Construction & Property

Building, civil engineering, property development, trades and construction services.

284 guides

55 journeys

12 regulators

Browsing by sector — Guidance organised by industry. Find what you need based on who it applies to.

Key regulators

These regulatory bodies oversee compliance in this sector:

Environment Agency Environmental protection in England. Regulates waste, emissions, water quality, flood risk, and environmental permits for industrial activities. Enforces environmental law …
BSR Regulates building safety for higher-risk buildings (18+ metres or 7+ storeys with at least 2 residential units) in England. Established …
CITB Statutory training board for the construction industry. Collects the CITB Levy from construction employers and operates the Construction Skills Certification …
FENSA Government-authorised Competent Person Scheme for replacement windows, doors, and roof windows in England and Wales. Allows registered installers to self-certify …
Historic England Public body that champions and protects England's historic environment. Advises on heritage protection, maintains the National Heritage List (listed buildings, …
Homes England Government's housing delivery agency. Provides funding, land, and expertise to deliver new homes. Administers affordable housing programmes, Help to Buy, …
IET Professional body for engineering and technology. Publishes BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations), the UK standard for electrical installation. Not …
MHCLG Government department responsible for housing and planning, building safety, communities and local growth, local government, homelessness, and democracy and elections. …
Mining Remediation Authority Manages effects of historical coal mining in England, Scotland, and Wales. Handles subsidence damage claims, mine water pollution, and other …
National Highways Government company responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving England's strategic road network (motorways and major A-roads). Sets standards for highway …
Natural England Government adviser for the natural environment in England. Responsible for wildlife licensing (protected species), designating and managing protected sites (SSSIs, …
OFTEC Government-authorised Competent Person Scheme for oil heating installations. Registered technicians can self-certify oil boiler, tank, and fuel system installations for …

View all regulators →

Guided journeys

Step-by-step guides for businesses in this sector:

Gateway 2 preparation checklist

Quick readiness check before submitting your Gateway 2 application to BSR. For teams already familiar with the Building Safety Act who need a final pre-submission verification.

Start journey →

Contamination discovered on your site

What to do when contamination is discovered during construction or building works. Covers immediate steps, reporting obligations, liability assessment, engaging regulators, and remediation options.

Start journey →

New higher-risk building development compliance

Learning path for developers undertaking their first higher-risk building project under the Building Safety Act 2022. Covers the gateway process, golden thread requirements, and handover to the Accountable Person.

Start journey →

Complete your CIS monthly compliance

A practical week-by-week workflow for CIS contractors. Know exactly what to do on each day of the tax month cycle, from verifying subcontractors on the 6th to paying deductions by the 22nd. Designed to make CIS a routine habit rather than a monthly crisis.

Start journey →

Protect your business from CIS supply chain fraud

From 6 April 2026, contractors face severe penalties if they 'knew or should have known' about fraud in their supply chain. This learning path explains the new rules, helps you assess your risk, and guides you through implementing due diligence to protect your business from 30% penalties and GPS cancellation.

Start journey →

Ecological compliance for development projects

Learn the full lifecycle of ecological obligations when developing land, from protected species surveys and wildlife licensing through to biodiversity net gain and post-construction monitoring.

Start journey →

Fix CIS payment errors

Something gone wrong with CIS? This troubleshooting guide helps contractors and subcontractors identify and fix common Construction Industry Scheme errors, from wrong deduction rates to late return penalties.

Start journey →

CIS compliance quick check

Monthly CIS compliance essentials for experienced contractors. Three key actions: verify subcontractors, calculate deductions, submit your return by the 19th.

Start journey →

Keep and maintain your gross payment status

Everything you need to know to keep your CIS gross payment status once granted. Learn when HMRC reviews your GPS, what triggers cancellation or revocation, how to protect your status through proactive compliance, and what to do if your GPS is at risk.

Start journey →

CDM compliance quick check

Quick CDM checklist before construction begins. Four key actions: check if notifiable, appoint duty holders, submit F10 if required, ensure construction phase plan exists.

Start journey →

I've made a CIS mistake - how to fix it

Something gone wrong with CIS? This troubleshooting journey helps contractors identify their mistake, correct errors, reduce penalties, and appeal if they have a reasonable excuse.

Start journey →

Meet environmental compliance requirements

Navigate your environmental obligations including waste duty of care, pollution prevention, packaging responsibilities, and energy reporting

Start journey →

Planning appeal process

What to do when your planning application is refused. Understand your options, assess your chances, and decide whether to appeal, amend, or walk away.

Start journey →

Managing an occupied higher-risk building

Learning path for Accountable Persons and property managers responsible for higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022. Covers registration, safety case reports, golden thread, and resident engagement duties.

Start journey →

CIS essentials for small builders

The 5 things you need to know about CIS if you use subcontractors. A 5-minute guide for builders, plumbers, electricians and other trades. No jargon, just the essentials.

Start journey →

Development blocked by nutrient neutrality

Your site is in a nutrient-affected catchment and you can't get planning permission. This guide explains your options for achieving neutrality and moving your project forward.

