The Start Up Road Map: The Quick Checklist

The Start Up Road Map: Quick Start Checklist

Starting a business doesn't have to be complicated. But knowing where to begin, and what order to do things in, is half the battle.

This quick start checklist cuts through the noise and gives you a simple, clear, tick-box guide to setting up a small business in the UK. No jargon, no overwhelm, no assuming you have a big budget. Just the eight key steps, broken down into straightforward actions you can work through at your own pace.

Written by the founder of CO Virtual Services, with over 10 years of experience supporting CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs, this is the starting point she wished someone had handed her.

What's covered across 8 steps:

• Step 1: Before You Do Anything Else — your idea, market research, SWOT, goals and pricing
• Step 2: Your Brand & Identity — business name, domain, social media and logo
• Step 3: Making It Official — sole trader vs limited company, registering, tax and VAT
• Step 4: Getting Set Up — bank account, insurance and record keeping
• Step 5: Getting Operational — email, website, LinkedIn, Google Business Profile and AI tools
• Step 6: Compliance & Protection — GDPR, privacy policy and contracts
• Step 7: Winning Clients — word of mouth, networking, referrals and social media
• Step 8: Money In — invoicing, payment terms, chasing late payments and saving for tax

Each step includes:

• Simple tick-box action items you can work through and come back to
• Useful links to the key websites and tools you'll actually need
• A disclaimer section so you know exactly where to go for professional guidance

This checklist is for you if:

• You want a no-nonsense overview of what starting a business actually involves
• You've started but want to sense-check you haven't missed anything important
• You're a visual person who wants to tick things off as you go rather than read a lengthy guide

Delivered instantly as a PDF download. Written for UK-based businesses.

Want more detail behind each point? The Start Up Road Map: The Complete Guide goes deeper on every step, covering the why, the watch out fors, and honest tips from someone who's actually done it. Available separately or as part of a bundle at covirtualservices.co.uk.



This checklist is a general starting point and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check gov.uk or speak to a qualified professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.