Business Start Up & Formation

Launching a new business is one of the most exciting decisions you can make, but it also brings a host of important choices that can shape your future success. From selecting the right legal structure and registering with the appropriate authorities to understanding your ongoing compliance obligations, there is a great deal to consider before you even serve your first customer.

Many entrepreneurs across Guildford, Woking and the wider Surrey area come to us at this critical early stage, and for good reason. Getting professional guidance from the outset can save you significant money and countless headaches further down the line. A misstep with your business structure, for instance, could leave you paying more tax than necessary or expose you to personal liability that could have been avoided.

At 360 Accounts & Bookkeeping, we specialise in helping Surrey entrepreneurs navigate these early decisions with confidence. Whether you are leaving employment to go it alone, turning a side project into a full-time venture, or launching a brand-new idea, our team will ensure you start on the strongest possible footing.

Our business start-up service is designed to be genuinely end-to-end. We do not simply help you register and leave you to it. Instead, we walk alongside you through every stage of the formation process, answering your questions, explaining your obligations, and making sure nothing is overlooked. This comprehensive approach means you can concentrate on building your business rather than worrying about paperwork and red tape.

Our process begins with an initial consultation, either in person at our Guildford office, over the phone, or via video call. During this meeting, we take the time to understand your business idea, your financial situation, and your aspirations. This allows us to provide a tailored recommendation on the most appropriate business structure for your needs.

Once you are happy with our recommendation, we move swiftly to handle all registrations on your behalf. For limited companies, this typically means your business can be up and running within a matter of days. We then ensure your HMRC registrations are in place and set up your accounting systems so you can begin trading with full confidence.

Our support does not end once your business is formed. We offer ongoing accounting, bookkeeping and compliance services to clients throughout Guildford, Woking, Godalming, Farnham, Camberley and the surrounding Surrey towns. Many of our start-up clients grow with us for years, benefiting from a trusted adviser who understands their business from the very beginning.

One of the most important early decisions is choosing how your business will be legally structured. Each option carries its own advantages and considerations, and the right choice depends on your individual circumstances.

Once your business is officially registered, there are several important steps you should take to ensure everything runs smoothly from the start. Overlooking any of these can lead to complications later on.

Open a business bank account. Keeping your personal and business finances separate is essential for accurate record-keeping and makes your year-end accounts far more straightforward. Most banks offer dedicated business accounts, and we can advise on the best options available.

Set up accounting software. Cloud-based platforms such as QuickBooks or Xero allow you to track income and expenses in real time, issue invoices, and stay on top of your finances from day one. We offer preferential rates on leading software and will help you get set up.

Register for VAT if applicable. If you expect your taxable turnover to exceed the VAT registration threshold (currently £90,000), you must register for VAT. In some cases, voluntary registration can actually benefit your business, and we can advise whether this applies to you.

Understand your employer responsibilities. If you plan to take on staff, you will need to operate PAYE, handle pension auto-enrolment, and comply with employment legislation. We provide full payroll services to make this seamless.

Arrange appropriate insurance. Depending on your industry, you may need public liability insurance, professional indemnity cover, or employers' liability insurance. Some types of cover are a legal requirement, so it is worth checking early.