Getting approved to trade: complete pre-trading journey

Every business needs certain registrations regardless of sector. Beyond those, your specific activities, premises, and industry determine which additional licences and permits apply. Start by getting the full picture before you begin applying.

Once you know what applies, start with the registrations every business must complete. These include HMRC tax registration, ICO data protection, and employers' liability insurance if you have staff. Getting these done first is essential because other applications may depend on them.

Many business activities require specific licences or permits. Selling food, serving alcohol, providing entertainment, handling waste, offering financial services, or caring for children all trigger licensing requirements. The licence you need depends on what you do, not just what sector you are in.

If your business operates from premises, your local council is likely involved. Planning permission, building control sign-off, environmental health registration, and business rates all sit with different council departments. Knowing which departments to contact and in what order saves time and avoids delays.

With all your requirements identified, build a timeline working backwards from your target trading date. Some applications must be submitted months in advance. Use the timeline guide to sequence everything, then run through the compliance checklist to confirm nothing is missing.