Regulatory requirements
It’s important to understand which regulatory requirements - laws, licences and restrictions - may be associated with your new business or business premises.
To help you start and then run your business, you can find information, online tools and guides on the GOV.UK website. This includes help if you're self-employed or a sole trader.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched the Small Business Online Forum for small businesses and the self-employed. The forum offers a quick and easy way for members to get advice and useful hints and tips with:
- starting a business
- support for growing a business, including taking on employees and expanding
- buying and selling abroad
- completing tax returns
- tax credits
HMRC also offers a new dedicated webchat service, enabling access to direct support.
The Better Business for All (BBfA) service provides a single point of access for businesses in Greater Manchester. It provides advice on all types of regulatory compliance:
- food safety
- health and safety
- trading standards
- fire safety
BBfA is a partnership between businesses and regulators with one key aim – to help businesses get it right the first time.
Our Health and Safety Team also promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and members of the public in workplaces which are the responsibility of the local authority. For more information visit our workplace health and safety pages.
Planning permission
You must consider whether planning permission is required in order to:
- change the use of a property
- put up signage
- change the structure or features of your business premises
You can find more information on our planning pages.
Business rates
Small, single property businesses may be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief Scheme (SBRR). For qualifying criteria and more information visit our business rate pages.
Licenses
Some businesses and business premises require licences in order to operate legally. For more information and advice in relation to your business idea visit our licensing pages.
