Additional information
by Phil Dickinson (Author), Terry Hodge (Author)
Dreaming of starting your own business - but unsure where to begin?
This book gives you the complete, no-nonsense roadmap to turn ideas into income and ambition into action.
Written by experienced UK business and tax consultants Terry Hodge and Phil Dickinson, this guide takes you step-by-step from your first spark of an idea to running a profitable, compliant, and sustainable company in the UK.
Inside, You Will Learn How To:✅ Validate your idea and build a brand that stands out
✅ Choose the most tax-efficient structure (sole trader, limited company, or LLP)
✅ Register your business properly with HMRC and Companies House
✅ Manage cash flow, payroll, and compliance with confidence
✅ Use AI and digital tools to save time and boost productivity
✅ Hire, protect, and scale your business the smart way
✅ Plan for tax efficiency, growth, and future exit strategy
Each chapter combines real-world experience, checklists, templates, and practical insights from Bespoke Planning Solutions LLP, specialists in helping UK entrepreneurs build businesses that last.
Who This Book is ForPerfect for:
- First-time founders
- Freelancers or consultants ready to go limited
- Side-hustlers turning skills into income
- Ambitious SME owners preparing to scale
- Anyone who wants to start and grow a UK business - the right way
Unlike generic "start-up" guides written for US or Global markets, this guide is 100% UK-focused, covering:
- Current tax rules and UK legislation
- UK Funding (Start Up Loans, Growth Loan, SEIS, EIS and Grants)
- Practical steps for HMRC, Companies House, VAT, PAYE, and more
- Real case studies from UK entrepreneurs
This is not theory; it is a working playbook based on decades of hands-on experience.
About the AuthorsTerry Hodge and Phil Dickinson are senior business and tax consultants with 50+ years of combined experience, advising UK entrepreneurs, SMEs, and family businesses on structure, compliance, tax planning and long-term growth.
Build it once. Build it right.
Turn your idea into a profitable, compliant, and future-proof business with The Ultimate UK Business Start-Up Guide.
