A contractor may have one engagement subject to an IR35 status assessment while also operating a separate business with different customers and terms. An employee may need to consider outside-work, confidentiality and conflict provisions instead. These questions cannot be settled by branding or incorporation alone. Review each arrangement with an accountant, tax adviser or legal professional who understands the facts, current rules and responsibilities of the parties involved.
Business Idea Launch focuses on the commercial side. We help choose a customer that is distinct from your employment or contract, define an independent offer, set delivery around available hours and build the identity, website and customer journey. You remain responsible for status determinations, tax filings, company setup and contractual clearance. After direction is approved, the customer-facing build is typically completed within 4–6 weeks.
Separate the business from each engagement
Describe who the business serves, the result it sells and how it contracts and delivers. A genuine customer proposition should stand independently of one client or employer. That commercial clarity is useful, but it does not determine IR35 status by itself; the actual terms and working practices of each engagement still matter.
Check contracts and protected information
Review restrictions on outside interests, competition, solicitation, intellectual property and confidential information before launch. Use your general skills and independently developed materials rather than employer or client resources. Where language is unclear or the proposed customers overlap, obtain legal advice before approaching the market.
We develop the idea, the strategy and the website. Begin with a Launch Plan — £295 — from an idea, a skill, an interest, or none.
Launch profile assessment
Your launch profile
Three quick choices, then a 4–6 minute profile. Full refund if you cancel before the day of your session.
- 1Starting point
- 2Income ambition
- 3Timeframe
Your starting point
Income ambition
Complete step 1 to continue.
Launch timeframe
Complete step 2 to continue.
No polished pitch needed · Cancel before the day we meet — full refund
Take tax advice on the actual setup
Discuss the mix of employment, contracting and business income with a qualified adviser. Ask about the appropriate trading structure, registrations, allowable expenses, VAT where relevant and record keeping. Business Idea Launch can flag these practical areas but does not provide tax or IR35 advice.
Who this is for
- UK contractors developing an independent side offer
- Employees combining work with a small business
- Professionals prepared to obtain specific tax and legal advice
What this means for you
A commercially distinct side business, with the relevant IR35, contractual and tax questions clearly identified for qualified advice.
Common questions
Will you advise me on IR35?
No. Status depends on legislation, contracts and actual working practices. Use a suitably qualified tax or legal adviser. We build the commercial offer, website and customer journey for the separate business.
Can I start a side business while employed in the UK?
Often yes, but check your employment contract, conflicts, confidentiality and intellectual-property terms. You will also need to handle the appropriate registration, records and tax for the chosen setup.
If you would like to begin, a short profile comes first. From there you can continue into the Business Opportunity & Launch Plan, or request a 20-minute Launch Fit Call.