Who we help · Office startups
Setting up an office or studio.
For an office, agency or studio, the essentials are a fast connection, good IT, phones that follow you, and the back office done properly. Here is a typical setup.
Your typical setup
What most office startups need, and which BizUp360 service area covers it. Use one service or all of them.
| What you’ll need | Where we help | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company formation and registered office | Business setup | A virtual office can keep a home address off the public register. |
| Business bank account | Business setup | Apply as soon as the company is registered. |
| Broadband or full fibre, with a backup | Telecoms | Video calls and cloud software need good upload speeds. |
| VoIP phones and mobiles | Telecoms | Take calls on a desk phone, laptop or mobile. |
| Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, devices and IT support | IT services | Accounts for each person, with multi-factor sign-in. |
| Cyber Essentials | IT services | Some clients and tenders ask for it. |
| Energy, if it isn’t included in your rent | Utilities: energy | Check the lease: some offices include energy in the service charge. |
| Professional indemnity, liability and contents cover | Insurance | Through an FCA-authorised broker. |
| Accounting, payroll, pensions and HR | Business management | Set up before your first payday. |
What to sort first
Some things take weeks, so do them in roughly this order.
Company and bank account
Form the company, set your registered office and open the bank account.
Check the lease
Find out whether energy, water, waste and internet are included or yours to arrange.
Broadband install
Book it as soon as the address is confirmed.
IT and email
Domain, email accounts, devices and security set up before people start.
Insurance
Professional indemnity if you give advice or design, and employers’ liability once you hire.
Payroll and HR
Register as an employer, set up pensions and give contracts from day one.
Good to know
- Serviced offices often include broadband, energy and waste: check before you arrange your own.
- Clients in some sectors ask for Cyber Essentials before they sign.
- Directors of a new company need to verify their identity with Companies House.
- A business mobile plan can keep your number if you move offices.
General information, not legal advice. Check with your local council or an adviser for your situation.
Make it a checklist
Our new-business setup checklist puts every step in order, and you can print it. Stuck on a term? Try the glossary.
Want the essentials in one enquiry? See the Setup Pack, or look at other business types.
Setting up an office or studio?
Tell us your opening date and what you need. We’ll get back to you within one working day.