Journey

Set up a professional, scientific and technical business

Professional & Financial Services Updated 3 September 2026
references 4 guides

This learning path takes you through every regulatory obligation for a professional, scientific or technical business in order. Each step links to a guide that covers one part of your obligations. Follow them in sequence to build a complete picture.

Step 1 — Find out which rules apply

Identify the full set of workplace and regulatory obligations that apply to your professional, scientific or technical business.

Step 2 — Set up a safe business

Meet the universal workplace duties — health and safety, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection.

Step 3 — Meet your regulatory duties

If you practise as a patent attorney or registered trade mark attorney, understand the IPReg registration requirement and ongoing professional obligations.

Step 4 — Confirm compliance

Work through the compliance checklist to verify every obligation is met before you start or continue operating.