Start journey →

Responding to CDM enforcement action

What to do when HSE takes enforcement action or investigates your construction site for CDM breaches. Covers improvement notices, prohibition notices, prosecution, and preventing future enforcement.

Start journey →

Protected species found on your development site

What to do when protected species are discovered on your development site, from immediate actions through licensing and managing project delays.

Start journey →

Understanding construction tax obligations

A complete picture of how CIS, VAT reverse charge, CITB, and PAYE work together for construction businesses. Learn how these four tax systems interact, which apply to you, and how to manage them as an integrated compliance burden.

Start journey →

Getting started with CIS

A comprehensive learning path for anyone new to the Construction Industry Scheme. Understand how CIS works, decide whether you're a contractor or subcontractor (or both), and learn your registration requirements and ongoing obligations. Covers deductions, monthly returns, and claiming back overpaid tax.

Start journey →

Plan safe work at height

Learning path for planning and managing work at height safely. Covers the hierarchy of controls, equipment selection, scaffolding management, MEWP operation, and roof work precautions.

Start journey →

Developing contaminated or brownfield land

Complete guide to developing contaminated sites - from initial due diligence through site investigation, remediation, and verification. Covers both Part 2A and planning system contamination requirements.

Start journey →

Using occasional labour - CIS quick check

A 3-minute decision tree for sole traders wondering if CIS applies when they pay a labourer or mate to help on a construction job. Find out your obligations in plain English.

Start journey →

Building regulations compliance for renovation

Navigate building control approval, thermal upgrade requirements, and competent person schemes when renovating business premises

Start journey →

Small site planning fast track

Quick checklist for SME developers submitting minor residential applications (1-9 dwellings). Skip the explanation - get straight to what you need to do.

Start journey →

Your GPS was cancelled - recovery path

Steps to take after your CIS gross payment status is cancelled. Understand the critical difference between cancellation and revocation, manage the immediate cashflow impact, and plan your path to re-application.

Start journey →

Do I need a wildlife licence for my project?

Quick decision tree to determine if your development or land management activity requires a wildlife licence from Natural England.

Start journey →

Do I need permission to fell trees or remove hedgerows?

Quick check covering felling licences, TPOs, conservation areas, and hedgerow regulations. Determine what permissions you need before carrying out tree or hedgerow works.

Start journey →

Respond to highway works penalties and enforcement

What to do when you receive a Fixed Penalty Notice, Section 74 overrun charge, or reinstatement defect notice for street works. Covers payment deadlines, early payment discounts, how to challenge penalties, and steps to prevent repeat offences.

Start journey →

Run a construction business

Ongoing compliance, site safety, and operational requirements for established construction businesses

Start journey →

Achieving nutrient neutrality

Step-by-step guide to achieving nutrient neutrality for development in affected catchments. Learn how to calculate your nutrient budget, identify mitigation options, and prepare your planning application.

Start journey →

Drainage and utilities infrastructure compliance

Complete learning path for property developers and contractors working on drainage and utilities infrastructure. Covers Approved Document H drainage design, sewer adoption under Section 104, SuDS requirements in England and Wales, confined spaces safety, cable avoidance, and environmental permits.

Start journey →

Complete guide to highway works compliance

End-to-end learning path for contractors new to highway works in England. Covers the legal framework, permit types, required qualifications, traffic management, reinstatement standards, penalties, and road adoption.

Start journey →

Grow your construction business

Scale your construction business - win public contracts, build your workforce, achieve accreditations, and manage subcontractors at scale

Start journey →

VAT compliance for construction

Construction-specific VAT guidance including the domestic reverse charge. Essential for subcontractors and main contractors to understand when the reverse charge applies, how to invoice correctly, and how to account for VAT on returns.

Start journey →

Construction materials regulatory compliance

Learning path covering the regulatory obligations for construction materials in Great Britain. Understand product marking (CE and UKCA), hazardous materials management under COSHH, aggregate levy, and timber sourcing compliance.

Start journey →

Highway works quick compliance check

Quick-check permit type, notice period, qualification requirements, and fixed penalty notice amounts before starting highway works. For experienced contractors who need a pre-start compliance refresher.

Start journey →

Structural incident on site: what to do now

Emergency response for excavation collapse, structural instability, or unexpected failure during construction works. Covers immediate safety actions, RIDDOR reporting, HSE notification, making safe, structural assessment, and investigation to prevent recurrence.

Start journey →

Building Safety Act for SME contractors

A learning path for small and medium construction businesses working on higher-risk building projects under the Building Safety Act 2022. Covers what the Act means for contractors, your duties on HRB projects, golden thread responsibilities, change control, and handover obligations.

