Starting a new company (become sole trader)

mattygm

Hi all

I am currently in full time employment which i intend to remain doing for now but am wanting to setup as a sole trader on the side selling my product from my website. Please can i have some advice on how i go about this legally and what steps i need to take?

I have already check with my employer and contract that it is Ok for me to work on the side.

Thanks in advance

Matt

CKhalvashi

All you need to do is contact HMRC and register as self-employed.

No need to register for VAT unless your turnover is nearing the limit (you'll usualy be better off) unless dealing business to business, where it may help to gain clients.

The government has a huge section on self-employment on gov.uk

Hope this helps.

bengalknights

Its simply as register with HMRC and off you go, just ensure you keep adequate income/expense records

mattygm

Thanks guys,

Do i not need to do anything re registering and protecting my company name and logo etc?

How do i go about checking i am not infringing on someone else's name also?

Cheers,
Matt

Ebe_Scrooge

mattygm wrote: »

Thanks guys,

Do i not need to do anything re registering and protecting my company name and logo etc?

How do i go about checking i am not infringing on someone else's name also?

Cheers,
Matt

You can see which company names are already taken, and register your own company, on the Companies House website :


https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house

sjbrun

But regestering a company at companies house isnt being a sole trader, It's being a company director.

If you want to protect your name etc without forming a limited company you'l have to see a solicitor as it is very hard to do.

Even with a limited company I send a few thousand a year protecting trademarks.

fishybusiness

Just another snippet - if you are selling from a website presumably you will collect customer names/ addresses and phone numbers.

You should register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

mattygm

Great, thanks for this info.