top of page

Creative Business Start-Up Planning

Launch Your Creative Business the Right Way
​

Starting a creative business can be exciting and a little overwhelming. Between choosing the right business structure, setting up bookkeeping systems, and understanding taxes, it’s easy to feel lost before you’ve even begun. 

​

At Creative and Numbers, we specialise in Creative Business Start-Up Planning: guiding artists, designers, filmmakers, writers, and agencies through every practical step of launching a creative venture in the UK. We’ll help you set things up properly from day one so you can focus on what you do best: creating. 

​

Because a strong foundation means less stress, fewer surprises, and more time for the work you love. 

Teamwork

Because Every Great Creative Idea Deserves a Solid Start 

On Your Marks

Most creative businesses start with passion, not paperwork. But if your structure, systems, or taxes aren’t set up right, things can quickly become confusing (and costly). 

​

Good start-up planning ensures your creative business runs smoothly, stays compliant, and scales sustainably. 

​

Here’s why proper planning matters: 

  • Choose the right business structure (sole trader or limited company) 

  • Set up bookkeeping software that fits your workflow 

  • Register for HMRC and understand tax obligations 

  • Build a simple, stress-free system for tracking finances 

  • Get tailored advice for creative income streams 
     

With a bit of structure, your creative freedom has room to grow. 

What’s Included in Our Creative Start-Up Planning Services 

We take you step-by-step through the practical and financial setup of your business, making sure you understand each decision along the way. 

​

Our start-up services include: 

  • Business Structure Setup: Guidance on whether to operate as a sole trader or limited company. 

  • HMRC Registration: We handle your registrations for tax, VAT, and payroll where needed. 

  • Bookkeeping Software Setup: Learn to use Xero, QuickBooks, or Dext, tailored to your creative workflow. 

  • Payroll Setup: Get your systems ready for when you start hiring or paying yourself. 

  • Creative-Friendly Chart of Accounts: Track income and expenses specific to your field. 

  • First-Year Financial Guidance: Understand key dates, taxes, and what to expect in your first year. 
     

By the end, you’ll have a complete, working setup, not a to-do list. 

Artist Workshop

How Start-Up Planning Helps You Succeed 

We don’t just help you “get started” we help you start smart. 

​

Our Creative Business Start-Up Planning helps you: 

  • Avoid common setup mistakes that cost time and money 

  • Save on taxes through the right structure and timing 

  • Get visibility on your cash flow and profits 

  • Build habits for easier bookkeeping and compliance 

  • Feel confident about running your business independently 
     

It’s about starting with clarity, not chaos. 

Our Approach: Creative-Friendly, Step-by-Step, and Realistic 

Practical Tips for New Creative Start-Ups 

Why Creatives Across the UK Trust Us 

Go Beyond Start-Up Planning 

What Our Clients say

File 15-min (1) (2) (1) (1).jpg

Nick Jay

Director

I have over a decade of experience in film directing, acting, and producing, I'm thrilled to say I launched my first company in 2024 called 76 Lucky Street, alongside my two talented partners. Our debut script is a horror feature film, backed by distribution and production partners in London and Los Angeles. I'm grateful for the guidance and support of Creative & Numbers, who've been instrumental in my journey. They have gone above and beyond advising me over the years. I'm excited to further develop our partnership with C&N and continue to bring innovative and original stories to life on screen

Using Mobile Phones
bottom of page