and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, an accountant can be a huge asset to your business. An accountant’s expertise can save you time, be a source of knowledge and prevent any errors that could cost you significant money in penalties. It sounds like a worthy investment to us. Looking for the right accountant for your business? Our business partner, BSC, can match you with an accountant that understands your business needs. Alternatively, if you’re thinking of taking the leap and starting your own business, SUAZ is here to help. With us, you can form your company for free (yes, really!) and we’re here to support you at every stage. Form your company with SUAZ today and experience a journey like no other. Recommended Readings

A Guide to Finding a Dog-walking Business Name 10 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories How to choose the perfect dog walking business name Understanding your brand identity Brainstorming business name ideas Evaluating and refining name options Leveraging naming resources and tools Legal and practical considerations 10 example dog walking business names Register your dog walking business with SUAZ for free today Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office So, you’ve decided to start a dog-walking business? Congrats! Financial freedom, job satisfaction and endless opportunities await you. But before you grab your wellies, leash and dog waste bags (so glamorous), you’ll need to come up with some good dog walking business names to help you get noticed. With the amount you have to organise when starting a business, it’s likely that you’ve left your business name until the last minute. But don’t panic - we’ve put together this guide to choosing dog walker business names to inspire you. Our tips and tricks can help you generate a unique and memorable business name that reflects your brand and business mission, and helps you stand out from the crowd. How to choose the perfect dog walking business name Your business name is more important than you may realise. It’s a key element of your business’ identity and is the first thing your potential customers see - so you’ll want to set aside some time to brainstorm your ideas. Deciding on a winning business name doesn’t need to feel im paws ible. Here are just some ways to get you feeling inspired and embracing your creativity. Understanding your brand identity Brand identity plays a crucial role in your business’ overall brand and marketing strategy. Before you start brainstorming the best dog-walking business names, you’ll need to pinpoint your brand identity - all the unique characteristics that influence your brand’s appearance, personality and overall image. Building your brand identity is a lot like a novelist choosing the traits and key attributes of their main character. Your brand identity is your chance to personify your brand, get creative and differentiate your business from its competitors. Try and think of some unique selling points (USPs) that set your business apart from the rest, what your brand stands for and your communication style - how you’ll talk to your customers. Your brand identity encompasses all the visual elements of your brand too, such as your logo, the colours you use and of course, your business name. Having a strong, consistent brand identity can help potential customers spot your business among the crowd and recognise it again in the future. You can build trust with potential customers and eventually build a loyal customer base that returns to your business time and time again. Brainstorming business name ideas For some, coming up with a business name is the most exciting stage of entrepreneurship - allowing you to flex your creative muscles and put a name to all your hard work. Whereas for others, the thought of brainstorming business names may feel like the hardest step in your journey. Some creative ways to brainstorm business name ideas include: Word association: A simple and effective way to get your brain in gear, word association can help you generate business name ideas by thinking of words that you associate with others. First, write down key words that relate to your business such as ‘walking’, ‘dogs’, ‘paws’. Next, list words you associate with each of the core words, such as ‘puppy’ next to ‘dogs’ and ‘outdoors’ next to ‘walking’. Finally, you can try to mix and match your words to create potential names! Mind mapping: Mind mapping can be a great way to visualise the connections between different ideas, allowing you to come up with ideas you wouldn’t otherwise consider. First, write ‘dog walking business’ in the centre of the page. Next, draw branches around for different aspects of your business, such as the services you’ll offer and the values or benefits you hope to demonstrate. From there, you can expand each branch with related terms to then combine your ideas. For example, a branch under ‘values’ might be ‘flexible’ which you could combine with the service ‘walking’ to get ‘Dog Walking, Your Way’. Rhyming and wordplay: You’ll want to choose a business name that’s memorable, so customers return to your business in the future. Using alliteration, rhyme or puns can be a great way for customers to remember you. First, list simple, core words that relate to your business such as ‘walking’ or ‘dogs’. Next, look for words that either start with the same letter or rhyme. You can then combine these words to have a creative, out-of-the-box name like ‘Hounslow’s Happy Hounds’ or ‘Walk Your Wagger’. Acronyms and abbreviations: Using an acronym can make your business name unique and personal to your business’ values. First, list the key elements of your business - for example, you may have ‘professional’ and ‘walking’. From there, you can use the first letters of each word to form your acronym. Make sure your acronym makes sense, is memorable and easy to say! An example is ‘PAWS - PAws itive Walking Service’. Asking yourself the following questions can help you pinpoint your dog walking business name too, by focusing on exactly what your business will offer. Will you exclusively offer dog walking services, or will you provide other services too such as grooming? If so, make sure your name encompasses all the services you look to offer. Would you prefer for your business name to be creative and playful, or would you prefer for it to reflect your company’s professionalism? Do you want to position yourself as the biggest and best, or would you prefer to be a smaller, more luxury-type business? Are you hoping to expand to other areas? If so, you may look to avoid choosing a location-specific name in case you expand your business further afield. Evaluating and refining name options Next, you’ll need to evaluate your list of potential dog walker business names, based on the following factors, to ensure the name is suitable for your new business and reflects the nature of your brand. Relevance: Make sure your potential business name aligns with the nature of your business or industry. Your potential clients or customers should be able to tell you’re a dog-walking business , for example. Also consider your target audience and ensure that your name resonates with them. Memorability: Having a business name that is easy to spell and pronounce and spell, is more likely to be remembered. Uniqueness: Ensure your name stands out from your competitors. It can be tricky finding a unique name, but the more original your name is, the less likely it’ll be confused with other brands. Domain availability: If you plan to have a website for your business, you’ll need to make sure a corresponding domain name is available for your business name. A matching ‘.com’ or ‘. co.uk ’ domain is ideal, but alternatives like ‘.net’ and ‘.org.’ may work too. Name availability: You’ll need to make sure your business name isn’t already taken. You can verify the availability of your business name through our handy name checker - talk about convenient! It’s also worth doing a quick search yourself on major social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, to ensure it’s available when you start promoting your business across social media. Leveraging naming resources and tools If you’re struggling for inspiration or simply need a nudge to get the creative juices flowing, you can make use of online resources and tools designed to help entrepreneurs generate business name ideas. Google is your best friend when it comes to business name ideas, and brands like Shopify and Wix have their own AI-powered business name generators you can try out. Legal and practical considerations