Start journey →

Guidance for construction & property

Sector-Specific

Aggregate Levy for construction businesses — Current Aggregate Levy rate, registration requirements, exemptions for recycled and secondary aggregates, returns and payment …
Building control and Building Regulations approval — How to get Building Regulations approval for construction work - application types, competent person schemes, …
Environmental compliance for construction sites — Your environmental obligations for construction sites including site waste management, environmental permits, dust control, and …
Building Safety Levy for developers — How the Building Safety Levy affects residential developers in England. Covers exemptions for small sites, …
Adopt new sewers under Section 104 — How to get new sewers adopted by the water and sewerage company under Section 104 …
Structural works compliance checklist — Pre-start checklist for structural works covering demolition notices, asbestos surveys, temporary works design, excavation permits, …
Set up a property letting business — Five mandatory compliance requirements for lettings agents operating in England. Register before you trade to …
Adopt new roads and streets for developers — How to get new roads adopted as publicly maintained highways through Section 38 agreements under …
Construction drainage design and compliance — How to design and install foul and surface water drainage that meets Approved Document H …
Building safety duties for designers — Your legal duties as a designer under the Building Safety Act 2022 when working on …
Timber sourcing compliance for construction — How to comply with the UK Timber Regulation (UKTR) when sourcing timber for construction projects. …
Construction product marking - CE and UKCA compliance — How the Construction Products (Amendment) Regulations 2025 affect CE and UKCA marking for construction products …
Excavation and foundation safety — HSE requirements for safe excavation and foundation work on construction sites. Covers trench support systems, …
Making rental properties fit for tenants — How private landlords in England must ensure their properties are fit for human habitation. Covers …
CDM 2015: your duties as a construction client — Your legal duties when commissioning construction work under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. …
Manage hazardous construction materials — How to comply with COSHH 2002 when working with cement, silica dust, solvents, lead paint, …
Reinstatement standards for highway works — Reinstatement categories, guarantee periods, materials specifications, inspection regime, and defect correction requirements under the Specification …
Build and manage higher-risk buildings safely — How construction businesses must comply with the Building Safety Act 2022 when developing higher-risk buildings …
Work safely in confined spaces on drainage projects — How to comply with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 when working in manholes, sewers, chambers, …
Crane and lifting operations for structural work — LOLER 1998 requirements for crane and lifting operations on construction sites. Covers appointed persons, lift …
Demolition safety and compliance — How to comply with demolition safety requirements in England and Wales. Covers Section 80/81 demolition …
Carry out works affecting the strategic road network — How to obtain National Highways approval before carrying out works on or adjacent to motorways …
CSCS Card Requirements — Get a CSCS card to demonstrate construction skills competence and access construction sites.
Construction Site Health and Safety — Essential health and safety requirements for construction sites including work at height, asbestos, manual handling, …
CIS: verifying subcontractors with HMRC — How to verify subcontractors under the Construction Industry Scheme before making payments. Covers the verification …
Design and construct SuDS for new developments — How to design and construct sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for new developments. Covers CIRIA C753 …
Manage temporary works on construction projects — How to manage temporary works safely on construction projects. Covers the temporary works coordinator role, …
Set up traffic management for road works — How to plan and set up traffic management for road works in England, Wales, and …
Drainage and utilities compliance checklist — Pre-start compliance checklist for drainage and utility infrastructure works. Covers Section 104 sewer adoption, Approved …
Construction materials compliance checklist — Quick-check list for construction contractors covering CE/UKCA product marking, COSHH assessments, silica dust exposure limits, …
CITB and ECITB training levies for construction — Understand your obligations under the CITB and ECITB training levies, including current rates, exemption thresholds, …
Start a construction business — Essential compliance requirements for starting a construction business in the UK, including CDM regulations, health …
Construction payment rights and adjudication — Your statutory rights to payment and rapid dispute resolution under the Housing Grants, Construction and …
Comply with CDM Regulations for construction projects — How to comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). Covers duty …
Piling and earthworks compliance — Regulatory requirements for piling operations and earthworks on construction sites. Covers vibration monitoring under BS …
Safe utility trenching and cable avoidance — How to dig safely near underground services on construction sites. Covers HSG47 safe digging practices, …
Meet Building Safety Act requirements for higher-risk buildings — How to comply with the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher-risk buildings (18m+ or 7+ …
Flood risk assessment and SuDS compliance — How to assess flood risk for development sites and comply with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) …
Planning for medium sites (10-49 units) — How the new medium sites category (10-49 units) provides proportionate planning requirements for SME housebuilders. …
Submit a Gateway 2 application to BSR — How to apply for Gateway 2 building control approval from the Building Safety Regulator before …
Remove or manage hedgerows lawfully — How to remove a hedgerow lawfully under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Covers when a hedgerow …
Apply for a tree felling licence — How to apply for a tree felling licence from the Forestry Commission under the Forestry …
Claim CIL exemptions and relief — How to claim exemptions and relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy. Covers self-build, charitable relief, …
