The five things you need to do when starting a business

Setting-up a new business can be daunting - but more and more people are going it alone.

Small businesses accounted for 99.3% of all private sector businesses at the start of 2015 and 99.9% were small or medium-d (SMEs).

So what are the most important things entrepreneurs need to consider? Our Corporate and Business Advisory Partner Ritchie Whyte (pictured) lists his top tips below.

1) Choose the correct company structure

In reality, you will have four options: become a sole trader, form a partnership, or incorporate a limited liability company or partnership (LLP).

The main difference between them is the level of personal liability you are exposed to. If you are not going to employ anybody, you will probably best fit the sole trader category, as there is little red tape to deal with. However, be aware that the law makes no distinction between the business and its owner, which means any business debt is met from the owner’s personal wealth if the business fails.

The most common extension of the sole trader model is a partnership – which is essentially a grouping of self-employed people. It is important to have an agreement amongst the partners as to how the liabilities, ownership and profits of the business are split and how the business is managed.

Traditionally, the limited company vehicle has been tax efficient for higher turnover businesses and makes it easier to grow and secure investment, whilst controlling your exposure to financial risk. However, that credibility and protection comes with an additional administrative burden.

The limited liability partnership (LLP) model offers a hybrid between partnership and limited company. It gives the financial protection available to limited company shareholders, alongside the tax regime and flexibility available to partnerships. These are particularly well suited to companies offering professional services. 

2) Terms and conditions for suppliers and customers

This is definitely not a ‘sexy’ part of setting-up a business, but it certainly is one of the most important. Poorly drafted contracts - or no contracts at all - are the biggest source of disputes between businesses and suppliers.

If you don't specify terms and conditions, you put yourself at risk of uncertainty and misunderstandings. Therefore, it is vital to establish the actual arrangement between the two parties involved in any deal.

Not getting this right could impact your cashflow through delayed payments and having to pay for materials before taking payments.

3) Branding / marketing

Effective marketing is underpinned by sound knowledge of the market. Only by knowing exactly what your customers want can you hope to satisfy them and possibly even lure them away from your competitors.  

Marketing success is underpinned by the Four Ps – product, price, place (distribution) and promotion.  Get the right combination and you'll maximise your success. In terms of promotion, you’ll need to think about a website, social media presence, e-mail marketing and PR to generate news about your business and the services you offer. Look upon these as investments rather than costs. 

4) Employment contracts for employees

5) Financial advice

Support for new businesses

Aberdein Considine offers comprehensive legal support to small businesses across Scotland. Both Ritchie and his fellow Corporate Partner Jacqueline Law are recommended by the independent Legal 500 guide.

To speak to either of them, call 0333 0044 333 or click here.