Journey

Set up a motor trade business

Retail & Consumer Goods Updated 3 September 2026
references 7 guides

The motor trade covers different businesses, each with its own regulators and — because much of this is devolved or works differently across the UK — its own rules. This path takes you through it in order: first work out which rules apply to you, then put the duties every motor business shares in place, then follow the rules for your activity, and finish by checking you have covered everything.

Step 3 — Follow the rules for your activity

Now work through the guide for what your business does. If more than one applies — many dealers also run a workshop, and many garages also sell parts — follow each relevant guide.