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Home / Guides / Starting a Business
UK business start-up guide · Plain English · Updated for 2026/27

Starting a Business in the UK

Starting out brings a handful of important early decisions: the structure you trade under, how you will be taxed, and whether the work you take on counts as employment. This guide brings the essentials together in plain English, with links to detailed articles.

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Yoni Finke FCCA, founder of YF Accounting
Yoni Finke FCCA
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In this guide

Browse the guide

Start here

Sole trader vs limited company ↗

Which structure is better in 2026/27, and when to switch.

How much does an accountant cost? ↗

Typical UK fees for 2026, and what a fair fixed fee includes.

How to switch accountants ↗

One email, one signed form, and no awkward conversation.

How to form a limited company ↗

Registration step by step, costs and the new ID checks.

Essential tips for launching a business ↗

The early decisions that set you up well.

Xero vs QuickBooks vs FreeAgent ↗

Which accounting software is right for you?
Contracting
IR35: what it is and are you affected ↗
Who it’s for

Is this you?

  • Anyone setting up a new business in the UK.
  • People going self-employed for the first time.
  • Contractors weighing up a limited company.

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Or call us on 0161 531 0959, or explore our company formation service.

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