Step 1:

Set up your company
You will need to decide on the legal status of your company, whether you will be a sole trader, partnership or limited company. You will also need to open a business bank account. If you are setting up a limited company, you can find further information and check name availability at www.companieshouse.co.uk.

If you need help deciding which is the correct route for you there are lots of organisations which provide free advice:

Business Link (www.businesslink.gov.uk)
Tel: 0845 600 9 006

or if you are aged between 16 and 30

Shell LiveWIRE (www.shell-livewire.org)
Tel: 08457 573 252

Once you have decided on a company name you will need to register your domain name (the address that people will type into their web-browser to find your shop). You can check availability and register at www.domaincheck.co.uk.