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Starting a company during Covid-19

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Hi All 
Wondering if anyone has recently launched a new business during Covid-19 and where you've drawn support, info and guidance from? I've naturally looked at HMRC/Gov websites and companies house but looking for opinions based on actual experience as well. 
I've been freelance for some time but now have a few new clients looking to work with established companies rather than sole traders.
Thanks in advance!  

Comments

  • Hi All 
    Wondering if anyone has recently launched a new business during Covid-19 and where you've drawn support, info and guidance from? I've naturally looked at HMRC/Gov websites and companies house but looking for opinions based on actual experience as well. 
    I've been freelance for some time but now have a few new clients looking to work with established companies rather than sole traders.
    Thanks in advance!  
    This a a significant difference between creating a new company and launching a new business.

    The places you have been looking will typically inform you on how to create a new company.

    On the other hand, you appear to have been in business, albeit as a sole trader, for some time, so I'm not sure what advice you need in that regards.

    I am sorry to hear that your new potential clients are wishing to only buy from established companies.
    Have you considered contacting those established companies that are currently competing against you with a view to joining them, especially if you can offer to bring those new clients with you to them?


  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 18,249 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    What industry sector is the OP in and what type of work does the OP do on what basis?
  • What industry sector is the OP in and what type of work does the OP do on what basis?
    Events, marketing and PR 
  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 18,249 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I think the desire for companies to only deal with companies is quite common.  Setting up a Ltd Co is very easy to do and has further advantages (but also disadvantages) compared to being a sole trader.  If you have Clients willing to award contracts to your Ltd Co but not to you as sole trader, that is then a strong deciding factor how to proceed.  An Accountant is  probably best placed to give you advice on your business structure.
  • I think the desire for companies to only deal with companies is quite common.  Setting up a Ltd Co is very easy to do and has further advantages (but also disadvantages) compared to being a sole trader.  If you have Clients willing to award contracts to your Ltd Co but not to you as sole trader, that is then a strong deciding factor how to proceed.  An Accountant is  probably best placed to give you advice on your business structure.
    The OP posted...
    ....
    I've been freelance for some time but now have a few new clients looking to work with established companies rather than sole traders.
    Thanks in advance!  
    (My highlighting)

    So that is why I didn't suggest to the OP to start a new limited company.
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