Testing and validating your business ideas

Business planning checklist

Checklist covering all the pre-trading planning steps from validating your idea through to registering your business.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Before starting your business, validate your idea, plan your finances, and write a business plan. Check your business name is available and register your business correctly. Use this checklist to complete all planning steps in order.

  • Validate your business idea before investing
  • Complete customer interviews and competitor analysis
  • Write a business plan covering key sections
  • Check name availability with Companies House
  • Search for trademarks and domain names
  • Choose your business structure carefully
  • Register your business with Companies House
  • Get free support from local Growth Hubs
  • Check social media for name consistency
  • Avoid restricted words in your business name
On this page
UK-wide

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Understand the main business models and choose the right one for your skills, market, and financial situation.

Use this checklist to make sure you have completed all the essential planning steps before you start trading. Work through each section in order — later steps depend on earlier ones being complete.

1. Validate your idea

  1. 1

    Identified a specific problem your business solves

  2. 2

    Conducted customer research (10-20 interviews or 100+ survey responses)

  3. 3

    Analysed 5-10 competitors (direct and indirect)

  4. 4

    Tested demand with a minimum viable product

  5. 5

    Confirmed financial viability (break-even calculation)

2. Plan your finances

  1. 1

    Created a cash flow forecast (Year 1 monthly, Year 2 quarterly, Years 3-5 annual)

  2. 2

    Calculated total startup costs

  3. 3

    Identified funding sources

  4. 4

    Created a Personal Survival Budget (if sole trader)

  5. 5

    Built three financial scenarios (base, optimistic, pessimistic)

3. Write your business plan

  1. 1

    Completed all 12 sections of your business plan

  2. 2

    Based every financial figure on evidence

  3. 3

    Had your plan reviewed by a mentor or adviser

4. Choose and check your business name

  1. 1

    Searched Companies House for identical names

  2. 2

    Searched the UK trademark register

  3. 3

    Checked domain name availability (.co.uk and .com)

  4. 4

    Checked social media handle availability

  5. 5

    Checked for restricted words (if applicable)

5. Choose your business structure

  1. 1

    Understood the differences between sole trader, partnership, limited company, and LLP

  2. 2

    Considered tax implications of each structure

  3. 3

    Decided on your structure

6. Register your business

  1. 1

    Registered with HMRC (all businesses)

  2. 2

    Registered with Companies House (Ltd companies and LLPs only)

  3. 3

    Opened a business bank account

  4. 4

    Registered for VAT (if applicable)

  5. 5

    Obtained necessary licences and permits

  6. 6

    Arranged business insurance

  1. 1

    Download this checklist

    Print or save this page to track your progress through each step.

  2. 2

    Contact your local Growth Hub

    Get free business planning support from your local Growth Hub. Find yours at gov.uk/business-support-helpline.

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