Stages to setting up Heating/Plumbing business as Ltd Company

[lee246]

Hi All,
I've taken the plunge and registered on here to seek help with regards to the stages involved in planning, starting, and growing my business as a Ltd Company.

First a bit of background info...
I've recently left my job working for British Gas as a Gas Engineer. I've spent 9 years working for them and completed my apprenticeship and training with them so I'm pretty competent in my chosen field. I'm now hoping to start up on my own and run a Heating/Plumbing business catering to the domestic market which would include installation, service, and repair. I plan on registering for VAT straight away to reduce the hassle of introducing it at a later date.
I've done an awful lot of research but I think I've taken in that much information that I've developed a mental block. I'm hoping to gain a bit of advice with regards to the correct step by step procedure I should follow to get up and running and trading.

The stage I'm at, at present:
I have personal funding to put into the business as a director's loan. I have a business name. I have a logo designed. I have a rough outline of start up costs and a 6 month projecting running cost total.

Where do I go from here? My way of thinking how I need to progress is as follows:

1. Speak to, and choose an accountant (I've found one locally with very good reviews who include Xero software use in their fees)
2. Form the Ltd Company
3. Register a domain name and get a website online
4. Lease Hire a van and purchase tools/equipment
5. Start working.

I'm aware it's a basic plan, which is why I need help either inserting more steps or rearranging them. I'm also concerned that it's very close to the end of the financial year, so I'm deliberating whether to hold off for another month before I start up.

Any help and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Lee.

 

[Scalloway]

You missed out marketing. Without customers your business is nothing.

 

[lee246]

Sorry I've not elaborated on that. I'm actually already turning down little bits of work here and there as I'm not set up yet.
I intend to start by taking up these bits of work, as well as actively pursuing making my website rank well for my area, and also sign up to as many competent persons schemes as I can. I am also considering a leaflet drop of the local area I live. It's a new housing estate of new builds all of which contain condensing boilers which require annual servicing to keep up on their guarantees. There's 3000+ houses with another 3000+ to be built over the next 20 years. I'm also getting some branded service stickers made so I can stick them to the boiler with the next service due date, along with my branding and contact details, which should hopefully stick in mind as and when they pass by their boilers.