Meet your legal obligations as a UK business owner with confidence
Running a business in the UK comes with a wide range of legal responsibilities — from Companies House filing and GDPR compliance to employer duties, licensing, and health and safety. This hub gives small and medium-sized businesses a clear overview of what is required and how to stay compliant without expensive consultants.
41 guides in this section
Popular guides
View all 41Companies House Filing Obligations
Annual confirmation statements, accounts, and other filing requirements for limited companies.
GDPR & Data Protection for Small Businesses
What the UK GDPR means in practice for small businesses, including lawful bases and records.
Employer Legal Obligations
Payroll, RTI, auto-enrolment, right to work checks, and other duties when you take on staff.
Business Licences & Permits
Common licences required for food businesses, alcohol, events, taxis, and regulated activities.
Health & Safety Basics
Risk assessments, employer duties under HSWA 1974, and what the HSE inspects.
Making Tax Digital
MTD requirements for VAT and income tax, compatible software, and deadlines for compliance.
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All guides in this section
Companies House Filing Obligations
Annual confirmation statements, accounts, and other filing requirements for limited companies.
GDPR & Data Protection for Small Businesses
What the UK GDPR means in practice for small businesses, including lawful bases and records.
Employer Legal Obligations
Payroll, RTI, auto-enrolment, right to work checks, and other duties when you take on staff.
Business Licences & Permits
Common licences required for food businesses, alcohol, events, taxis, and regulated activities.
Health & Safety Basics
Risk assessments, employer duties under HSWA 1974, and what the HSE inspects.
Making Tax Digital
MTD requirements for VAT and income tax, compatible software, and deadlines for compliance.
Self-Employment & Sole Trader Obligations
Registration, Self Assessment, National Insurance, and bookkeeping requirements for sole traders.
Contracts & Terms of Business
Essential clauses for service contracts, B2B and B2C terms, and avoiding unenforceable terms.
IR35 & Off-Payroll Working
How IR35 affects contractors and businesses using personal service companies.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
AML obligations for accountants, estate agents, legal firms, and other regulated sectors.
Consumer Contract Regulations
Distance selling rules, cancellation rights, and mandatory information for online sellers.
Register of Beneficial Owners (PSC)
The requirement to identify and register people with significant control over your company.
PAYE & Payroll Compliance
Running payroll correctly, Real Time Information submissions, and National Insurance contributions.
VAT Registration & Returns
When you must register for VAT, completing returns, and common VAT pitfalls for small businesses.
PAYE Basics for Employers
Setting up PAYE, deducting income tax and National Insurance, and making Real Time Information submissions.
Auto-Enrolment Pensions
Employer duties to automatically enrol eligible staff into a qualifying workplace pension scheme.
Corporation Tax
When limited companies must pay corporation tax, how to calculate it, and how to file a return.
Self Assessment Basics
Who needs to complete a Self Assessment tax return, key deadlines, and how to avoid penalties.
Business Insurance Overview
The main types of business insurance, what is legally required, and how to choose the right cover.
Employer's Liability Insurance
The legal requirement to hold employer's liability insurance and the minimum cover required.
Workplace Policies
Essential written policies every employer should have, from disciplinary procedures to data protection.
Anti-Bribery Compliance
Your obligations under the Bribery Act 2010 and what "adequate procedures" means in practice.
Modern Slavery Statement
Which businesses must publish a modern slavery statement and what it should contain.
Equality Act Duties for Employers
Employer obligations under the Equality Act 2010, from recruitment to reasonable adjustments.
Maternity Rights for Employers
Employer obligations around maternity leave, Statutory Maternity Pay, and keeping a role open.
Redundancy Process for Employers
The legally required steps for making staff redundant fairly, including consultation and selection.
Disciplinary Procedures
Running a fair disciplinary process in line with the ACAS Code of Practice to avoid tribunal claims.
Handling Employee Grievances
How to respond to a formal grievance from an employee and the steps a fair procedure requires.
DBS Checks
When employers are required or permitted to request a DBS check and the different levels of disclosure.
National Minimum Wage for Employers
Employer obligations to pay the correct minimum wage and HMRC's enforcement and naming powers.
Working Time Rules for Employers
Managing staff hours, rest breaks, and opt-outs from the 48-hour week in compliance with the law.
Whistleblowing Policies for Employers
Creating an effective speak-up policy and protecting workers who make protected disclosures.
Fire Safety for Businesses
Fire risk assessment duties, fire safety equipment requirements, and the Regulatory Reform Order.
Food Hygiene & Safety
Registration, hygiene ratings, and food safety management obligations for businesses handling food.
Alcohol Licensing
Premises licences, personal licences, and the four licensing objectives under the Licensing Act 2003.
Waste Management for Businesses
Duty of care obligations, waste carrier registration, and how to dispose of business waste legally.
Accessibility Compliance
Reasonable adjustments for disabled customers and staff under the Equality Act 2010.
Business Rates
How business rates are calculated, small business rate relief, and how to appeal your rateable value.
IR35 and Off-Payroll Working
Rules for contractors and businesses using off-payroll workers.
VAT Schemes
Flat Rate, Cash Accounting, and Annual Accounting VAT schemes.
Employment Allowance
Up to £10,500 off your employer National Insurance bill.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register my small business with the ICO?
What happens if I miss a Companies House deadline?
When do I need to auto-enrol my staff into a pension?
Do I need a written contract with my customers?
How long do I need to keep employee records?
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