Stsrting a business

[Thunderchild]

I would like to start a business, is there a hands on resource I can get information from on how to start, the last gov site i looked at just had mostly junk about am i sure about it and do i realize how much of my spare time I will loose bla bla bla, I intend to run a part time business alongside my day job and just need to know what it costs to start and what i need to do

[Maypole]

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/la yer?topicId=1073858805&r.s=tl

If you'd read past page 1 you'd almost certainly have found the info you need. Before you know how much it will cost and what you have to do you need to make a consequential decision about what kind of company you're starting, perhaps for you this is whether to be self-employed or form limited company "bla bla bla"

[Thunderchild]

well you see being a reader i can handle one long page that just gets down to business rather than 100 links with a little peice of info on each and oh where was it that I read that fact I needed to keep in mind ?...... wich of the 100 links was it ? I'll try sifting through it

[buildersmate]

The resouces start-point that Maypole found for you is the best there is - for free.

[Thunderchild]

oh dear well thats another great job the gov has done again

[Tom Braider]

I don't want to be insulting, Thunderchild, but if you think that any single narrative will tell you everything you need to know about being in business for yourself, you're not going to get very far. It's complicated, you know! From Income tax and NIC, to VAT, insurance, keeping accounts etc to working out a business plan, pricing, advertising, etc, etc, there's a hell of a lot to think about. Every business is different, of course; maybe you won't need to worry about a lot of it. If you say what business you're going to go in for, maybe AB-ers can help...

[Thunderchild]

I just want to be a food retailer so no its not that complicated, the website in discussion does not actually say where i go once i've decided to start a business, and only the first two pages actually have practical beginner information, perhaps the information is trying to cover lots of aspects but I think if thats the case it has skipped a lot.

I'd just be buying food in bulk and selling at markets so who do I go to ?

[Tom Braider]

For this type of business you won't have to worry about VAT and it wouldn't be worthwhile registering a company. I wouldn't think you'd have to have any special insurance, except on your vehicle if you've never used it for busines before. You will have to register with the Revenue to pay tax on your profits so you must be careful to keep accurate records of what you buy and what you sell, as well as any expnses, like transport, market fees and such. This booklet is pretty good: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/working-your self.pdf

And these guys can probably help, too: http://www.nmtf.co.uk/

Good Luck!

[terambulan]

Food retail in markets & boot fares would raise eyebrows with the local council, as to storage of the products.

Start by making contact with market organisers and telling them you want a stall, how much etc. Their charges and regulations will express the feasibility of your business.

If u go ahead and start retailing, it would be wise to contact local Inland Revenue for self employed forms; the IR will help with completing the forms and accounting advice.

[Thunderchild]

thanks tom and terambulan, Marckets are meant for food so i don't see the issue there and there are a number of food stools at car boot sales even a meat lorry, and lots of other companies and shops I don't know what the exact regulations are but all these people are regulars and would be in trouble by now...