While there’s no legal obligation to trade mark your business, there are benefits in doing so. Registering your business name as a trade mark can offer legal protection by ensuring no one else can trade under your business name in your sector. You can use the government’s trade mark checker to make sure there’s no trade mark similar to your brand that already exists in the UK. Once you’ve decided on your business name, you’ll need to officially register your business with Companies House. You can register your business with Companies House yourself for a £50 filing fee, or alternatively, you can let SUAZ take care of things for you. We’ll cover the £50 incorporation fee for you and you’ll get hands-on support every step of the way. We offer several, professional company formation packages to help you get your business up and running, which can offer you peace of mind in knowing everything is taken care of. 10 example dog walking business names Now it’s time for us to share some of our creative (or terrible, it’s all subjective…) dog-walking business name ideas. We’re certain yours will be much more impressive, but here are some examples of good dog-walking business names to get you started. Tail Wagging Treks The Dog Walker’s Delight Your Canine Compass Fetch and Go Wag ‘n’ Walk Pawsitive Strides Strutting Mutts Hiking Hounds Woofing Wanderers Doggy Dashers of Dorset Register your dog walking business with SUAZ for free today An impressive dog-walking business name can set the foundation for success and help you establish a strong brand presence in the dog-walking industry. While starting your own business is sure to be your most exciting adventure yet, it’s also a lot of work. Why not let SUAZ take care of the complicated stuff? Our company formation service can handle the admin and legal aspects of your new venture, with support every step of the way. That leaves you to focus on the most important thing - your life-changing next chapter. What are you waiting for? Form your company today with SUAZ. Recommended Readings

What tax-deductible expenses can limited companies claim? 12 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories What are tax deductible expenses? What are the rules for claiming expenses tax-free? What business expenses can you claim as tax deductible? Business premises’ rent Business insurance Office costs Equipment Accommodation Business travel and mileage Eye care Training Pensions Marketing and advertising costs Using your home as an office What are allowable expenses for employees? What type of expenses aren’t tax deductible? How do you claim tax-deductible expenses? Start your business journey Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office Tax can feel like a lot to get your head around as a new business owner, and it’s natural to worry about getting things wrong. Understanding which expenses are tax-deductible can ensure you’re paying the right amount of tax and maximise your business’ financial efficiency. Tax deductible expenses as a limited company can significantly reduce your Corporation Tax bill, but it’s important that you understand the rules to avoid making any errors. You may choose to work with an accountant to alleviate any anxieties - they’ll talk you through the complexities of business tax and ensure your finances are managed correctly and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll uncover what expenses are tax deductible and how allowable expenses for employees work, so you can navigate your business tax with ease. What are tax deductible expenses? As a new business, chances are you’ll need to invest in certain equipment, tools or workspace for your business to run effectively. For example, if you run a construction company , you’ll need the right equipment and safety gear to get things up and running. Your business wouldn’t be able to function without these costs, so you won’t pay tax on the money you spend on them. The costs are deducted from the business’ gross income before tax - so if your business made £250,000 in the last year, but had £8,000 worth of tax deductible expenses, only £242,000 would be subject to tax. For an expense to be tax deductible, its purpose must be ‘wholly and exclusively’ for your business. So, if an expense is for both personal and business use, you can only claim tax relief on what you used for business. What are the rules for claiming expenses tax-free? You can’t claim just anything as tax deductible expenses. There are rules you’ll need to follow, including: ‘Wholly and exclusively’: You can only claim expenses that are wholly and exclusively for the running of your business. No dual-purpose expenses: You can’t claim expenses that have a dual purpose for business and personal use. For example, if you bought train tickets to see a client and continued your journey for leisure purposes, you can only claim the portion of the travel that was for business. Payment method: Business expenses can either be paid through your business bank account, or if you paid for a business expense with your personal account you can be reimbursed later by your business. Record keeping: Make sure you keep detailed records of all business expenses, including receipts, bank statements and invoices. That way, you have evidence to justify these expenses should HMRC challenge them. Corporation Tax offsetting: You should be able to offset against your limited company’s Corporation Tax liability. But it’s important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule, such as business entertainment which isn’t deductible. Necessary and reasonable: Your tax deductible expenses should be necessary for business purposes, and a reasonable amount. Claim on time: Make sure you claim expenses in the correct accounting period. For example, if you incur a business expense in May but pay it in June, it should be claimed in the May accounting period. What business expenses can you claim as tax deductible? So, what expenses are tax deductible? We’ll explain some of the most common business expenses you can claim for when starting your new business. Business premises’ rent If you rent an office or other working space for your business, this is generally fully tax deductible. You can’t, however, claim expenses or allowances for buying business property or premises. Business insurance As a new business owner, the last thing you want is disaster striking and affecting the running of your business. While we can’t predict these things happening, business insurance can soften the blow and can offer peace of mind against the unexpected. As long as your policy is explicitly for business purposes, you should be able to claim business insurance as a tax deductible expense. The types of business insurance you should be able to claim for include public liability insurance, employer liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. Office costs If you pay for communicative assets such as an office landline, internet and mobile phones, you should be able to claim them as tax deductible expenses. Other office costs include stationery and office supplies, including food and drinks for employees. Equipment Provided your equipment is used solely for running your business, you should be able to claim the cost as tax deductible expenses. This equipment may include office furniture, vehicles, electrical goods and stationery. Accommodation When your limited company incurs accommodation costs for business trips, these expenses can be claimed as tax deductible. So, if you or your employees need to stay overnight for business reasons - such as visiting a client or project site, or attending a conference, the cost of a hotel or other accommodation can be deducted from your business’ taxable income. Remember, the accommodation must be ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes, so if you need to extend your stay for personal reasons, that duration of the trip would not qualify. Make sure you keep detailed records of the trip, including any receipts, to support your claim. Business travel and mileage You can claim travel expenses if the trip isn’t just regular commuting and is made ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes. You can claim various travel expenses, from the costs of running a vehicle such as fuel and parking fees, to transport fares for flights. So long as you use your vehicle for business trips and have paid for the fuel costs, you can claim back the mileage from HMRC. Just ensure that your journeys are ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes, such as trips between two workplaces for the same