Who we help · Retail shops
Opening a retail shop.
A shop runs on its till, its card machine and its stock. Here is a typical setup for a new shop, mapped to the areas we help with, and the order we would sort it.
Your typical setup
What most retail shops need, and which BizUp360 service area covers it. Use one service or all of them.
| What you’ll need | Where we help | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration and bank account | Business setup | Apply for the bank account as soon as the business is registered. |
| EPOS with stock control and barcodes | Payments: EPOS | Load your products and prices before opening. |
| Card machines and contactless | Payments: card machines | Compare charges against your expected takings. |
| Online store and payment links | Payments | Sell online with stock shared with the shop. |
| Electricity (and gas if you have it) | Utilities: energy | Lighting, heating and chillers drive most of the bill. |
| Waste and recycling | Utilities: waste | Cardboard and packaging add up quickly. |
| Broadband and phones | Telecoms | Your till and card machines need a reliable connection. |
| Stock, contents and public liability cover | Insurance | Through an FCA-authorised broker. |
| Accounting software, VAT and payroll | Business management | Links to your EPOS so sales flow into your books. |
What to sort first
Some things take weeks, so do them in roughly this order.
Check the premises
Before signing a lease, check broadband availability, the meter type and where bins can be stored.
Bank account
You need it before your card provider can pay out takings.
Energy on move-in day
Take meter readings and agree a contract quickly to avoid deemed rates.
Broadband install
Book it early so your till works on opening day.
EPOS and card machines
Order with enough time to load stock and test payments.
Insurance and waste
Cover for stock and the public, and collections for cardboard and general waste.
Good to know
- Larger shops in England and Wales (over 280 square metres) have restricted Sunday opening hours.
- Selling alcohol needs a premises licence and a personal licence holder.
- Playing music in the shop usually needs a music licence.
- Keep an eye on the VAT registration threshold as sales grow.
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.
Opening a shop?
Tell us your opening date and what you need. We’ll get back to you within one working day.