How do I start my own business?

[igouli]

Hi there, I have been with my employer for 8 years and I feel like the time is right for me to move on.

I'm looking to become self-employed working as a subcontractor to commercial companies whilst doing domestic whenever I get work come in. The plan is to have enough domestic work come in that I don't need to sub to any companies and eventually become a limited company.

I have all the right qualifications NVQ Level 3, 18th edition, testing 2391-52, and have been qualified for 4 years now.

My questions are:
1. What do I need to sign my own work off is it just part P or do I need more? (I used my company to sign some of my private work off previously)
2. Do I register as a limited company straight away or as a sole trader?
3. What sort of insurance do I need?
4. Are there any schemes I need to register to?

and any other information I need to start up that I don't know?

Thanks, I.

 

[telectrix]

My questions are:
1. What do I need to sign my own work off is it just part P or do I need more? (I used my company to sign some of my private work off previously). NICEIC or Napit membership
2. Do I register as a limited company straight away or as a sole trader? Sole Trader IMO
3. What sort of insurance do I need? Public liability at least 2m.Personal Liabilty esp if doing test reports.
4. Are there any schemes I need to register to? see Q1.

and any other information I need to start up that I don't know?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Start a YouTube channel and join the invasion of celebrity builders and handymen ( no I'm not joking , these guys pick up tonnes of work via their YouTube channel & associated social media )

 

[snowhead]

Also a Waste Carriers Licence.

You'll need enough cash in the bank to cover household costs including mortgage / rent / cars etc.
And enough to cover van running costs and materials costs, inlcuding for when you don't get paid for weeks or months or not at all.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

Get yourself an AMEX card so that you get upto 56 days on materials and purchases etc.
I use mine wisely and it allows me to pay suppliers so in effect getting upto 86 days interest free - albeit annual fee of £150.00