Regulatory Requirements
Business Regulatory Requirements
For any start-up, there are various rules and regulations that your business may be subject to. To make sure that your business is legal, it’s important to comply with all business regulations.
Business Regulations that May Apply to Your Start-Up Business
To help you understand some of the main business regulations that could apply to your business, we’ve briefly explained them below:
Licensing
Certain types of business require you to obtain a license in order for your business to operate legally, for example, operations in sectors including bookmaking, or the sale of alcohol require a license. Most business licenses are issued by the local authority that governs the area. Business licensing in Worcestershire is managed by the six district councils – here is an overview of Worcester Regulatory Services Licensing.
Trading Standards
Trading standards is a local government service that protects consumers and supports legitimate business. They ensure that all businesses trade safely and fairly, making sure that all aspects such as weights and measures, animal health and welfare and underage sales are complied with. Worcestershire Trading Standards can provide advice on trading standards to local businesses.
Planning Permission
If you are looking to operate your business from certain premises, or if you are looking to make changes to your premises to benefit your business, there is a good chance that you may need planning permission. To erect or alter buildings or other developments, you must seek planning permission from the local authority before the development is permitted.
Planning matters are dealt with by the six district councils in Worcestershire (for example, building regulations and hazardous substances) or by Worcester County Council (waste management and recycling facilities).
Find out more on the Worcestershire County Council website.
Food Safety
If your start-up provides food to customers, it’s your responsibility to register your premises for free with the environmental health service at Worcestershire Regulatory Services at least 28 days before you plan to open. If you need more information or advice about all aspects of food safety, you can visit the Food Standards Agency website.
Health and Safety
Having your own health and safety policy isn’t a compulsory business regulation, but it is certainly advisable. When it comes to seeking support or funding for your start-up, health and safety regulations are a big help. National health and safety laws can apply to your business, so it’s always advisable to visit the Health and Safety Executive website for essential health and safety advice for start-up businesses.
Data Protection and Your Business
If your business uses and stores personal information, legally you must follow rules on data protection. Data protection laws apply to all information kept on employees, your customers and account holders. To learn more about how this applies to your business, you can visit GOV.UK.
Advertising Standards
Ensure your advertising is accurate and does not mislead. Some industry trade associations will also have their own codes relating to advertising ethics. The Advertising Standards Authority, www.asa.org.uk, is the independent regulator on advertising across all media, including on-line.
The ASA will act on any complaints and proactively check for misleading and/ or offensive material.
Need more information?
For any advice on conducting market research successfully or to run through your ideas with our expert advisers, you can call Worcestershire Business Central team.
Call our team today on
01905 677 888