Legal and regulatory

Introduction

When starting and running a business there are certain legal and regulatory rules you would need to abide by, some applicable to all businesses and others depend on the nature of your business. It is important to do your research to ensure you are compliant with all your responsibilities.

Further Information

The Growth Hub works in partnership with the Better Business for All (BBFA) initiative which brings together regulatory bodies in the Heart of the South West area. Visit our BBFA pages for more information about the regulatory bodies that you need to contact in your area.

Alternatively ‘Get in Touch’ with the Growth Hub team who can provide you with information on the legal and regulatory requirements for most business types via our ‘request a factsheet’ service.

Useful Links

• Registering a new business as a sole trader or ordinary partnership you must contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
• When starting up, private limited companies (whether limited by shares or guarantee), limited liability partnerships (LLPs) and Community Interest Companies (CICs) must first be incorporated (or registered as a legal entity) with Companies House – www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
• If you need to register for VAT or find more information visit – www.gov.uk/vat-registration/overview
• The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an independent authority concerned with information rights and data privacy, which provides information and guidance on privacy and electronic communication – https://ico.org.uk
• Law Donut – a legal resource for your business – https://www.lawdonut.co.uk/business/