job, going from an employee's home to a client or trips taken to complete work. Just keep in mind that you can only claim the cost of fuel if your company owns the car. See below for the rates you can claim for travel: Vehicle First 10,000 miles Over 10,000 miles Car, van £0.45/mile £0.25/mile Motorcycle £0.24/mile £0.24/mile Bicycle £0.204/mile £0.20/mile Eye care As a limited company director, you can claim eye tests and eyecare as an allowable expense against Corporation Tax, if you use a computer screen for over an hour a day. If your glasses are purely needed for work purposes you can claim the cost back against tax. But like other tax deductible expenses, make sure you’re able to prove this and that you don’t wear your glasses for personal reasons. Training As a business owner, you may be able to receive tax relief on training courses and learning materials (such as books) for you and your employees. The rule around this is that the course must be related to your existing line of work and should teach you new skills too. Should the training update your skills and professional expertise, it can be viewed as a business expense which you can claim for. Pensions Once you’ve come to an agreement with your pension provider, you can contribute towards your pension and it will be a tax deductible expense. Just bear in mind that there’s a £60,000 pension allowance for the 2024/25 tax year - this is the most you can pay into your pension in a single year and still receive tax relief. Marketing and advertising costs Most marketing and advertising for your business can be claimed as a tax deductible expense, as they are considered an essential element of running a business. As a limited company, marketing is essential to get your name out there, connect with your potential customers and boost your profitability. As we mentioned earlier, HMRC’s rule when it comes to business expenses is that they should be ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes - and this includes marketing and advertising. Just some of the marketing and advertising expenses that are tax deductible include: Direct marketing such as leaflets, flyers and brochures that advertise your services Subscription costs to join trade or professional bodies Social media advertising Website costs, including the designing, maintaining and hosting of your website PR activity Using your home as an office If you run your business from home , you can claim a percentage of household utility costs as tax deductible expenses. Deducting your business-specific home costs could make a noticeable difference to your income over time. If you use your home office, you can claim a rate of £6 a week as allowable business expenses. HMRC doesn’t ask you to keep a receipt for this and it isn’t considered a benefit in kind, so you don’t need to pay tax on the amount. You may be able to claim a portion of household costs used by the business, such as utilities and other household expenses. You’ll need to work out which rooms you use for your business and how much time you spend using them for business purposes. From there, you can calculate the proportion of utilities that you can allocate to business use. You can also claim for basic office expenses, such as stationery, printing costs, accountancy and other office supplies. What are allowable expenses for employees? If you’re a limited company with employees, there may be personal expenses they’ll need to cover to fulfil their duties, which you as a business can claim back. For example, your employees may need to purchase lunch while attending a work-related event or visiting clients. You can reimburse these expenses to your employees through your payroll system and then claim them as tax deductible expenses. That way, the money they’ve spent on work-related expenses won’t affect their personal finances. What type of expenses aren’t tax deductible? Some company expenses aren’t eligible for tax deduction, meaning they can’t be claimed as legitimate business expenses. Some examples of expenses that aren’t tax deductible include: Fines and penalties: Any fines, penalties and legal fees incurred due to breaking the law or regulations Personal expenses: As the name suggests, any expenses that are purely personal and aren’t related to business such as personal clothing, personal travel and personal entertainment Income as dividends: Dividend payments to shareholders aren’t considered allowable expenses Donations not made via gift aid: Any donations made to charities, clubs, or political parties Client entertainment: Any expenses incurred purely for entertainment, including gifts and hospitality offered to clients, customers or suppliers How do you claim tax-deductible expenses? Worked out what tax deductible expenses you can claim for? Next, you’ll need to gather your financial records for the year, including receipts for your expenses and submit your claim. You do this through your annual self-assessment tax return. You don’t need to submit your records with your tax return, but should keep them on hand in case HMRC queries any of your expenses. You may benefit from working with an accountant to keep track of your business expenses and submit your tax return accurately and efficiently. That way, you’ll have a professional at hand to make sure all your documents and processes are compliant with HMRC. Start your business journey Tax deductible expenses as a limited company can feel tricky to get your head around, and the last thing you want is to face any potential fines. But by understanding what you’re entitled to claim for, you can significantly reduce your taxable profits and boost your business’ profitability. With Start Up A-Z, it’s never been easier to step into those entrepreneur shoes and chase your business dream. You can register as a limited company for free , and you’ll have our support at every stage of your journey. Recommended Readings

How to Quote & Charge for Freelance Work 12 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories How to write a quote for freelance work Negotiating Freelance Rates Dealing with non-payment issues Calculating Your Freelance Rate Get your freelance business off the ground with SUAZ Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office The 2022 report of IPSE says that that there are almost 2 million freelancers in the UK , which shows the rise of more self-employed workers in the region. And if you’re planning to be one of them, knowing how to price your services can be confusing. If you want to know what’s inside a quote for freelance work, we’ll uncover everything about writing quotes, negotiating rates, handling delayed payment issues, and calculating your rate. How to write a quote for freelance work A well-written quote is what you need to secure projects and establish good and professional relationships with your clients. We recommend that this document be as clear as day, outlining the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and pricing to set realistic expectations for both parties. Below is an example of a well-crafted quote: Let’s breakdown this amazing quote into parts. Here's the things you need to include with helpful tips for structuring your quotes effectively: 1. Project Scope After discussing the full set of requirements with your client, a written document such as the project scope makes sure that all details are on paper. This is where specific tasks fall into, detailing the full work that must be accomplished. If you’re a web developer, the project is commonly split into multiple parts or phases just like this web design quote template. A good tip is to also specify what is not included in the project to avoid misunderstandings later. If the additional work is something that you also offer, you can open a potential discussion on a separate quote for this. 2. Deliverables The deliverables clearly state what the client will receive at the end of the project, such as documents, designs, or code. You may break down the deliverables into parts such as this template or use bullet points or numbered lists for easy comprehension. If you’re a web developer, you can also add the number of revisions in the quote. Techniques like these push the favour to you as you go through the project due to quick turnaround times, eventually leading to faster completion of the project. 