{"id":5757,"date":"2019-01-22T22:05:02","date_gmt":"2019-01-22T22:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5757"},"modified":"2024-05-01T01:11:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T00:11:47","slug":"what-business-licenses-does-my-company-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/what-business-licenses-does-my-company-need\/","title":{"rendered":"What business licenses does my company need?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Setting up a new business in the UK is incredibly simple. Demand is sky-high for talented workers across a variety of sectors, and there\u2019s a fantastic digital business infrastructure that new business owners can plug into, to quickly grow a new business with minimal investment.<\/p>\n

The UK is so business-friendly that professional company formation agents like Quality Company Formations have the ability to legally incorporate a limited company in as little as three working hours \u2013 for as little as \u00a351.99.<\/p>\n Our Fully Inclusive Package - the perfect way to form a company<\/span><\/a>\n \n

That being said, it\u2019s worth pointing out that as a new limited company owner in the UK, you will also need to tick a few legal boxes before you can start trading. Many of these are industry-specific and come in the form of obligatory business licences.<\/p>\n

What is a business licence?<\/h3>\n

Simply put, a business licence is an official permit that is issued by a government agency or affiliated body that allows an individual or a limited company<\/a> to conduct particular business activities within that body\u2019s jurisdiction. As you would imagine, the licences you\u2019ll need to operate your business activities will depend largely upon where in the country you\u2019re based and what it is you want your company to do.<\/p>\n

To help you understand what types of business licences there are in the UK and which licences you may wish to consider before trading, we\u2019ve compiled this comprehensive guide walking you through the key permits and licences required or recommended across some of the UK\u2019s top up-and-coming industries.<\/p>\n

What business licences do I need for my business?<\/h3>\n

Before setting up business in the UK, you should always contact your local authority to find out if there are any area-specific or industry-specific permits or zoning restrictions that could limit your activities. That being said, there are a few major permits that many businesses operating across all local authorities in the UK will need to be aware of before they open their doors.<\/p>\n What is GDPR and how will it affect my company?<\/span><\/a>\n \n

To help you get started, we have listed some of the most common licences that UK businesses must or should obtain before they start trading. However, it\u2019s important to remember that your company\u2019s licensing needs will vary wildly based upon the type of business you\u2019re running and what types of activities you plan to carry out.<\/p>\n

Licences to play music (including background music):<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If your business intends to play recorded music, stage live music events in public, play live music in a theatre or used sound recordings for a theatrical production, you must apply to the PPL PRS for what is called \u2018TheMusicLicence\u2019.<\/p>\n

The cost of this licence normally varies based on the type of venue where you\u2019re playing music and how that music is used, but the rules apply to all shops, offices, salons, cinemas, restaurants, cafes, pubs, churches and more.<\/p>\n

Public space surveillance (CCTV) licence:<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

This type of licence is required if you want to protect your company premises using CCTV equipment. Before you\u2019re allowed to start using CCTV, you will need to get a licence from the\u00a0Security Industry Authority (SIA)<\/a>\u00a0if you plan to record the activities of members of the public in a public or private place.<\/p>\n

There are two types of SIA licences. The first is a front line licence for operatives who are carrying out surveillance. The second is a non-front line licence for company managers, supervisors and other staff who don\u2019t regularly monitor CCTV activities. To obtain a licence, you must be at least 18 years old, pass an identity check and pass a criminal record check.<\/p>\n

Discharge of trade effluent permit (England, Wales and Northern Ireland):<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Your business will need to obtain this permit if you are discharging effluent that could harm the environment. These permits cover any environmental features such as rivers, lakes or streams, groundwater, estuaries or coastal waters.<\/p>\n

Pollution Inventory reporting (England and Wales):<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Your business may also have statutory responsibilities to report on its annual emissions of certain substances into the air, water or land.<\/p>\n

You are legally obliged to report to the pollution inventory if:<\/p>\n