Manage invasive non-native species on your land — Legal obligations for managing invasive non-native species on business premises and development sites. Covers Japanese …
Highway works and street works permits — How to obtain permits and comply with regulations when carrying out works on public highways …
Comply with contaminated land remediation requirements — What to do when land you own or occupy is identified as contaminated under Part …
Navigate Section 106 agreements — How to understand, negotiate, and manage Section 106 planning obligations. Covers what can be requested, …
Building safety duties for Accountable Persons — Your legal duties as an Accountable Person or Principal Accountable Person for a higher-risk building …
Commission protected species surveys for your site — How to commission ecological surveys for development sites that may support protected species. Covers when …
Understanding contaminated land law for businesses — An overview of contaminated land law in the UK and how it affects businesses. Explains …
Comply with the ground rent ban on new residential leases — What landlords and property developers must do to comply with the ground rent ban. Covers …
Planning for small sites (under 10 units) — Streamlined planning guidance for small residential developments (1-9 units) in England. Covers what counts as …
Get a wildlife licence for your development project — How to obtain wildlife licences from Natural England before development that affects protected species. Covers …
BNG for small sites (under 10 units) — Biodiversity net gain guidance specifically for small residential developments. Covers exemptions, the Small Sites Metric, …
Respond to planning refusal — What to do when your planning application is refused. Understand your options: amend and resubmit, …
Apply for planning permission — Step-by-step guide to submitting a planning application in England. Covers application types, required documents, fees, …
Nutrient neutrality compliance for development — How to achieve nutrient neutrality for development in affected catchments. Covers mitigation options, Natural England's …
Due diligence when buying potentially contaminated land — How to carry out environmental due diligence before purchasing land that may be contaminated. Covers …
Contaminated land compliance checklist — A yes/no checklist for verifying contaminated land compliance, covering council records checks, environmental investigations, planning …
Create and maintain the golden thread — How to create, manage and hand over the golden thread of building information for higher-risk …
Resident engagement requirements for higher-risk buildings — How to create and implement a residents' engagement strategy for higher-risk buildings under the Building …
Make a planning appeal — How to appeal a planning refusal or non-determination to the Planning Inspectorate. Covers appeal types, …
Meet biodiversity net gain requirements for development — How to comply with mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements when developing land in …
Apply for development consent for major infrastructure — How to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Covers …
Hand over the golden thread at building completion — How to hand over the golden thread of building information from the construction team to …
Discharge planning conditions — How to discharge planning conditions attached to your permission. Covers pre-commencement conditions, the application process, …
Check if nutrient neutrality affects your site — Find out if your development site is in a nutrient-affected catchment. Lists all 27 affected …
Apply for a flood risk activity permit — How to apply for a flood risk activity permit (FRAP) from the Environment Agency for …
Appoint an Accountable Person for a higher-risk building — How to identify, appoint, and document the Accountable Person for a higher-risk building under the …
Community Infrastructure Levy explained — What the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is, how it's calculated, when it's payable, and how …
Principal Accountable Person additional duties — Additional duties for Principal Accountable Persons managing higher-risk buildings with multiple accountable persons. Covers coordination …
Work with Tree Preservation Orders — How to identify Tree Preservation Orders on your site, apply for consent to carry out …
Appealing a CIS penalty - what counts as a reasonable excuse — How to appeal Construction Industry Scheme late filing or late payment penalties. Includes examples of …
Warning signs of CIS fraud in your supply chain — How to identify red flags that could indicate CIS fraud in your supply chain. Covers …
Your GPS has been cancelled - what happens now — What to do after your CIS gross payment status is cancelled. Understand the difference between …
Apply for CIS gross payment status — How subcontractors can apply for gross payment status to receive the full value of construction …
How to correct errors on your CIS return — Step-by-step process for correcting Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) return errors without incurring penalties. Covers different …
Your CIS monthly compliance cycle — A day-by-day workflow for CIS compliance throughout the tax month cycle. Shows contractors exactly what …
CIS for small builders - what you actually need to know — A 5-minute guide to the Construction Industry Scheme for small builders with 1 to 10 …
Verify a subcontractor's CIS status — How to verify subcontractors before making payments under the Construction Industry Scheme. Contractors must verify …
Using occasional labour on construction jobs - your CIS obligations — A scenario-based guide for sole traders who sometimes hire labourers for construction jobs. Explains when …
Managing cashflow when CIS deductions are taken — Practical guidance for construction subcontractors on managing cashflow when 20% is deducted from every payment. …
Common CIS mistakes and how to avoid them — The most common Construction Industry Scheme compliance mistakes contractors make, with practical prevention tips for …
Claim a refund for CIS deductions — How CIS subcontractors can offset or claim back the tax deductions taken from their construction …
Submit your CIS monthly return — Monthly reporting requirement for contractors under the Construction Industry Scheme. Covers filing deadlines, what to …
Register as a CIS contractor — How to register as a contractor under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). This guide explains …
CIS nil returns - when you must file and when you don't — When you must submit a CIS nil return and when you can avoid monthly filing. …
