Skip to main content
Thinking about starting a business? Have an idea to explore – or ready to launch? The MEC Resource Centre is here to support you

Search

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

A social enterprise is a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment.  A social enterprise is a business, not a charity, that makes money and profit. 

Q&A: Calculating start-up costs

Unsure how to calculate start-up costs? Martin Dunne of Sayers Butterworth chartered accountants explains how to work out your start-up costs and how much it will cost to get your new business off the ground

What are start-up costs?

Your business start-up costs are all the expenses you incur when you start a new business - from setting up premises to buying stock, marketing your new venture and paying employees.

Why do I need to calculate start-up costs?

Firstly, you need to know whether you can afford to start your business. If not, then at least you'll know you need to explore other funding options.

If you're looking for business investment, you'll need a clear idea of the cost of starting up - investors will not be interested if you can't demonstrate you understand your start-up costs.

Finally, you need to know the business idea is financially viable, and your start-up costs are an important part of this equation.

What's included in start-up costs?

Start-up costs will be different for every business - they can include:

  • premises and associated costs such as utilities;
  • stock;
  • IT and other equipment such as power tools;
  • office furniture;
  • branding;
  • business stationery and office supplies;
  • marketing your new business;
  • website development;
  • postage;
  • travel and transport;
  • phone and internet charges;
  • insurance;
  • professional fees;
  • wages for you and your staff;
  • National Insurance and pension contributions.

The biggest operating costs are usually premises (rent and rates) and staff (wages, tax, National Insurance and pension contributions).

Should I include petty expenses in start-up costs?

Yes! Small costs can soon mount up, and the business should generate enough money to cover these minor costs - they shouldn't come out of your pocket. We all want to minimise our tax bills, so include all amounts - no matter how small - in your accounts, provided these are allowable business expenses.

Commonly neglected start-up costs include:

  • stationery;
  • utilities;
  • business rates;
  • insurance;
  • professional fees;
  • travel costs;
  • website hosting and cloud service fees;
  • costs associated with moving premises or doing them up;
  • finance-related costs such as interest on loans.

Should I overestimate my start-up costs?

Yes, including some contingency in your start-up costs and operating budget projections is wise - there are always unexpected expenses. Underestimating your costs can be just as disastrous as being overly optimistic with your sales forecasts.

If you underestimate the cost of starting a business, it can put a serious strain on your cash flow and your business will be less profitable. It might not even make any profit at all at first, which means you'll have to arrange funding.

If your predictions are completely inaccurate, your business might not even generate a liveable wage for you. To be safe, I'd also recommend being conservative with revenue projections. What if sales in your first year are 25% less than expected - will the business still be profitable? What if customers are slow to pay their invoices? What is the likely impact on your cash flow.

Do I need to retain proof of expenses?

To claim tax relief (and VAT if applicable), you must have a valid (VAT) invoice and retain all sales receipts and paperwork. If you make a claim for tax relief that cannot be supported by a valid invoice/receipt, HMRC can ask for the tax back, plus interest.

Find out what you can claim for - there's a handy guide to expenses if you're self-employed on the GOV.UK website - and make sure you retain proof of all business purchases.

Raising start-up funding and managing cash flow