Choose your business structure
Understand whether to trade as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership based on your creative business model.
Protect your designs
The shape or configuration of something you design can be protected by design right without registering. It lasts 10 years from the end of the year articles made to the design are first sold or hired, if that happens within 5 years of the design being recorded or first made, and otherwise 15 years from the end of the year it was first recorded or made. To protect the appearance of a product, such as its shape or pattern, more firmly, register the design with the Intellectual Property Office. A registration lasts 5 years and you can renew it every 5 years up to 25 years. The design must be new.
Register a design
What you can register, how to apply and how to renew.
Protect your copyright
How copyright arises, how long it lasts and how to license or assign it.
Register as self-employed or set up a company (opens in a new tab)
Sole traders register for Self Assessment by 5 October after tax year you start. Limited companies register with Companies House.
Open a business bank account
Separate business and personal finances. Essential for limited companies, strongly recommended for sole traders managing client payments.
Choosing the right business insurance
Start with the insurance the law requires: if you employ anyone, you must have employers' liability insurance with at least £5 million cover, and business vehicles need motor insurance.
Register for Self Assessment or Corporation Tax (opens in a new tab)
Sole traders register for Self Assessment. Limited companies register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of trading.
Check if you need to register for VAT
You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover passes the registration threshold in any rolling 12 months, or when you expect it to pass the threshold within the next 30 days alone.
Set up PAYE when hiring
Register as employer before your first payday. Understand payroll obligations and insurance requirements.
Build your online presence (opens in a new tab)
Invest in a professional website and portfolio. Essential for attracting clients and showcasing your creative work.