Am I a 'deemed contractor' under CIS? — Determine whether your business is a 'deemed contractor' under the Construction Industry Scheme. If you …
VAT reverse charge for construction — When and how to apply the VAT domestic reverse charge for construction services. Essential guidance …
Register as a CIS subcontractor — How to register as a subcontractor under the Construction Industry Scheme. Registration reduces tax deductions …
Keeping your CIS gross payment status — How to maintain your CIS gross payment status once granted. Covers annual review timing, the …
SDLT reliefs for corporate property transactions — Comprehensive guide to SDLT reliefs for property developers, corporate groups, and charities. Covers group relief, …
CIS registration does not determine employment status — Why being CIS-registered does not make someone self-employed. Understand the critical distinction between CIS (a …
What to do if you've missed a CIS deadline — Immediate steps when you have missed the 19th filing deadline or 22nd payment deadline for …
Construction tax compliance - how CIS, VAT, CITB, and PAYE work together — An integrated view of construction industry tax obligations showing how CIS deductions, VAT reverse charge, …
Calculate CIS deductions — How contractors calculate and make CIS deductions from subcontractor payments. This guide covers which deduction …
Protecting your business from CIS supply chain fraud — Contractors can face 30% penalties and GPS cancellation if they 'knew or should have known' …
Comply with Renting Homes (Wales) Act landlord duties — Wales-specific landlord obligations under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which came into force on …
Protect tenant deposits within 30 days — Legal requirement to protect tenant deposits with government-approved scheme within 30 days. Covers deposit protection …
Registering as a waste carrier — How to register as a waste carrier, broker or dealer. Covers upper tier and lower …
Meet energy efficiency standards for let properties — Legal requirement to achieve minimum EPC rating E for residential lettings. Covers England and Wales …
Submit F10 notification to HSE — How to notify the Health and Safety Executive of notifiable construction projects under CDM 2015. …
Comply with noise at work regulations — How to meet your legal duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. …
Noise and vibration exposure values quick reference — Quick-reference lookup for noise and vibration exposure action values, hearing protection selection using the SNR …
Use mobile work equipment safely — How to comply with PUWER Regulations 25-30 for mobile work equipment such as forklift trucks, …
Comply with lifting equipment regulations (LOLER) — How to meet your legal duties under LOLER 1998. Covers thorough examination requirements, competent person …
Plan and carry out lifting operations safely — How to plan safe lifting operations under LOLER 1998 Regulation 8. Covers the roles of …
Select and fit test respiratory protective equipment (RPE) — How to select the right respiratory protective equipment for your workplace hazards and ensure it …
Appoint a Principal Designer — Your duty as a construction client to appoint a Principal Designer when your project will …
Manage the CDM health and safety file — Principal Designer's duty to prepare and maintain the health and safety file under CDM 2015. …
Control respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust in the workplace — How to identify and control silica dust exposure in your workplace. Covers COSHH assessment for …
Comply with vibration at work regulations — How to meet your legal duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. …
Comply with work at height regulations — How to meet your legal duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Covers risk …
Ensure scaffolding safety on your site — How to meet your legal duties for scaffolding on construction sites. Covers design and planning, …
Use MEWPs (cherry pickers and scissor lifts) safely — How to select, operate, and maintain mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) safely and legally. Covers …
Control risks from roof work — How to plan and manage roof work safely. Covers edge protection requirements, fragile roof identification …
Create a construction phase plan — How to prepare a construction phase plan under CDM 2015 Regulation 12. Covers what must …
IR35 rules for off-payroll working — How to assess contractor status under IR35 off-payroll working rules. Covers who must make determinations, …
Appoint a Principal Contractor — How to appoint a Principal Contractor under CDM 2015. Covers when appointment is required, who …
Control and monitor air emissions — How to comply with air emissions permit conditions for Part A and Part B regulated …
Manage your environmental permit compliance — How to stay compliant with your environmental permit conditions. Covers monitoring and recording, reporting to …
Apply for a water abstraction licence — How to apply for a licence to abstract water from rivers, streams, boreholes, or other …
Get a water discharge permit — How to get an environmental permit for discharging liquid effluent or waste water to surface …
Trade effluent consent for discharging to sewers — How to get consent from your water company to discharge trade effluent into public sewers. …
Building regulations in Northern Ireland — How building regulations work in Northern Ireland, where district councils are the sole building control …
Apply for a building warrant in Scotland
Purchase biodiversity credits — How to buy statutory biodiversity credits and off-site habitat bank units when on-site delivery cannot …
Section 106 for small sites — How Section 106 planning obligations apply to small and medium residential developments. Covers what SME …
Mandatory SuDS approval in Wales
Substances of Very High Concern obligations — How to comply with UK REACH obligations for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). Covers …
UK REACH for downstream users — How to comply with UK REACH obligations as a downstream user of chemical substances in …
Work with your local planning authority — How to engage effectively with your local planning authority at every stage of the planning …
Apply for Gateway 3 completion certificate — How to apply for a Gateway 3 completion certificate from the Building Safety Regulator before …
Register a higher-risk building with BSR — Step-by-step guide to registering a higher-risk building with the Building Safety Regulator. Covers who must …
Building safety duties for contractors — Your legal duties as a contractor working on higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act …