3. Timeline These outline the dates and deadlines to keep the project on track. Once you’re clear on what to deliver to your clients, you can set plausible timelines according to your workflow. Giving your clients peace of mind on when to expect the deliverables is a good practice to establish professionalism and potential collaboration in the future. Another good tip is to allow for unexpected delays or challenges by building in some buffer time or offsetting hours from your usual time to finish a given task. 4. Pricing Breakdown Itemise or break down the total cost into individual components, such as hourly rates, fixed fees, or project-based rates depending on certain milestones. When dealing with fees, freelancers usually consider including payment terms on their T&Cs, such as upfront payments, payments per milestones, or final payment upon completion. 5. Additional Considerations We’ve discussed the crucial parts of the quote but it’s as important to use clear, concise and professional language to avoid confusion. Always proofread your quote carefully and don’t forget to include your company details and customer information in your quote. Negotiating Freelance Rates You’d probably agree that haggling is a skill every freelancer must have, especially when it comes to pricing and scope. Potential customers might try to fit their needs within a certain budget and while it’s good to be flexible as a freelancer, you’ll still want to be paid at your desired rate. To start, you want to research the current rates through salary surveys, peers, headhunters, and forums as these sources give you an idea of the industry standard rates. For instance, Glassdoor states that as of October 2024, the average salary for a freelance web developer is £32,697 per year . Sources like Totaljobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Upwork provide a goldmine of data on the average market rates in freelancing. Research the skill demand, and assess the project complexities you’ve handled before to benchmark your minimum acceptable rate (MAR). Be ready to walk away if the potential client goes lower than your MAR. Now that you have an idea of the rates to charge, how do you win conversations of getting your desired rate? Here are some strategies to keep in mind: 1. Be confident When it comes to these conversations, confidence is surely your friend. Remember that you are the expert, and clients approach you to avail of your services because they either don’t have the time or the skills to do it. So, approaching a negotiation with a secure and composed facade increases your chances of getting your desired rate. 2. Start higher Paul Whitehead, a director of an IT Recruitment company Career Concept Ltd, states that negotiations on rates usually go down instead of up . So, giving a clear number could help you out. To give you an idea, growth marketing consultant Dan Siepen goes for 20-30% higher than his usual amount . On the other hand, Virginia Hogan , a freelance writer, shares the trick of “letting them say no the first time” because based on her experience, they can still possibly return. 3. Aim for a win-win situation for both parties You’ll most likely lose the negotiation talks when you intend to rip off your clients. Building a good agreement where both parties benefit from the outcome is a great way to win the project and accommodate their request. The negotiation may not just involve money. Perhaps you may consider other parts of the quote such as deliverables and scope when given a tight wiggle room. In such situations, we advise you to stay polite, open-minded, flexible, and assertive by clearly communicating your needs. 4. Focus on value more than price When you're talking about pricing, we don’t want to focus on how much you're asking for. Instead, show your client how much they'll get out of working with you. Talk about what you can do for them, the results you've gotten, and any good feedback you have. Let your work speak for itself. That way, you can start asking for a fair price that doesn't make you look like you're undervaluing yourself. Content writer Sanketee Kher followed this strategy where he established the value of the services first and then laid prices last. 5. Bundle services into packages To get a client to agree to your desired rate, consider offering packages of your services to simplify their needs. By providing deliverables in bundles, you give your potential clients the impression that you are adding value. This is especially useful in situations when they might place a high value on certain services, which have low marginal cost to you. Dealing with non-payment issues Clients not paying is not uncommon for freelancers. In fact, the research commissioned by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), shows that less than 10% of supplier invoices are not paid within the agreed timeframe . To future-proof your services from these kinds of scenarios, you’ll want to establish clear payment terms on your T&Cs and contracts. First, like other freelancers, you may ask for a 50% upfront fee before starting the project. There is also a law called Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 which protects freelancers like you when dealing with late payments. You can add a note in your contracts saying something like this: “If payment is not made by X date, the client is liable for daily statutory interest of 8% + the Bank of England base rate for business-to-business transactions and £X debt recovery costs as per the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. This will take effect after the said due date.” But in case you’re already in a position where you are not paid for your work, you may send reminders, check in with your clients by asking politely, add the late fees, hold work until payment is received, or file a court claim . You may also resort to using debt recovery services if the common actions mentioned prior are ignored. Calculating Your Freelance Rate Some freelancers charge hourly, some charge per project, some charge retainer fees and some charge based on value. If you’re new to this game, it can be confusing to figure out your rate. But it always depends. The type of pricing strategy will depend on the nature of the work, complexity of the project, budget and your level of expertise. Hourly rates are usually used for ongoing work where the time it takes to complete a task isn’t always predictable such as legal consultations. Project-based fees are better for one-off jobs with a clear start, finish, and detailed deliverables. An example is when offering website design and development. Retainer fees , on one hand, are for consistent work giving you a steady paycheck for a certain period of time such as social media management and virtual assistant services for email and calendar management. Value-based pricing focuses on the profit the project will bring to your clients, usually in a form of a percentage of the projected value. It’s a popular trend among freelancers to increase the prices of projects. Remember to align your strategy with your main goal. Some freelancers tend to follow project-based pricing strategy because they may be able to work fast. An anonymous content writer in the 2022 data on freelancing writing rates survey by Peakfreelance said: “I started with per-word pricing but as I gained experience I realized it didn’t truly reflect the work needed to create a high-quality post. So I switched to per project rates.” To give you a better idea, below is a summary of different job roles for freelancers in the UK. You might also want to use a freelance calculator to help you get your after-tax pay. Get your freelance business off the ground with SUAZ Freelancing offers a flexible and lucrative career path, but it requires careful planning and strategic pricing. We hope this guide help you in crafting effective quotes, negotiating rates, handling payment issues, and determining appropriate pricing strategies. By understanding these key aspects, you’ll surely increase your chances of securing profitable projects. If you’re ready to start your freelancing business, form your business today with SUAZ to get started. Recommended Readings

