You may want to start a part-time business if you need to balance work with family commitments or want to test the market for your business idea.
Sometimes before you take the plunge into full-time business ownership, it might be better and easier to think about doing it on a part-time basis, as a way of ensuring the business idea will work.
If you're employed part-time or have young children and don't want to, or aren't in a position to, give up the time necessary to run a full-time business, a part-time business may be a good option for you.
When you set up a part-time business you need to register it with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
You also need to maintain accurate financial records.
These requirements are the same whether you're starting a full or part-time business but there are other issues to consider which are specific to part-time businesses.
If you continue in paid work when you're not running your business, you have to decide whether to tell your employer. You should look at your contract of employment, as this may require you to tell your employer if you have another source of income. In addition, if your new venture is likely to compete with your employer, you have a conflict of interest which could cause problems.
You must be very careful about separating your personal business activities from those of your employer. Taking phone calls, sending emails, and writing letters that relate to your business may constitute a breach of contract, unless you have permission to do so. You should also not make use of your employer's supplies, materials or intellectual property.
If you discuss your plans with your employer, they could become a source of encouragement or work, especially if you are a valued employee.
If you don't have other paid employment - eg you might be a parent or carer with family responsibilities - you still need to tell HMRC and, if appropriate, register with Companies House. If you were previously unwaged and had been receiving benefits, you will need to check whether your new venture affects that income, and report it to HMRC if necessary.
If you're working from home, you need to take insurance and health and safety issues into account.
You should consider a number of issues when you start your own business, even if it is only on a part-time basis.
You'll need to assess your own skills and where you might need some extra development or support - for example, looking after the business' finances. You should also think carefully about the product or service that you want to sell, the audience you're selling to and what you have that makes you stand out from the crowd. You'll also have to be ready to face the challenges and pressures on yourself and your finances.
You will need a formal legal structure for your business. This can take the form of anything from a sole trader to a limited company.
You may have decided to run your business from home but you need to be aware of the implications of this as there are tax, health, safety and security issues. You might find that separating your work area from your living area will maximise efficiency.
If you decide not to work from home, read our guide on how to choose the right premises for your business.
Your business will start out small and you will still need to fund both the set-up and the development of your business to help it grow. Creative thinking and planning your finances might save you money and make it less costly than you think to start your own business.
Depending on the scale of your business, you may need professional advice or assistance, which can range from accountancy and bookkeeping through to marketing and IT support.
There are a number of organisations, which can give you support and advice on starting a part-time business.
Mentoring can help you develop business skills.
Your local Chamber of Commerce offers support and advice and may organise networking meetings for businesses of a similar size and in similar business sectors.
You might find it helpful to join the trade association for your business sector, where you will be able to interact with peer businesses for advice and information.
Business Gateway can provide you with support to help you start up your business. You can contact Business Gateway on 0845 609 6611.
The MyBusiness app is a useful resource for business information and advice. Get the MyBusiness app from the App Store.