Tax & Finance

Register as self-employed with HMRC — How to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, get your Unique Taxpayer Reference …
Set up as a sole trader — How to register as self-employed and start trading as a sole trader.
VAT you cannot reclaim — Understand the items where you cannot reclaim VAT on business purchases. Covers blocked input tax …
File your Company Tax Return (CT600) — How to file your Company Tax Return (CT600) including deadlines, payment requirements, iXBRL tagging, and …
Pay National Insurance when self-employed — How to pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance contributions when you're self-employed. Covers …
Prepare for Making Tax Digital — How to get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including when you must …
Understanding HMRC enquiries — What happens during an HMRC enquiry and how to respond. Covers types of enquiries, time …
Register for Self Assessment — When and how to register for Self Assessment tax.
Filing your Self Assessment tax return — Who must file a Self Assessment return, how to complete and submit it, what expenses …
Claim business expenses as a sole trader — How to claim allowable expenses to reduce your tax bill, including simplified expenses options for …
Reclaim VAT on business purchases — Understand when and how you can reclaim VAT paid on goods and services for your …
How taxes work for limited companies — Understanding Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, and Self Assessment - how they interconnect and your obligations …
Correct VAT return errors — How to fix mistakes on your VAT return and when to tell HMRC. Covers error …
Check if you need to register for VAT — Find out if your business must register for VAT based on your taxable turnover. Covers …
File your Self Assessment tax return — Step-by-step guidance for sole traders on completing and submitting your Self Assessment tax return to …
Get your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) — How to get a UTR number for Self Assessment. Covers registration for sole traders and …
Use the trading allowance — When to use the £1,000 trading allowance versus claiming actual expenses. Includes eligibility rules, relief …
Keep business records as a sole trader — What records you must keep as a sole trader, how long to retain them, and …
Run payroll and submit RTI — How to run your payroll and submit Real Time Information to HMRC each pay period.
Pay PAYE to HMRC — How and when to pay your PAYE tax and National Insurance to HMRC.
PAYE year-end tasks — What employers must do at the end of the tax year for PAYE compliance.
Understanding PAYE tax codes — How to read and apply PAYE tax codes for your employees.
Handle a new starter without a P45 — What to do when a new employee does not provide a P45 from their previous …
Recover statutory payments from HMRC — How to claim back statutory payments (SMP, SPP, SAP, ShPP) from HMRC.
Correct PAYE errors — How to fix mistakes in your payroll submissions and HMRC records.
Prepare for an HMRC PAYE compliance check — What to expect and how to prepare when HMRC reviews your PAYE records.
Statutory Sick Pay for employers — How to calculate and pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Maternity and paternity leave — Statutory entitlements for new parents including leave periods and pay rates.
Report expenses and benefits (P11D) — How to report taxable benefits in kind to HMRC, including company cars, medical insurance, loans, …
Student loan deductions for employers — How to calculate and process student loan and postgraduate loan deductions from employee pay.
Workplace pensions: your auto-enrolment duties — Your legal duties to automatically enrol eligible employees into a workplace pension scheme and contribute …
Register as an employer (PAYE) — How to register with HMRC as an employer before your first payday.
Director's loans — Tax implications when directors borrow from or loan money to their limited company.
Insurance Act 2015 compliance for businesses — Understanding your disclosure duties and rights when purchasing commercial insurance under the Insurance Act 2015.
Opening a business bank account — Open a business bank account to separate your finances, simplify tax returns, and accept payments …
Organising your business finances — Essential financial management practices - bank accounts, bookkeeping, and record keeping.
Go full-time with your business — Practical guidance for transitioning from employment to full-time self-employment. Covers financial preparation, legal obligations, tax …
Cancel your VAT registration — How to deregister for VAT, including when you must notify HMRC, completing your final VAT …
Close your PAYE scheme — How to permanently close your PAYE scheme with HMRC, including final FPS submission, issuing P45s …
File your final Self Assessment return — How to file your final Self Assessment tax return when you stop being self-employed. Covers …
Correct your Self Assessment return — How to amend your Self Assessment return within the 12-month window, claim overpayments after the …
Report capital gains on your Self Assessment — How to report capital gains using SA108, including the annual exempt amount, CGT rates, the …
Pay your Self Assessment tax bill — How to pay your Self Assessment tax bill, including payment methods, payments on account, Budget …
Report property income on your Self Assessment — How to report rental income on your Self Assessment using SA105 - allowable expenses, mortgage …
Business support and grants in Northern Ireland — Key business support organisations and grant programmes available to businesses in Northern Ireland. Covers Invest …

Business Structure

Business name rules — Rules for choosing a business name, trading name, or company name.
Register a trademark — Protect your business name, logo, or slogan by registering a UK trademark with the Intellectual …
Choose a partnership structure — Compare general partnership, limited partnership (LP), and limited liability partnership (LLP) to find the right …
Dissolve a business partnership — How to wind up a general partnership, settle debts, notify HMRC, and fulfil your final …
Register a business partnership — How to register a partnership with HMRC for Self Assessment, including nominated partner responsibilities and …
Change from sole trader to limited company — How to incorporate your sole trader business as a limited company. Covers the incorporation process, …
Sole trader or limited company — Compare the two most common business structures and choose what's right for you.
Set up a business partnership — How to register a partnership and understand partner responsibilities.
Create a partnership agreement — How to draft a partnership agreement covering essential clauses, legal requirements, and what happens if …
How partners pay tax on profits — Understanding how partnership profits are taxed on individual partners, including profit allocation, National Insurance contributions, …
File partnership tax returns (SA800) — How to file the SA800 partnership tax return and individual partner returns. Covers registration, deadlines, …
Your first 90 days as business owner — Strategic guide for your first 90 days owning a business. Covers immediate priorities, building relationships, …
Stop being self-employed — How to close your sole trader business, notify HMRC, and complete your final Self Assessment …
Check your business name is available — Step-by-step guide to checking your business name is available across Companies House, trademarks, domains, and …