What is Limited Liability in a Business? 7 min read Company Formations Table of Contents Categories Why is limited liability important? What is a sole trader? Does it really make a difference if you’re a sole trader or a limited company? What is unlimited liability? What other types of businesses have limited liability? Public limited companies (PLCs) Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) Limited by shares vs limited by guarantee Limited by shares Limited by guarantee Are there any exceptions to limited liability? Form your limited company today Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office When starting a business, it’s likely you’ll come across a lot of jargon and legal terms that can leave you feeling out of your depth. If you’ve asked ‘What is limited liability?’ - we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll cover how limited liability works, what the difference is between limited and unlimited liability, and the protection limited liability can give you when starting your own business. Why is limited liability important? Before we dive into why limited liability is so important, we need to answer the question ‘what is limited liability in business?’ Limited liability is the protection you receive as a limited company, should your business face financial difficulties. As a limited company, your business is legally classified as an ‘individual’ and separate legal entity to you and other owners. Limited liability is important to protect you against the unexpected. So, if your business ever struggles with debts, financial losses or liabilities, the business itself is responsible for them - not you personally. This means you wouldn’t be liable for these financial hardships and all your personal assets would be secure. You would be legally protected and wouldn’t be obligated to pay any debts or cover any financial losses, should your business fall through. The same protection applies for your shareholders too - they have no legal obligation to pay more than the nominal value of shares they hold. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of limited liability for more information. What is a sole trader? If you’re self-employed, run your own business as an individual and work for yourself, this is known as being a sole trader. As a sole trader you’re in control of your business, its profits after tax and any assets. But unlike a limited company, as a sole trader you are personally liable for your business’ debts, meaning if your business struggles financially your personal assets may be at risk - we’ll explore this in more detail below. Does it really make a difference if you’re a sole trader or a limited company? It’s easy to assume there aren’t many differences to being a sole trader or a limited company - they both involve running a business after all! But there are significant differences between forming a limited company and becoming a sole trader. Here are some of the biggest differences between being a sole trader and a limited company: Liability: As mentioned, as a limited company you gain limited liability meaning your personal assets are protected should your business suffer financially. A limited company is treated as a separate legal entity from its owners and shareholders are also protected. Whereas as a sole trader, you are personally liable for all your business’ debts. Company size: Sole traders are considered self-employed, whereas limited companies can vary in size. Decision-making: Sole-traders are personally responsible for business decisions as they operate as one individual. Whereas limited companies often have several decision-makers, such as shareholders. What is unlimited liability? By having unlimited liability you’re legally responsible for your business’ debts. This means there is no legal distinction between your business and you personally. If your business runs into financial difficulties, you’ll be financially responsible and creditors can seize your personal assets and property to repay your business’ debts. With this in mind, you may choose to form a limited company instead to mitigate risk to your new business. What other types of businesses have limited liability? As we’ve explained, a limited company limits the amount of liability taken on by its owners and shareholders. Limited liability serves as a form of legal protection and prevents you from being responsible for your company’s financial losses. Here are some other types of businesses that have limited liability: Public limited companies (PLCs) A public limited company is a type of business that is managed by directors and owned by its shareholders. A PLC can offer shares of stock to the public and the buyers of those shares have limited liability - so won’t be liable if the business struggles financially in excess of the amount they paid for the shares. Because PLCs are listed on the stock market, they need to be transparent about their financials and must make their financial reports public so potential shareholders can read up on them before investing. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) Another type of business structure is a limited liability partnership. A LLP works in a similar way to a limited company in that it is treated as a separate legal entity and is incorporated with Companies House. As the name suggests, a limited liability partnership also offers limited liability to its members. LLPs must be profit-making businesses and be formed by two or more people. Unlike limited companies, there are no shareholders, shares or directors in limited liability partnerships. Limited by shares vs limited by guarantee As mentioned, limited companies provide their business owners with limited liability. But before you go ahead and register your new limited company , you’ll need to decide which type of limited liability best suits you - limited by shares or limited by guarantee. The type of limited liability you should choose will depend on the industry you’re looking to operate in and the type of business you’re striving to build. Here are the differences between limited by shares and limited by guarantee: Limited by shares A business limited by shares is set up with share capital, meaning you must divide your company into shares and choose shareholders. The value of shares owned by each shareholder represents the amount of control and ownership they have, and the limit of their personal liability for business debts. A limited-by-shares company must have at least one share and one shareholder - so you can choose to set up this type of business by yourself. But you also have the choice to divide the company into several shares and have multiple shareholders. Limited by guarantee You may choose for your company to be limited by guarantee. Limited-by-guarantee companies are usually not-for-profit organisations like charities. Instead of shares being issued, all profits are kept within the company. Rather than shareholders, limited-by-guarantee companies are owned by guarantors who pay a fixed amount of money, known as a guarantee, towards the business’ debts should the business struggle financially. This financial guarantee is the limit of a guarantor’s personal liability to the company, which is typically a nominal amount, often as little as £1. Both models of incorporation offer directors the protection of limited liability, if their business faces financial strain such as insolvency. Are there any exceptions to limited liability? While limited liability can offer you protection if your company struggles financially, there are some exceptions where you may be personally liable. The protection that comes with limited liability can be withdrawn should you commit negligence or other unlawful actions. Here are just some scenarios where you may be held personally liable for your company’s debts: Continuing to trade once your company has become insolvent. This includes paying dividends to shareholders and disposing of business assets below their market value Not filing your annual confirmation statement to Companies House Misusing company funds Breaching data protection, either deliberately or on account of negligence Ignoring court orders issued to your company Paying your employees less than the statutory minimum wage Evading tax Engaging in fraudulent activities Form your limited company today Always wanted to be your own boss? There’s nothing stopping you from chasing the life you deserve. Starting your own business can feel daunting - but it doesn’t need to be. Why not let us take care of things? Start Up A-Z can help you form your limited company in no time, so you have one less thing to worry about. Apply to form your company and prepare for your life-changing next chapter. Recommended Readings

