Set-up Business in the UK?

Question

I am about to set-up a small business in the UK. I have found some companies helpijg with you the application and giving you extra perks like business cards etc... Does anyone know if Duport is any good?

Answer 1

Yes they seem alright.

If you need any IT help please ask and i will help.

Answer 2

I have never heard of Duport but I have just checked their site.  Parts are a little misleading like the "reserve your company name section" reserving a name is the same as registering one.  Their packages aren't all that cheap either.  I have registered various companies on behalf of others and always use Companies Made Simple.  They've been around for a while and it is all done online.  Usually it only takes a few hours for the formation to go through. They also have really cheap basic packages if you are on a shoestring budget.

They also offer extra services.

Some of my clients have used the same company for something called virtual offices. If you are just starting out it may well be worth looking into. Basically it means you can work from home but use their central London address so that your company appears better established and more professional. They then offer mail forwarding and telephone answering services as well.

You can check out the company formations on www.companiesmadesimple.com.

And that virtual office co is www.londonpresence.com.

Good luck.  I advise to use companies like these because they honestly have the cheapest prices I have found, and when you are starting a new business you should try and keep all your outgoings to a minimum.  Basic business is spend little make lots. Don't start by spending lots.

Answer 3

Never heard of Duport sorry, but I've used Companies Made Simple for setting up 2 LTD companies and they turn the whole process around in a few hours.

Although I'm wondering if you need to be trading as a LTD Co? The main tax advantages of being LTD are when your business is making a large profit, but these aren't really worth it for profits of less than £20k or so. Also the accounts for a LTD Co are more complex and you may need an accountant, whereas if you're a sole trader, you can probably complete your Self Assessment yourself, saving hundreds in accountancy fees.

I've found the following businesses useful and excellent prices for start-ups:

www.vistaprint.co.uk for business cards and 3 fold brochures (they also do loads of promotional items like car magnets which I bought for under £20)

www.solopress.com for flyers (£90 for 5,000 A6 double sided)

www.call-catchers.co.uk for telephone answering (cheaper than most and reliable £50 month)

www.easyas123accounts.co.uk for simple book keeping Excel based (£35 for sole trader)

Public Liability insurance depends on what sector you're in as prices vary dramatically

Best of luck :-)