Premises & Operations

Passenger lift compliance for building owners — How to comply with lift safety requirements if you own or manage a building with …
Lighting requirements for business premises — Key lighting requirements for business premises, covering workplace lighting standards under the Workplace Regulations 1992, …
Building services compliance: what you need to know — A strategic overview of building services compliance obligations for UK business premises. Explains what building …
Electrical installations and Part P compliance — Understanding Part P of the Building Regulations, BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), notifiable versus non-notifiable …
Selling property listed as community value — What happens when you want to sell a property that has been listed as an …
Meet building envelope thermal performance requirements — How to comply with Part L thermal performance requirements for walls, roofs, floors, and windows. …
Energy Performance Certificates for business premises — When you need an Energy Performance Certificate for commercial property, the minimum E rating requirement …
Replacing windows: building regulations compliance — How to comply with building regulations when replacing windows. Covers the two compliance routes (FENSA …
Chimney and flue compliance for business premises — How to comply with Part J of the Building Regulations for chimneys and flues in …
Meet your business waste duty of care — Understand your legal responsibilities when producing, storing, or disposing of business waste. Covers using registered …
Gas safety compliance for commercial premises — How to meet your gas safety obligations in commercial premises. Covers annual gas safety checks, …
Air conditioning and F-gas compliance — How to comply with air conditioning inspection requirements and F-gas regulations for your business premises. …
Heating system compliance for business premises — How to comply with heating system regulations when replacing boilers or installing heat pumps in …
Ventilation and indoor air quality requirements — How to meet ventilation and indoor air quality requirements in your business premises. Covers Part …
Insulation requirements for commercial and residential buildings — Quick-reference guide to insulation U-value requirements by building element, building type, and work type under …
Building envelope compliance: what you need to know — Strategic overview of building envelope compliance obligations for property owners and developers in England. Covers …
Getting building control approval — How to get building control approval for building work in England. Covers the two approval …
Building compliance checklist for business premises — A checklist for business owners and building managers to verify that their premises meet key …
Electrical safety in your business premises — How to manage electrical safety in your business premises. Covers your duties under the Electricity …
Water systems and legionella compliance — How to manage legionella risk in your business premises water systems. Covers risk assessment, temperature …
Where to run your business — Home-based vs commercial premises - a decision framework for choosing where to operate.
Dispose of hazardous waste — How to classify, store, and dispose of hazardous waste from your business premises in compliance …
Simpler Recycling - what your business must do — New Simpler Recycling rules require businesses in England to separate recyclable waste into distinct streams. …
Apply for planning permission in Northern Ireland — How to apply for planning permission through Northern Ireland's devolved planning system. Covers the 11 …
Permitted development rights in Northern Ireland — What you can build, extend, or change without planning permission in Northern Ireland. Covers the …

Compliance & Legal

Fire door inspections and building safety duties — Your legal duties for fire door inspections and building safety under the Fire Safety Act …
Fire safety requirements for high-rise residential buildings — Your legal duties under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 if you manage a high-rise …
Business licenses: what you need — Find out what licenses and permits your business needs to operate legally.
Provide building information to your Fire and Rescue Service — How to meet your legal duty to provide building information to your Fire and Rescue …
Bribery Act 2010: compliance for businesses — How to prevent bribery in your business and comply with the Bribery Act 2010. Covers …
Business insurance: what you need — Understanding mandatory and recommended insurance for your business, including employers' liability, public liability, professional indemnity, …
Find licences you need for your business — How to identify and apply for the licences, permits, and registrations your business needs using …
Manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings — Legal duties for managing asbestos in commercial premises, including survey requirements, licensing thresholds, and the …
Work equipment inspection intervals and requirements — Quick-reference table of statutory inspection and examination intervals for work equipment. Covers PUWER inspections, LOLER …
Comply with manual handling regulations — How to meet your legal duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Covers risk …
Comply with PPE regulations — How to meet your legal duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022. …
PPE compliance checklist — A yes/no checklist to verify your business meets all requirements under the Personal Protective Equipment …
Report a workplace injury, disease or dangerous occurrence under RIDDOR — How to comply with RIDDOR 2013 reporting requirements. Covers what incidents you must report to …
Comply with electrical safety regulations — How to meet your legal duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Covers safe …
Health and safety requirements by business size — How H&S obligations scale as your business grows. Covers risk assessment, written policy, first aid, …
Health and safety basics — Essential health and safety requirements for all employers.
Conducting risk assessments — How to identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement controls using the 5-step risk assessment process.
COSHH - hazardous substances — Control of Substances Hazardous to Health - assessing and controlling workplace chemical and biological hazards.
Your duties as an employer under health and safety law — Understanding your fundamental legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. …
Comply with COSHH regulations for hazardous substances — How to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Step-by-step guide …
Manage legionella risk in water systems — How to identify and control legionella risk in workplace water systems. Covers your duties under …
Health surveillance at work — When health surveillance is legally required at work and how to set it up. Covers …
Recognise and report occupational diseases — How to recognise the signs of occupational diseases, understand your duty to report them under …
Meet your workplace health and safety legal obligations — Understanding your fundamental health and safety duties under UK law. Covers key legislation including HASAWA …
Get licences from your local council — Comprehensive guide to local authority licensing requirements including premises licences for alcohol and entertainment, food …
Register chemicals under UK REACH — How to register chemical substances under UK REACH if you manufacture or import chemicals into …
Managing export business risk and corruption — UK Bribery Act compliance, due diligence on overseas buyers, political risk assessment, and IP protection …
Classify and label chemicals for the GB market — How to classify, label and package hazardous chemicals for sale in Great Britain under the …
Doing business in Northern Ireland: key differences from Great Britain — Comprehensive reference of the key regulatory divergences between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Covers employment …
Doing business in Wales: key differences from England — Reference guide summarising the key regulatory divergences between Wales and England for businesses. Covers planning, …
Welsh language: what businesses need to know
Welsh language requirements for public sector contractors
Business interruption insurance — How business interruption insurance works, what it covers, and how to calculate the right level …
Local authority approvals for new businesses — How to navigate local council departments when setting up business premises. Covers planning permission, building …
Professional registrations: regulated sectors — Which business sectors require professional or regulator registration before trading, what the registration process involves, …
Comparing business insurance policies — How to compare insurance quotes and policy documents so you choose cover that actually protects …

