Starting a local business: your first working checklist
Set out what you will do, where you will work and what needs checking before your first booking.
These guides help you identify useful next steps. Requirements vary with your work, location and circumstances. Follow the linked official guidance for the relevant detail.
Editorial guide · source links checked 22 October 2026 · Local Sorted
Write down the service
Describe the work, your service area, the customer and the price you intend to test. Separate what is included from extras. A clear scope helps you choose the right paperwork.
Choose how the business will operate
Compare business structures using GOV.UK. Keep a list of the registration, records and tax questions relevant to your choice.
Check activities and premises
Look up the activities you plan to offer in the government licence finder, then check with the relevant council or regulator. The finder is a starting point and does not list every licence.
Prepare one real booking
Write down the scope, customer questions, price, payment timing and cancellation arrangements. Read a sample before choosing a document pack.