 Legal basics for new businesses
Some of the key legal issues that you need to consider when starting a business.
DTI: a guide to regulatory requirements
The DTI publish this very useful chart for small firms. It covers business structure, financial issues, health & environment, premises and licenses, and gives details of how to obtain all the free
publications mentioned. From: DTI Publications Orderline, ADMAIL 528, LONDON, SW1W 8YT. Tel: 0870 1502 500.
E-mail: dtipubs@echristian.co.uk
Start-up Regulations 
Some useful questions and answers from the Small Business Service.
What type of business should I set up?
How are you going to set up your business - sole trader, partnership, a limited company or are you going to take on a franchise? This page from the Small Business Service provides a guide. They
also have a useful page on Internet Start-ups
Can I register and protect my business name?
What can you call yourself? Business names no longer need to be registered, although you need to check as best you can that the name you choose is not the same or similar to any other business
in your locality. This page from the Small Business Service will help you.
If you set up a limited company then you will only be able to register a name which is not already on the register. You can search the Companies House Register online here and the Trademark Register here
Companies House publish two useful guides, both available online: Business Names and Company Names
Look for Guidance Booklets on the Companies House website.
Trading Laws
If you are going to be supplying goods and services to the public then you are going to need to know about certain bits of consumer legislation - such as the Sale of Goods Act (they must correspond
with their description, be of satisfactory quality and be fit for the purpose) and the Trade Descriptions Act. There are some excellent online information sheets on the Trading Standards' website.
Check out the ones that relate to your type of business.
Employing People 
There is a lot of employment legislation with which you will have to comply. See our page of links for more help.
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