Choose your business structure
Most manufacturers operate as limited companies for liability protection. Consider the regulatory requirements and capital needs of your operation.
Set up a limited company
Register your company with Companies House before applying for permits and authorisations.
Check if you need an environmental permit
You need an environmental permit before you run a regulated facility, such as an industrial installation, a waste operation, a medium combustion plant or a water discharge.
Register chemicals under UK REACH
If you make chemical substances in Great Britain or import them from anywhere else, including the EU, you must register each one with HSE under UK REACH, whatever you registered under EU REACH.
Meet your business waste duty of care
Every business that produces, stores or disposes of waste has a duty of care under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and stays responsible after it hands the waste on.
Apply UKCA marking to your products
UKCA marking shows a product you make meets the Great Britain rules.
Packaging producer responsibility
If you handle 50+ tonnes of packaging with £2M+ turnover, understand your recycling obligations and EPR changes.
Register for PAYE
Required before hiring your first employee. Set up payroll and register as an employer with HMRC.
Your duties as an employer under health and safety law
Every employer in Great Britain must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees, and must not put other people at risk.
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.