Starting a company in the UK is a process that starts with a business idea and ends with the launch of a new business. During this process, an entrepreneur must go through several key steps before the company is up and running. If you are considering company formation in London, or elsewhere in the UK, below Your Company Formations Ltd shares 10 essential tips to help you avoid the common pitfalls of starting a new company.

Carefully evaluate your business idea

Even if you have a business-starting idea that you think is brilliant, it may not be viable or practical. If your customers are not convinced of the value of your product or service offer, the business is doomed to failure. It is important to share your idea with other people. A relevant business idea must pique the interest of the people you interact with.

Ensure you are competent

Before diving into company formation, you must be sure that you are fully capable of running the business. If not, you need to improve your knowledge and skills. To do this, you can take training, do internships or work with an employer in order to gain relevant experience. Taking a skills assessment also allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you lack certain skills, consider finding a partner or hiring competent staff.

Consider the impact of your new company on your life

Launching a new company will have an impact on your personal life on several levels. You must anticipate these consequences before setting up your business by assessing all your personal constraints: working time, family life, leisure and holidays, health status, ability to manage stressful situations, and more. It may well be that your new company will have a more positive impact in these areas of your life compared to your previous professional activity.

Assess your finances

Company formation requires capital. In this regard, you should take stock of personal finances that you can afford to invest in your company and the financial resources at your disposal to help raise capital. The latter is very important. It ensures that your savings continue to finance your personal needs before you start making profits.

Develop a solid business plan

Writing a business plan allows you to clarify your business ideas. In addition, a written presentation of your project will be useful if you need to bring in partners or investors. They will ask you for your business plan to get more details about your company. Work on the business plan begins from the outset. Initially, it proposes an outline of the project: market identification, product or service supply project, and targeted clientele. Secondly, your business plan must be continuously updated and improved.

Choose a company structure

Before you register a business with the Companies House, you will first have to choose a company structure. Options include Public limited company (PLC), Private company limited by shares (LTD), Company limited by guarantee, Unlimited Company (Unltd), Limited liability partnership (LLP), and Community interest company. Each option offers different benefits and risks and you should consult a company formations expert to help you make the best decision. To learn more or get expert help with company formation, please get in touch with Your Company Formations today.