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. This short video explains the benefits of the partnership for businesses in Devon and Somerset.

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 Partnership

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

Incorporating your Private Ltd Company, LLP or CIC - a must!

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

Registering for VAT

If you need to register for VAT or find more information visit

>> www.gov.uk/vat-registration/overview

The ICO - Information rights and data privacy

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

You can also view our extensive GDPR for business resource page:

>> www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/start-grow-business/gdpr-for-businesses/

Legal resources for business

Law Donut – a legal resource for your business

>> https://www.lawdonut.co.uk/business/

To find out how the Growth Hub can help your business, contact our team today on 03456 047 047 or use our online form

business-support-icon-60px-01Business support programmes

    • Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards
    • Devon
    • Trading Standards is there to advise businesses on what they need to do to comply with legislation, whether it’s on how to deal with age-restricted products or any other area of trading law. Trading Standards isn’t just about trying to catch businesses out when they get something wrong, it’s about helping you get it right the first time.
    • Read more
    • HMRC
    • Devon and Somerset
    • HMRC provide online support for starting or running a business around topics such as business tax, self-assessment, business expenses and record keeping. Support options include webinars (online presentations), e-learning, YouTube videos and factsheets.
    • Read more
    • Enhance Social Enterprise - Heart of the South West
    • Devon and Somerset
    • Existing social enterprises will be supported to develop and launch new products and services as well as entering new markets. There will also be support for voluntary and community sector groups that want to transition into trading social enterprises as well as budding social entrepreneurs in need of help to develop their ideas to start trading
    • Read more
    • Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
    • Devon
    • Advice to businesses to assist with addressing all matters to fire safety. Primarily to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation, and achieve this with a minimum of fuss and cost.
    • Read more
    • PATLIB UK - Intellectual Property Information Centre
    • Plymouth
    • Plymouth PatLib is based in Plymouth Central Library and is part of a national network of Intellectual Property (IP) Information Centres supported by the Intellectual Property Office. (IPO)
    • Read more

icon-events-60pxEvents and workshops

Sorry, there are currently no resources available.

Get in touch

Contact the Growth Hub team to find out about support available locally.

03456 047 047

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    Data Protection
    The Heart of the South West Growth Hub service is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Plymouth City Council are the Managing Authority on behalf of Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.
    Somerset County Council is the Accountable Body and the Data Controller for the Heart of the South West Growth Hub Service.
    Please see Somerset County Council’s Privacy policy for information about how your data is used and stored by visiting Somerset County Councils website: http://www.somerset.gov.uk/accessing-our-information/privacy-notices-and-cookies




    Get free factsheets

    The Growth Hub have licenced access to thousands of practical, factual and digestible reports, guides, factsheets and reference resources for businesses.

    GOV.UK website

    Government advice, information and tools for businesses covering a whole range of sectors, issues and themes.

    HSE – Guide to Healthy & Safety

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has developed a range of tools and guidance to help small and medium sized businesses understand health and safety.

    Start or grow your business