What is a Virtual Office? 7 min read Virtual Office Table of Contents Categories What does a Virtual Office Provide? Why invest in a virtual office? Virtual Offices vs. Traditional Offices or Coworking Spaces Are Virtual Offices for Small or Large Businesses? Where Should You Locate Your Virtual Office? Things You'll Need if You Set Up a Virtual Office Does a Virtual Office Support Remote Working? How Much Does It Cost? To Conclude... Is a Virtual Office Right for You? Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office If you're starting a new business or looking for ways to streamline your operations, you might have come across the term "virtual office." But what exactly does it mean, and how can it benefit you? Think of it like this: a virtual office is a fake but legal office. It’s a real office location which gives you services without the need to rent an actual physical office space. What does a Virtual Office Provide? Typically, a virtual office offers a range of services and amenities that can help your business establish a professional image. Our virtual office packages here at Startup A-Z (SUAZ), for example, include features such as an address you can use on your website, or on your business cards if you’re a director. You can also access meeting rooms for your client meetings, and have your mail forwarded smoothly. With these services, you’ll instantly have that boost your business needs, and be more flexible in managing your operations. Why invest in a virtual office? In 2023, 44% of UK professionals work from home and if you’re one of them, here are one of the few reasons to invest in a virtual office. To save money: Normally, a virtual office is a lot cheaper compared to an actual office space. This allows you to minimise costs, and can be especially beneficial if you’re a startup and a small business with limited budgets. To have more work flexibility while creating an impression : A flexible work set-up and a professional image all at once. Virtual offices offer you a flexible option to run your business operations even if you’re travelling. Or if you plan to hire remote workers, this can come handy to you. Virtual Offices vs. Traditional Offices or Coworking Spaces Many people are confused how a virtual office compares to traditional office spaces or coworking setups. So, we’ll break it down for you: Traditional Office: Involves renting or owning a physical workspace. You’ll need this if you have a stable team and specific space requirements. Coworking Space: Provides a shared workspace with various amenities. They usually offer the space per desk. A coworking space can be ideal for freelancers, startups, and small teams seeking a collaborative environment. Virtual Office: Offers the perks of a physical office without the associated costs of actually using the space. Virtual offices offer a middle ground between traditional offices and coworking spaces. They’re for businesses seeking flexibility, a prestigious image, and remote work options. To give you a brief idea of the price comparison in Manchester, Virtual office starts at £ 12.99 - £ 413 a month. To know more about how much a virtual office costs , we’ve summarised it for you. here Traditional office rental in a prime location can go up to £40 per square foot per month. A coworking space ranges from £320 - £446 per desk in a month, or depending on the space you will be occupying. Are Virtual Offices for Small or Large Businesses? Virtual offices can be a good option for businesses of all sizes, but they are especially well-suited for small businesses. Smaller companies often have limited resources and can benefit from the cost savings and professional image that a virtual office provides. Whereas, larger companies with multiple employees and established office spaces may not require the same level of flexibility and virtual services. Where Should You Locate Your Virtual Office? The location of your virtual office depends on your business needs and preferences. If you want to be close to your clients, you may want to choose a virtual office in a central location, but this can cost you more. So, if you want to save money, you may want to choose a virtual office in a less central location. It may be inexpensive, but you’ll also lose the convenience of being near to your clients. You’ll ultimately have to consider your business needs and do thorough research to select the most suitable location for your virtual office. Keep in mind that if you plan to use the virtual office as your registered address, it's important to choose a virtual office within the same state where your company is registered. This ensures compliance with the legal requirements and regulations of the state in which your business operates. Things You'll Need if You Set Up a Virtual Office To effectively run a business with a virtual office, there are a few essential items you'll need, and good news – you probably have most of these: a reliable laptop or computer, a phone or phone system for communication, cloud storage for file sharing and collaboration, a video conferencing service like Zoom for virtual meetings, and an email address or business email account to receive digital mail. Equipping yourself with these tools will help you maximise the benefits of a virtual office setup. If you need help on how to set up a virtual office , we’ve written a piece with further information to help you along. Does a Virtual Office Support Remote Working? Absolutely! One of the significant advantages of a virtual office is its ability to support remote working. With a virtual office, you can maintain a professional and secure image while using your address to conduct business. This allows you to enjoy the flexibility and freedom of remote work, while still projecting a professional presence to your clients and customers. How Much Does It Cost? The cost of a virtual office can vary depending on the provider and the package you choose. Generally, virtual offices offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional office spaces. Prices typically range from affordable monthly rates ( £ 19-30) to more comprehensive packages with additional features ( £ 90-100). Here at SUAZ, we offer virtual offices from as little as £ 12.99 a month . To Conclude... Is a Virtual Office Right for You? If you're looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to set up your business, a virtual office may be the right solution for you. Virtual offices offer a variety of services that can help businesses project a professional image, save money, and work from anywhere. To learn more about our virtual office services in Manchester , you can visit our website. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have, to help you find the right virtual office solution for your business. Recommended Readings

What is a Registered Office Address? 5 min read Virtual Office Table of Contents Categories Why is having a registered office address important? How should you display the registered address? Can a registered office be a home address? Can you change my registered office address? Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office A registered office address is the official address of your company. You may not necessarily operate from here, but it's the address that government bodies use to send you official communications. It's a physical address, so it can't be a P.O. box or a website. It has to be an address where someone can actually receive mail and sign documents. Why is having a registered office address important? Having a registered office address is a legal requirement for a company in the UK. When you're forming a company, you'll need to give an address where official legal notices and reminders will be sent. It's also the address that's listed on your public record, so it's important to make sure it's an address that you're happy to be associated with. This doesn't mean it has to be your main trading address - you can use a virtual address, such as those offered as a service by a company formation agent, as long as you are able to access the official communications that are delivered there. This is a great option if you're working from home or if you don't have a permanent office. Just make sure that the address you choose is in the UK and that someone can actually receive mail there. You don't want to miss out on important information because your mail is going to the wrong address. How should you display the registered address? You should display your registered address on all official company paperwork, such as your company's articles of association, annual return, and tax returns. It should also be displayed on any contracts that you enter into with third parties, your company's letterheads and marketing materials. For example, you could display your registered address like this: While there may be no specific rules on this, it’s a good practice to place your registered address on positions that are easily seen like the samples. Don’t forget to make it legible and visible to the naked eye! Can a registered office be a home address? Legally, there