Environment & Sustainability

Protect your business premises from flooding — How to assess flood risk to your business premises and implement practical protection measures. Covers …
Coastal erosion: implications for your business — How coastal erosion risk affects business premises, planning restrictions in Coastal Change Management Areas, Shoreline …
Water management and drought resilience for businesses — How drought conditions affect businesses, including water company restrictions, temporary use bans, drought orders, abstraction …
Meet your environmental compliance obligations under the Environment Act 2021 — Understand which provisions of the Environment Act 2021 apply to your business and how to …
Business waste management — Your legal duty of care for waste, waste transfer notes, and avoiding fly-tipping liability.
Check if you need an environmental permit — Determine whether your business activity requires an environmental permit from the Environment Agency or local …

Digital & Technology

Making Tax Digital for businesses — How to comply with Making Tax Digital requirements.

International Trade

Modern Slavery Act compliance for businesses — How to comply with Section 54 Modern Slavery Act 2015. Covers the £36 million turnover …
Traveling abroad for export business — Business visas, travel insurance, temporarily exporting samples/equipment, and tax/NI for overseas work.
Choosing the right export route to market — Agents, distributors, direct sales, e-commerce, licensing, or joint ventures - how to select the best …
Cross-border business between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland — How the Common Travel Area, cross-border employment rules, and shared institutions affect businesses operating across …

Employment & HR

DBS checks for employers — When and how to request Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for employees. Includes check …
Manage redundancies correctly — How to make employees redundant fairly and legally. Covers collective consultation requirements, fair selection criteria, …
Redundancy consultation process — How to conduct redundancy consultations properly. Covers collective consultation requirements, selection criteria, statutory redundancy pay, …
The complete employment lifecycle: employer responsibilities from hire to exit — A comprehensive guide to employer responsibilities across every stage of the employment relationship, from lawful …
Settlement agreements — How to use settlement agreements to resolve employment disputes. Covers legal requirements, tax treatment of …
Employment status: employee, worker, or self-employed — How to correctly determine whether someone is an employee, worker, or self-employed. Covers the key …
Engage and manage agency workers — Your legal obligations when using agency workers, including day-1 rights, the 12-week qualifying period, and …
Mandatory hiring requirements — Every employer obligation from pre-hire through the first month of employment. Covers right to work …
Employment Contracts and Written Statements — Your legal duty to provide written employment terms. Covers the day-1 requirement, mandatory terms, contract …
Before you hire your first employee — Everything you need to do before employing your first staff member.
Make employees redundant when closing your business — How to make employees redundant when closing your business. Covers statutory redundancy pay calculations, consultation …
Respond to an employment tribunal claim — What to do when a current or former employee brings an employment tribunal claim against …
Employment law in Northern Ireland: key differences from Great Britain — How employment law in Northern Ireland differs from Great Britain. Covers the Orders in Council …
Understanding employee share schemes — An overview of the four HMRC tax-advantaged employee share schemes (EMI, CSOP, SIP, and SAYE), …

Growth & Strategy

Identify your intellectual property — Discover what intellectual property your business owns, from brand names and creative content to inventions …
Develop your brand identity — How to create a professional brand identity that builds customer trust and business value. Includes …
Secure web domains for your business — How to choose, register, and protect your business domain names. Includes guidance on domain extensions, …
Keep business records after closing — Record retention requirements that continue after your business closes. Covers how long to keep tax …

🧪 Business Context Testing

Construction & Property

Key regulators

Guided journeys

Guidance for construction & property

Sector-Specific

Tax & Finance

Business Structure

Premises & Operations

Compliance & Legal

Environment & Sustainability

Digital & Technology

International Trade

Employment & HR

Growth & Strategy

Business Context Testing