Business setup checklist
A practical starting point for new businesses, or a fresh look at an existing setup. Tick what is in place, mark what does not apply and prioritise the gaps.
Free two-page checklist. No email address is required to download.
Business foundations
- Choose an appropriate business structure
- Check your name and register the business where required
- Confirm relevant licences, permissions and identity checks
- Discuss insurance with an appropriate provider
- Review contracts and privacy information with a specialist
Money and administration
- Choose a suitable business bank account
- Arrange bookkeeping and accounting support
- Check VAT, payroll and tax responsibilities where applicable
- Set prices, payment terms and invoicing
- Record subscriptions, renewals and deadlines
Brand and online presence
- Confirm your name, logo, colours and brand assets
- Arrange your domain, website, hosting and business email
- Check the site on a phone and make enquiries easy
- Set up relevant social profiles consistently
- Check Google Business Profile eligibility and verification
Visibility and customer enquiries
- Write useful service pages with clear titles
- Check forms, notification emails and booking tools
- Agree enquiry response and follow-up steps
- Set up relevant listings and search tools
- Check privacy and cookie requirements before adding tracking
Systems, ownership and next steps
- Confirm domain, website and account ownership
- Use appropriate permissions and secure access methods
- Organise customer onboarding and handover
- Set up records, task lists and backups
- Identify training needs, specialist support – and more
Make a plan
Choose the three gaps that matter most to your business and decide who will handle each one. We can help you review the setup, prioritise recommendations and arrange relevant specialist introductions.
This checklist is general information, not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Requirements vary with the business and its activities.