is no problem with using your home address as your registered office address, as long as it's in the UK - a reasonable choice if you're just starting out and want to save money. Your home can also add a more personal touch to your brand, especially if you’re a small business building relationships with your customers. If you’re thinking of using your home as a business address , we’ve created an article that will help you decide. However, there are some downsides to using a home address as your registered office address. You could have a hard time separating your business life from your personal life, and may risk people showing up at your house unannounced. So, most companies take advantage of the benefits of a virtual address where they can get privacy and security. Can you change my registered office address? Absolutely! Once you have your new registered office address, you’ll notify any directors, creditors or other relevant parties of the change of address. You’ll also have to file an AD01 form with Companies House. The process of changing a company's registered office address online can be completed in as little as 24 hours. Once approved by Companies House, your public address will be changed immediately. If you’re looking for help registering your office address, SUAZ can help. Buy a virtual office package from us today. Recommended Readings

How to Start a Pet Shop Business: A Complete Guide 12 min read Beginner's Guide Table of Contents Categories Is it profitable to enter the pet business market? Steps to starting a pet business Step 1: Consider your brand and positioning and find your niche Your branding Step 2: Consider legal requirements and regulations Am I allowed to sell pets? Step 3: Create a solid business plan Step 4: Choose a solid business location Step 5: Come up with a marketing strategy Step 6: Have a plan for financing and funding How much does it cost to start a pet shop business? Create your pet shop business with SUAZ Beginner's Guide Business Trends Company Formations Start-Up Finance Virtual Office It’s estimated that pet owners in the UK spend more than £8 billion annually on supplies for their furry friends. During the pandemic, it’s thought that 3.5 million dogs were purchased , which means annual spending is only likely to increase. Needless to say, with so many pet owners in the UK, there’s a huge demand for pet shops. If you have the love, passion, drive, experience and animal know-how, it’s a wonderful time to start a pet shop business in the UK. In a world where it’s easy to order pet supplies at the click of a button, pet shops still play an important role. Unlike online retailers, pet shops offer a personalised service and can help owners and potential owners with questions and concerns and offer advice. This helps build trust with your customers and ensures they keep coming back to you again and again. Today, pets aren’t just a part of a family – they are family – and owners will often go to great lengths to make sure they’re well looked after. If being a pet shop proprietor sounds like something you’d be barking mad to pass up, then this article is for you. We’re going to explain how to start a pet shop business in the UK, so you can take the first steps to making your dreams a reality. Is it profitable to enter the pet business market? Before you start, you need to answer, is a pet shop a good business to open right now? It’s thought that between 2022 and 2031, the pet shop market will increase by 5.2% . In the past 20 years, the amount we spend on our pets has increased by more than 150% . This shows that the boom in pet ownership isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and there’s plenty of money to be made by pet shops. It is, of course, a competitive market – just like any other business. High-street pet supply chains and supermarkets offer a wide range of pet products and services, but they often lack that personal touch and expertise. That’s where your pet shop can step in to raise the bar for pet care. Whether you’re looking to open a general pet shop or a niche pet shop (such as a shop focusing on exotic animals such as reptiles or tropical fish) so long as you approach it carefully and thoughtfully, it can absolutely be profitable. Steps to starting a pet business Ready to become the next hottest thing in pet supplies? Here’s our step-by-step guide for how to start a pet shop business in the UK. Or, for more general information, we also have a complete guide to starting a business . Step 1: Consider your brand and positioning and find your niche As any business owner will attest, there’s a lot of competition out there. You may have the skill, knowledge and passion, but it doesn’t count for much unless you stand out from the crowd. The first thing to do is think about what your pet shop business will do differently. What will stop pet owners from heading to the supermarket or a high-street brand and choosing to walk in through your doors instead? Maybe your pet shop will specialise in cats. Maybe it will have the biggest selection of dog food in the UK. Maybe you’ll theme it to look like customers are trekking through the jungle. Or what if you have a king cobra on display in the back (so long as you have a dangerous wild animal licence, of course)? Your unique selling point (USP) should revolve around what you do best. What are you passionate about? What do you know loads about? What pet-owning pain point do you want to solve to ensure customers keep coming back? Because you’re interested in opening a pet shop, you presumably know a thing or two about pet care already. Think about the types of questions pet owners ask, the products they buy most regularly and the problems they face, and focus your USP around those. It’s also important to back this up with market research. Data can help you identify gaps in the market and show you how you can fit in to make your business a success. But, however you choose to position yourself, the most important thing is to do it well. Your branding Once you know more about what your niche and brand values are, you can start thinking about branding. This includes: A name A logo A mission statement Your vision Your tone of voice and messaging If you have experience with these you can work on them yourself, or lean on professional help by hiring a branding consultant or a freelancer. Make sure you have a very clear idea of what you want your business to look like so you can accurately brief designers who can help bring your vision to life. If you’re not very creative, there are ways to come up with pet shop business name ideas that are unique and memorable. Here are just a few: Use alliteration: e.g. Peter’s Pets Use puns: Barking Mad Pet Shop Lean into your niche: Reptile Ssssupplies Use a name generator, like the one offered by Shopify Take a name from literature, mythology or history These are just a few suggestions. Don’t hold back and let your creativity run wild! Step 2: Consider legal requirements and regulations There are several strict requirements and regulations to abide by when setting up your pet shop business. Firstly, there are the laws every business owner must comply with, including those related to paying tax. If you plan to employ staff, you must have employers’ liability insurance and it’s recommended that you at least have public liability insurance too. The last thing you want is for someone to accuse your store of causing illness or injury and you don’t hold a valid policy. It’s recommended that you register your business as a limited company to protect yourself and your business – here at SUAZ, we can help do that for you . If you plan on selling pets you must also obtain a licence from your local authority. This authorises you to legally operate your business and it must be renewed every one, two or three years. If you don’t have a licence, you can be fined and even face imprisonment. To be granted a licence you must make sure that: Animals are kept in suitable housing Animals receive the food and water they need Mammals aren’t sold when they’re too young Animals are visited and offered exercise regularly Effort is made to prevent pain and stop the spread of diseases There’s an appropriate plan in place in the event of an emergency Staff are trained to properly care for the animals It’s also vital that you don’t sell an animal to any customer under the age of 16. This is a criminal offence in the UK. And while it’s not a particularly exciting regulation, data protection and privacy laws must be adhered to at all times. So, when you collect and process customer