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Setting up a company: Most of the high street banks offer free advice on setting up a new company, with information packs on what you need to know and how to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or limited company. If you want to set up a limited company, you will need to contact Companies House who can help you register a new company and file company returns. www.companieshouse.gov.uk
Tax and VAT: Contact the Inland Revenue. Their Employer’s Helpline on 08457 143 143 offers general advice on PAYE, National Insurance, statutory sick pay, maternity pay and tax credits. The Business Support Teams on 0845 60 70 143 offer help and advice specifically for small businesses. www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/employers. HM Customs and Excise deals with all VAT (Value Added Tax) issues and also run short seminars on VAT for small and new businesses. http://www.hmce.gov.uk/
Licensing for your business: Business Link has a good tool on their website, which provides you with a list of licences and permits that your business requires after answering a few questions. It provides a checklist and local contact details of organisations. www.businesslink.gov.uk
Health and Safety: The Health and Safety Executive has a confidential helpline and their site includes comprehensive information for the industry. They also publish the Health and Safety Starter Pack which can is available via their website, as well as information on school trips and risk assessment measures. Your local council will have a Health and Safety Officer whom you can contact for free advice and information. www.hse.gov.uk
Data Protection Act: Businesses that hold information on other people, such as contact details of suppliers or customers are now legally required to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office under the provisions of the Data Protection Act. It is cheap and easy to do. The Information Commissioners’ website also includes guidelines about the Freedom of Information Act as well as how to obtain training materials about the Data Protection Act. www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk Complying with the Disability Discrimination Act: The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is now in full force and you need to be aware that you now need to take all reasonable steps to make sure your services are accessible to people with disabilities. The Disability Rights Commission can provide general advice to employers and service providers on the Disability Discrimination Act. They publish various booklets providing advice and have a useful self-appraisal toolkit for small and medium sized companies on their website. They have also published some guidance notes specifically for hotels, cafes, pubs and bars. http://www.drc-gb.org/. There is a also a government funded website that provides extensive disability related links - www.disability.gov.uk
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