Thinking about starting your own business? This guide will walk you through the six key steps to get up and running in 2025 – without the jargon or fluff. Whether you're freelancing, starting a side hustle, or launching a full-blown company, here’s what to know.
1. Your big idea
Every business starts with a problem worth solving. Whether it's a completely new idea or you're doing something much better than anyone else.
The idea
It needs to be something you're passionate about, and ideally great at too. You'll be living and breathing it, working long hours and it will be challenging at times, so it helps if you really care about what you do.
Don't force the idea, it should come to you naturally, or you risk losing interest very quickly.
Ask yourself:
- What do I love doing?
- What am I really good at?
Is it actually a business?
You need to make sure you're solving a real problem.
Ask yourself:
- How is this different from what's already out there?
- Why would someone pick you over others?
- Are there actually enough people willing to pay for this?
Does it make financial sense
You’ll need to run some quick numbers.
- How much can you realistically earn per month?
- What will it cost to get started and run per month?
- Will you make enough to cover your time and expenses?
If it’s not viable yet, that’s okay. You can tweak the offer or start small and build up.
2. Create your Business Plan
Fear not, you don't need a 50-page document. A one-page plan is plenty at this stage. Keep it lean, but clear.
- Your business name (check if the domain and social handles are available)
- What you’re offering and who it’s for
- How you’ll make money
- Your business structure (sole trader or limited company?)
- Start-up costs (gear, software, website, insurance)
- Tools you’ll use (invoicing, payments, scheduling, marketing)
- How you’ll get your first 10 customers
This is your roadmap. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but you do need to do it.
3. Funding your business
Some businesses need very little to get going. Others need investment.
Bootstrapping - Use your own savings, take pre-orders, or offer services to fund the first steps.
Small business grants or loans - There are government schemes and local grants available in the UK. Start here: gov.uk/business-finance-support
Other options - Friends and family, crowdfunding, or finding a partner who brings money or skills.
Keep things as simple as possible.
Tip: Avoid debt, often less money makes you more resourceful, focused, and therefore successful.
4. Register your business
This depends on how you structure your business.
Sole trader (most common):
Register for free with HMRC and do a Self Assessment tax return each year.
Limited company:
Register with Companies House. It’s more admin but protects your personal assets.
Next
- Set up a business bank account
- Get insurance if needed (public liability, equipment cover, etc)
- Register for VAT if you earn over £90,000 (or want to voluntarily)
5. Setup your business
Now it’s time to get practical.
- Sort your branding – name, logo, domain
- Create a simple website or landing page
- Set up email, social media, and Google Business Profile
- Get the tools you need – invoicing, payments, scheduling, delivery
- Write a basic invoice template (or use an app like NabyPay)
- Test your offer on real people and start building early feedback
6. Launch and market your business
When you’re ready, go live. Tell people. Get your first customer.
Simple ways to launch:
Tell friends, family, and former colleagues
Post on social media (especially local groups)
Reach out to people you’ve helped before
Offer a discount or freebie to get early reviews
Add your business to directories (like Google and Yelp)
And keep going:
Marketing is ongoing. Keep showing up. Learn what works. Build trust.
You don’t need to go viral – you just need to reach the right people and make it easy for them to say yes.