Start your own business - GOV.UK
GOV.UK uses cookies to make the site simpler.
1. Start with an idea
If you’re thinking of starting a business, you first need to come up with a realistic idea you can turn into a product or service.
Find local support, including help with developing business ideas:
Scotland -
Northern Ireland -
Register your intellectual property
You might already have an idea for a business, or have invented something you think people will want to buy. Find out how to
to make sure nobody copies it without your permission.
Turn your idea into a business
- identify potential customers. Talk to them and find out if your idea is meeting a real need.
- test your product or service with real customers, make changes, and test it again. Keep doing this until you’re sure there’s a demand for it.
- think about who you’re going to work with to develop and sell your idea.
- work out which legal structure is right for you, and .
- explore different sources of business finance, from bank loans to government-backed schemes.
Contact the
in your area for help and advice on starting or growing your business.
Setting up
Elsewhere on GOV.UK
Help us improve GOV.UK
Don’t include personal or financial information, eg your National Insurance number or credit card details.
What you were doing
What went wrong}