starting up a company.. need advice

[5abi]

Hi

I did do a search about this but couldnt find anything relevant. I am on a mission to start a business online. I am very very new to this so please bare with me.

I have the passion, and drive and enthusiam to do this now after so many redundancies, failed attempts and plain old pracastination. I have an idea for a website that I want to make a reality. As soon as its up, it will hopefully start generating some revenue. While its being built, I am polishing up all my SEO skills and content production skills. I think I am doing well so far.

I was wondering, should I bother with registering a company at this stage? I am already in work and I am not sure of all the legalities of starting a company while in employment. If someone could shed some light on that, it would help a lot. I am also not sure if its actually required at this stage. Should I just register it so that I have the name to myself at least? I dont think there will be any activity of bank accounts for it for a while until I start earning money from the web business.

Furthermore, what the best route to take for registering a company. I saw so many websites offering a £25 service and then some £60 with articles of memorandum etc etc. If someone can tell me the best route to take for registering one and naming my partner as secretary or something, that would be great.

Oh yes, for an online business to kick off, I would need all the help and support in terms of PR etc. Whats the best route to take for that?

 

[Marty4]

Hi

I did do a search about this but couldnt find anything relevant. I am on a mission to start a business online. I am very very new to this so please bare with me.

I have the passion, and drive and enthusiam to do this now after so many redundancies, failed attempts and plain old pracastination. I have an idea for a website that I want to make a reality. As soon as its up, it will hopefully start generating some revenue. While its being built, I am polishing up all my SEO skills and content production skills. I think I am doing well so far.

I was wondering, should I bother with registering a company at this stage? I am already in work and I am not sure of all the legalities of starting a company while in employment. If someone could shed some light on that, it would help a lot. I am also not sure if its actually required at this stage. Should I just register it so that I have the name to myself at least? I dont think there will be any activity of bank accounts for it for a while until I start earning money from the web business.

Furthermore, what the best route to take for registering a company. I saw so many websites offering a £25 service and then some £60 with articles of memorandum etc etc. If someone can tell me the best route to take for registering one and naming my partner as secretary or something, that would be great.

Oh yes, for an online business to kick off, I would need all the help and support in terms of PR etc. Whats the best route to take for that?

I wouldn't bother registering the company now, especially if it's only an idea and you haven't properly researched it yet, why not register the domain name(s) if you feel you need a little bit of security.

As for the registration process, I registered my company via 'Quick Formations' using their QuickName package, cost me £37 and includes your Memorandum and Articles in PDF format or hard copy at an additional cost. It's very simple to do.

 

[guscat]

There are many sources of help available to you, including the business link website and also some very helpful books on starting businesses, that I would recommend whole heartedly such as The "Financial Times" Guide to Business Start Up 2009, which will answer most of your questions.

You need to ensure that there is a market for your idea, and these sources will help you with this, as well as what legal structure will be best for your business.

I agree with the last comment, research first, act second, and sure, get the domain now, but before you take the leap, speak to potential customers in a research capacilty.

Good Luck - All the best businesses were where you are now at some stage.

 

[5abi]

Thank you so much for your advice. I do already own the domain names, I have had them for ages. Both .co.uk and com versions

Does anyone have a take on PR companies big and small? I have no knowledge in this area. What do they do for you? How much do they cost? What PR companies good for internet businesses?

 

[profitxchange]

At your stage of business start up I would not consider using a PR company unless you are intending a big bang start up. however, whatever your business I would not rely just on a website, offline marketing can be very effective.

 

[Micheal thomas]

One advantage when registering your company is that you have exclusive rights and other companies will not try to copy it. This way you will surely keep your reputation high and will be protected from eventual frauds. Another important aspect is to try and register as fast as you can, because some people might try to register your trademark.

 

[JamesCartwright]

The company I work for can set up a company for you for only £24.99, which will include all fees to Companies House and come with emailed incorporation certificate and memorandum/articles.

We are part of a firm of chartered accountants, and can offer other services too.

Please have a look at our website here: Wisteria Formations.

James.