| Guvnor

Build a timeline backwards from the day you want to start trading. Put regulator applications and premises licences first, because they take longest. Registrations such as PAYE have their own windows.

Pre-trading timeline

A month-by-month countdown, starting three months before your trading date.

Start the approval process early. Some licences take months to process, and trading without them is a criminal offence.

3 months before trading: Apply for premises licence (alcohol, entertainment) — takes 2-3 months. Apply for planning permission if changing use class. Start professional regulator registration (FCA, CQC).
2 months before trading: Incorporate at Companies House (if limited company). Register for corporation tax. Apply for environmental permits. Contact building control if works needed.
1 month before trading: Register food business with local authority (28-day minimum). Register for PAYE (if employing). Set up employer pension scheme. Apply for waste carrier registration.
2 weeks before trading: Arrange employers' liability insurance (mandatory before first employee starts). Arrange public liability and other business insurance. Pay the data protection fee to the Information Commission.
Trading day: Display EL insurance certificate. Ensure food hygiene rating visible (Wales mandatory, England/NI voluntary). Begin PAYE reporting from first payday.
Within 3 months of trading: Register for corporation tax (limited company) if not already done. Register for VAT if turnover will exceed threshold.
By 5 October after your first tax year: Register for self-assessment (sole trader) if not already done.

Tip: Use the GOV.UK Licence Finder to check what additional licences your specific activity and location require. Lead times vary by local authority.

When to apply for licences and registrations before you trade

Applications in order of lead time, so nothing holds you up.

Plan your timeline

When to apply for licences and registrations before you trade

Next steps

Marketing compliance: PECR and UK GDPR

Set up auto-enrolment for your workplace pension

File your first Self Assessment tax return