Build my plan — CompanyPal

Two minutes, no sign-up

Tell us what you’re building.

Nine questions. Nothing is stored unless you ask us to, and there are no wrong answers — “not sure” is a real option on the ones that matter.

Your pal saysTake payments. Card, online, invoices, or all three. These questions cover that, plus the things that usually come with it — so you don’t sort one and get caught by the next.

What are you starting?

You can change this later. Most people start as one and move to the other.

A limited company Separate legal thing. Your personal money is protected. Sole trader Simplest. It is just you, trading. A partnership Two or more of you, sharing it. Not sure yet Fine. We will show you both and what decides it.

Will anyone work for you?

Employing someone changes more of this list than anything else.

Just me For now, anyway. Yes, employees On a payroll, paid a wage. Contractors or freelancers They invoice you. Not yet, but soon We will flag what is coming.

How will people buy from you?

Pick as many as apply. Choose any that apply.

Online, through a website A shop, bookings, digital goods. In person A shop, a stall, a salon, a site visit. I invoice clients Work first, paid after. Not selling yet Still building it.

Will customers or the public come to you?

This is the question public liability insurance turns on.

Yes, they visit me Shop, studio, office, workshop. No, I go to them Their home, their site, their office. Neither All remote or online.

Will you hold information about customers?

Names and email addresses count. Almost everyone says yes.

Yes A client list, bookings, a mailing list, a contact form. No, none at all Genuinely rare.

What kind of work is it?

This decides which insurance actually matters for you.

Advice, design or professional services People pay you for your judgement. Physical work, trade or making things Tools, materials, other people’s property. Selling products You buy or make, then sell. Something else We will keep it general.

Roughly what do you expect to turn over in year one?

Turnover, not profit. A guess is fine — this only sets what we flag.

Under £50,000 £50,000 to £90,000 Over £90,000 No idea Most honest answer there is.

How will money reach you?

Pick as many as apply. Choose any that apply.

Card payments In person or online. Bank transfer Invoices paid into the account. Cash Still very much a thing. Recurring or subscriptions Paid monthly, automatically.

Where are you up to?

Last one.

It is still an idea About to register Registered, not trading yet Already trading