Launch It Stoke-on-Trent Start-Up Smarts Masterclass: Setting Up a Business

Ready to turn your big idea into a real business? 🚀

Join the Launch It Stoke-on-trent Start-Up Smarts Masterclass Series, a FREE support programme designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18–30 who want to launch, run, and grow their own start-up! In this series, you'll get expert insights, real-world tips, and practical tools to help you succeed, whether you're just starting out or already on your way.

In this pilot session, 'Setting Up Your Business', Karen Lewis of Key Accountancy will walk you through the essential steps of setting up your business the right way -- from legal structures and registrations to finance basics and avoiding common mistakes. It is designed to give entrepreneurs and small business owners the essential knowledge to get started with confidence.

WHAT TO EXPECT

✅ Business Structures Explained – Sole trader, partnership, limited company, CICs – pros, cons, tax, and compliance.
✅ Paying Yourself – Salary vs dividends, tax implications, and National Insurance explained in plain English.
✅ Taking on Employees – Payroll, pensions, HR responsibilities, and employer obligations.
✅ VAT Made Simple – When to register, thresholds, and whether voluntary registration is right for you.
✅ Getting Ready to Trade – Choosing the right bank account, accounting software, and staying compliant.
✅ Managing Finances – Record keeping, allowable expenses, budgets, cashflow, and profit planning.
✅ Planning Ahead – Business plans, forecasting, and the importance of cashflow.
✅ Practical Exercises – Real-life examples to help you understand tax, profit margins, and accounting methods.

Whether you’re a sole trader just starting out or considering setting up a limited company, this session gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make the right decisions for your business.

All sessions are hosted by top business experts and industry leaders, sharing the strategies and knowledge they’ve used to build successful ventures. Future sessions will touch on actionable start-up hacks, using AI to boost your business, marketing strategies and other essential skills every young founder should know!

You’ll also have the chance to connect with other young people on the same entrepreneurial journey; sharing ideas, building networks, and learning together.

🎟️ Only 20 spots per session—book now to secure your place!

Key Accountancy Services is a trusted, family-run accountancy firm based in Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent, serving businesses across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Shropshire since 2013. Founded by FCCA-qualified accountant Karen Lewis, the practice offers a comprehensive range of services, including bookkeeping, payroll, company secretarial support, personal tax, and full accountancy, designed to empower clients with clear, actionable financial guidance. Find out more here.

Launch It Stoke-on-Trent is a new youth enterprise charity based in Longton Town Hall, offering subsidised workspaces and fully funded start-up support including training, mentoring, access to funding, and 1:1 advice.

👉🏽 Follow us at @launchit_uk on Instagram for updates go to www.launchit.org.uk/stoke-on-trent to know more about the spaces and support available at the hub! You can also watch this reel for a little virtual tour!