data, ensure you comply with all regulations. Am I allowed to sell pets? Whether or not you choose to sell pets at your pet shop is entirely up to you, but you can only do so if you obtain a licence from your local authority. A licence allows you to sell animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, non-venomous reptiles, insects, and hamsters. However, there are certain considerations to be aware of, as a pet shop license doesn’t mean you can automatically sell any type of animal. Restrictions include: You can only sell puppies and kittens if you’ve bred them yourself Mammals cannot be sold if they’re under eight weeks old You cannot sell venomous or dangerous animals (this requires a separate licence) There are many ethical considerations to think about when making the decision to sell pets at your pet shop. Only if you’re able to properly house, feed and look after them should this be something you consider. Not only from an ethical point of view, but if you don’t meet satisfactory standards you may fail to be granted a licence and you could face receiving a fine. Step 3: Create a solid business plan You know where you want to position your business and you know the legal requirements, so now it’s time to get a solid understanding of your business’ goals and how you’re going to achieve them. Writing a business plan is tough, but it’s an essential part of the process. It’s something you can turn back to again and again to make sure you’re on track. It’s also imperative if you’re going to seek investors, as it tells them how you’re going to make sure you don’t lose their money. We’ve covered how to write a business plan before, so you should have a full read of our guide before you pick up a pen or open Word. But, here’s a condensed version so you have a good idea about where to start: Your executive summary – this is a summary of around one page that’s designed to tempt people into reading the rest. It should include the key points around your goals, stakeholders and opportunities for growth. Company description – Highlight your business, values and what’s important to you. It’s a chance to tell your story. Analyse the market – outline your market research and understanding of the pet supply industry, your competitors and your target audience. This shows why you’re the one to open this pet shop and how you’re going to sell your products to your customers, including marketing strategies. Your structure – This outlines your team and structure and what everyone’s responsibilities and experiences are. Your products and services – This explains what you’ll offer your customers, including your USPs, and how you fill a gap in the market. Financial plan – This outlines how your business will make money. It’s the main section investors will look at so you understand how your business will grow. SWOT analysis – This outlines your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats - aka SWOT. Appendices – This includes additional information and documents that are relevant and add value. Step 4: Choose a solid business location Choosing where to base your pet shop is vital. You need to strike the right balance to ensure customers can easily get to you, the space itself and the cost. When looking for a location, you should ask the following questions: Is the space big enough for all your products and the services you want to offer? If you plan on selling animals, is it suitable so that you’ll get your pet shop licence without any problems? Does it comfortably fit within your budget (also ask about hidden costs)? Is there any competition in the area? Is there vehicle access? Is there a high level of foot traffic? Are there any regulations to be aware of? What is the condition and are there any maintenance issues to be aware of Is there room to grow? What are the terms of the lease? Does it meet health and safety requirements? Only when you have satisfactory answers to all of your questions that align with your business plan should you go ahead with your chosen location. This is one of the biggest stages in starting your pet shop business, so consider it carefully and go with your head, not your heart. Step 5: Come up with a marketing strategy Once you’ve chosen your location, it’ll hopefully have a high amount of passing foot traffic, which will naturally draw customers to you. But, this and the subsequent word of mouth aren’t likely to be enough, no matter how low your prices are or how amazing your service is. That’s why you need to come up with a marketing strategy that will tell your customers who you are and why you’re the one to help them overcome their problems, whether that’s by offering the products or services they need, low prices, a wide selection or something else. The only thing is, marketing takes time or money – and often both. The first thing you need to do is define your audience. What type of pet owners are your ideal customers? Look at age, gender, interests, lifestyle, values, income… the more specific you can be, the more targeted you can make your marketing. You should set yourself clear SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. You should always refer to these to make sure your marketing efforts are on target and you’re not wasting your resources. Next, based on your target audience, choose the most relevant marketing channels. This could include: Social media Website Email marketing Online advertising Print media Networking Collaborations If you also have a website and sell products through it, you can help increase its visibility with an SEO and content marketing strategy, too. When it comes to marketing, there’s no magical winning formula and for newcomers, it can involve a lot of trial and error. You’ll be in a great position to do some marketing yourself, such as social media, but other forms can be tricky and time-consuming. It can be worth hiring a marketing agency or freelancer to do some of the more difficult marketing tasks for you, but this will, of course, come at a cost. However, this is a key part of starting a business, because it helps customers find and spend their money with you. Make sure to monitor spend and return on investment (ROI). When you know about what strategies work best for converting customers, focus your efforts on doing more of that. Step 6: Have a plan for financing and funding Starting a pet shop can be a hugely fruitful and rewarding experience, and if you have the right level of expertise, experience and dedication, you can no doubt make it a success. The only issue is, to get to that stage, it can be expensive. Some services can help keep costs down, like company formation packages , but there are still lots more to be aware of, including everything from deposits to insurance. Unless you have savings or you’re an entrepreneur with assets you can sell to pursue your next venture, you need a plan for securing financing and funding. There are several ways you can secure funding: A business loan Investors Crowdfunding Grants Not all options will be available to you, but to give you the best possible chance you’ll need to have followed the previous steps in this guide, specifically about writing a business plan. The only way to receive a business loan or the interest of an investor is by having a solid business plan with financial figures that shows them you know what you’re doing. Because if your business fails, they lose out, so they’re not ones to take risks. You always need to keep a close eye on your finances. Don’t be reactive – be proactive. Make adjustments to your financial plan when necessary and make sure you do what you can to stick to your budgets. For more detailed information, read our guide to startup loans and business financing . How much does it cost to start a pet shop business? The cost of starting a pet shop business can vary depending on a huge range of factors, but according to data, it will be approximately between £10,000 and £50,000 . This includes costs related to: Legal fees Insurance Deposits Licences Stock Leases Renovations Utilities Equipment Marketing Staff Create your pet shop business with SUAZ Opening a pet shop won’t be easy, but it can be rewarding and lucrative. If you have what it takes, then you absolutely can make your business a success and fill a gap in the market to attract a legion of loyal pet-owning customers. With the number of pets in the UK still on the up, now’s the time to follow through on your idea and open your dream pet shop. Ready to go? Forming a company with SUAZ is easy. Form a company for free, or view our packages for more information. Recommended Readings