Yes, it’s recommended. Verbal agreements can lead to confusion. A written contract protects everyone, it sets expectations, payment terms, and what happens if things go wrong. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even a simple, signed agreement is better than none. Foundrs can point you to trusted legal partners if you need templates or support.

No. Companies House will reject names that are too close to each other (even if the spelling is slightly different). For example, “Bright Lab Ltd” and “Bright Labs Limited” would be considered too similar. It’s best to pick something distinctive that stands on its own.

Keep it unique, clear, and professional. Companies House won’t allow names that are too similar to existing ones or include restricted words like “Royal” or “Bank.” You also can’t use anything misleading or offensive. Foundrs checks your name automatically, so you’ll know instantly if it’s available.

Good software can handle invoices, expenses, and reports, but an accountant brings experience. They can explain what’s tax-deductible, check your filings, and keep you compliant. Think of software as a tool and an accountant as an adviser. Foundrs can help you connect with trusted accountants when you’re ready.

If your business handles personal information, like customer names, emails, or payment details, GDPR applies to you, no matter how small you are. You must collect and store data securely, explain how it’s used, and only keep it for as long as necessary. You’ll also need a clear privacy policy on your website. Using modern tools (like encrypted CRMs and secure payment platforms) makes compliance much easier. It’s not as scary as it sounds, GDPR is really about respecting people’s information. Do that, and you’re already most of the way there.

Yes, absolutely. You can be the sole director and the only shareholder in a UK limited company. You’ll own 100% of the shares and control all business decisions. Just remember, you’ll also carry full responsibility for filing accounts, paying taxes, and keeping your company compliant with HMRC and Companies House. It’s a great setup for freelancers, consultants, or solo founders who want the benefits of limited liability but still work independently. You don’t need a team to start a company, just you and a good plan.

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be a headache, it’s all about small, consistent habits. Start by separating business and personal finances with a dedicated bank account. Use cloud accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent to automatically track income and expenses. Upload receipts as you go (apps like Dext make this easy). Set aside one day a week (even just 30 minutes) to review transactions, chase invoices, and tidy your books. Regular updates stop small errors from snowballing. And if it all feels too much, consider hiring a part-time bookkeeper. Staying organised saves stress and money at tax time.

Not legally, but it’s a smart move. Registering your company name at Companies House protects it in a legal sense, but that doesn’t stop someone else from using the same name online. Securing your domain name (like yourwebsite.co.uk) and social handles early helps protect your brand identity. If your name or logo is central to your brand, consider registering a trademark too. It gives you exclusive rights to use it in the UK and makes it easier to stop copycats later.

Your registered office address must be a real UK address where official mail can be sent. You can use your home address, but it will appear on the public record. Many people prefer using an accountant’s address or a registered address service for privacy. Foundrs helps you understand your options during setup.

Ideally, little and often. Updating your books weekly or monthly keeps things tidy and avoids the last-minute panic at year-end. Many founders use software to stay on top of it or work with an accountant for peace of mind. Foundrs helps you stay organised from day one with smart reminders and storage for your company documents.