Business names & structures
Choose the right name for your business
How to find the right name for your business and the rules and regulations involved in registering a name
Legal structures: the basics
Company, partnership or sole trader - review your business structure options with this overview
Business start-up organiser
Compile a personalised list of starting-up tasks and access resources to help you complete each one
Set up and register a limited company (private or public)
The legal steps you need to take for company formation, with links to Companies House forms 10 and 12
Set up and register a partnership
The legal steps you have to take to form a partnership, including guidance about deeds of partnership
Set up and register a limited liability partnership (LLP)
The legal steps you need to take to form an LLP, including links to Companies House guidance
Set up and register as self-employed
The legal steps you need to take, and how to inform HM Revenue & Customs
Choose the right legal structure for your business
Sole trader, limited company or partnership - determine which format is best
Set up a social enterprise
The various types of social enterprise and how they can be set up, with links to forms and further information
