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The one-person business checklist (UK)

Use this checklist to make sure nothing important is missing when you start or relaunch a one-person business in the UK. It is general information, not legal or tax advice; check current rules on GOV.UK or with an accountant.

Idea and validation

  • Problem written in one sentence with a number.
  • Customer narrowed to a role plus a size, place or situation.
  • At least 10 problem conversations held.
  • At least 3 paid commitments, pre-orders or pilots.
  • One-page plan written and dated.

Legal and tax set-up

  • Structure chosen: sole trader or limited company.
  • Registered with HMRC for Self Assessment, or company registered with Companies House.
  • VAT threshold checked (current figure on GOV.UK).
  • ICO data protection fee checked if you hold customer personal data.
  • Terms of service and privacy notice published before taking payment.
  • Insurance considered (professional indemnity, public liability).

Money

  • Separate business bank account.
  • Simple bookkeeping from day one (spreadsheet or software).
  • Money set aside for tax every time you are paid.
  • Price checked against the number of sales you need each month.
  • Invoice and payment terms written down.

Marketing and customers

  • One main channel chosen and committed to for 6 weeks.
  • Weekly outreach target with a number.
  • A short, honest description of what you do and for whom.
  • A process to ask happy customers for a review and an introduction.
  • A way to handle complaints and refunds fairly and quickly.

Weekly habits

  • Friday review: sales, lessons, next week's one priority.
  • Track four numbers: messages, replies, conversations, sales.
  • Protect time for delivery so marketing does not crowd it out.
  • Re-check your plan whenever you learn something new.

Check how clearly your idea is described

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