Setting up as a sole trader or limited company: step-by-step guide

In these 1-2-1 sessions we offer two options:

• We can explain the process and show you how to set-up as either a sole trader or Ltd company for you to complete at a later date. OR
• We can help you set up in person at the meeting.

Inconvenient time? If the available slot does not suit you, we'll strive to arrange a more suitable day and time. Please email us at bipc@bristol.gov.uk with your preferred availability, and we'll do our utmost to accommodate you

The details below outline the session if you wish to set-up on the day.

Session outline for setting up on the day

• Learn about limited companies/ sole trading
• Create a Government Gateway ID
• Enrol as a limited company/ sole trading
• Obligations of a limited company/ sole trading
• Tax Filing
• Further Guidance

PLEASE have the following information with you at the meeting to be able to register:

• Name, address, date of birth, contact details
• British Passport
• National Insurance (NI) Number
• P60 Information
• Credit Reference Information
• Company Details (if setting up as a Ltd company.)

This booking is for a session at BIPC Central Library. However, we can offer the same service at our other BIPCs on certain days. If you would like to take this option email or call to arrange.

Knowle Library on Thursdays

1, Broadwalk Shopping Centre Wells Rd Knowle, BS4 2QU

Junction 3 Library on Tuesdays and Fridays

Baptist Mills Court Easton, BS5 0FJ

Southmead Library on Wednesday

Southmead House256 Greystoke Avenue Southmead, BS10 6BA

In advance of the meeting we will send out a brief questionnaire so that you can tell us some background information on your business idea, to help us tailor the session and to confirm your business details or pre-start plans.

This session is provided by BIPC Bristol and is free of charge for residents and businesses based in Bristol and the surrounding area.

It is a requirement of our funding body that we record every organised interaction with pre-start and start-up businesses at BIPC Bristol. Please therefore take a few moments to provide us with the relevant information needed so we may provide our service.

Helping you to start and grow your small business with free resources, 1:1 support, advice clinics & workshops

The Business & IP Centre Bristol supports people to start, protect and grow their businesses. We offer a range of free events, workshops and clinics at our main centre located in Bristol Central Library as well as Junction 3, Southmead and Knowle Libraries. You can also access our free market research and intellectual property databases at all BIPCs.

These sessions are available for people who either live or work in the Bristol region. We are here to support anyone in the Bristol area with a business idea or small-medium sized business. Not your region? Find your local BIPC to find out how they can help you: https://www.bl.uk/business-and-ip-centre/national-network

BIPC Bristol is part of Bristol Libraries and the BIPC National Network.

Please note that we are not able to give legal or specialist advice, but we will talk you through the sort of information you may find useful and help you get the most out of the Business & IP Centre library resources.

We can offer one-to-one sessions by Zoom if you prefer, please book your time slot here on Eventbrite and email bipc@bristol.gov.uk to ask for your appointment to be held over Zoom.

FAQs

What is your refund policy?

Our events are free, but places are limited and events are usually oversubscribed. Please give two working days’ notice via email if you wish to cancel.

Can I attend if I'm not a member of the library?

Absolutely! Any Bristol based business or person with a business idea is welcome. Though we always recommend joining the library as it's free and will make accessing our databases, books and publications much easier.

How can I find out about any news & upcoming events?

Follow us on Eventbrite and you can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and events. For more information on BIPC Bristol check out our web pages: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/BIPC

Privacy policy statement

After you have attended one of our events we ask that you complete a short feedback form. We will use the information you provide to improve the services we offer in line with our legitimate interests. This information is collected and transferred to us by our third-party processor, Impact Reporting using their Impact Assessment Tool. Impact Reporting will retain your data to save time when completing any future feedback forms we may send you. For more information about how they use personal information, please see their privacy policy online at https://impactreporting.co.uk/legal/privacy-policy/

For information about how the British Library will use your personal data, you can view our Privacy Policy at https://www.bl.uk/about-us/privacy-policy

For information about how Business & IP Centre Bristol will use your personal data, you can view our privacy policy at: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/about-our-website/privacy