Investors who open a company in the UK may need to apply for special licenses or permits in order to engage in some business activities. If you need to obtain a business license in the UK, our team can offer guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Regulated financial activities | Licenses are issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). |
| Engaging in consumer credit activities | The authorization to offer credit to consumers is also granted by the FCA. |
| Agriculture: animals, animal products, crops | Require: animal products import licence, milk product holding licence, licence for operating plants or processing meat, etc. |
| Recreation | Licences are issued for activities related to: boat hire, amusement parks, cinemas, and others. |
| Beauty | Licences or registrations for hairdressers, massage, special types of facial treatment, etc. |
| Buildign and construction | For companies that carry out excavations, those that abstract water, construct certain types of buildings. |
| Special removal and demolition | A license issued by the Health and Safety Executive is required when the removal/demolition work involves asbestos materials. |
| Driving | Hackley carriage licence, goods vehicle operator licence, minicab licence, public service vehicle operator’s licence, etc. |
| Education | School licences, school special education approval, approvals for special needs schools, nursery licence, etc. |
| Energy and gas | Commercial energy assessor licence, gas or energy licence, etc. |
| Environment | Licences for activities related to wildlife, greenhouse gas and pollution prevention, etc. |
| Controlled exported goods | Examples include military goods, dual-use items, radioactive material, etc. |
| Open general export licence | For pre-determined military and dual-controlled items. |
| Open individual export licence | Issued for long-term contracts for supplying controlled goods. |
| Standard individual export licence | For goods not covered by an open general licence. |
Many types of businesses or activities require licensing in the UK. There are either licenses, permits, or certifications that must be obtained before the said company starts its specific activities.
If you need to apply for a business license in the UK, our lawyer in London can help you. Please read below to find out more about licenses and contact us for assistance with the application.
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Types of business licenses in the UK
A business license in the UK is issued by the government or a special body in order to certify that a certain business functions accordingly.
The license or permit required for the business depends on the industry in which it operates. If you want to set up a company in the UK, you will need to find out what license you need and obtain it before you start the business activities.
Below are some examples of business activities that require licensing in the UK:
- beauty salon services;
- accounting services;
- cafes and restaurants;
- public space surveillance;
- playing background music;
- playing the TV for clients;
- selling alcohol.
The list above offers just some examples of business activities that require licensing. Waste management solution providers, window cleaners and leaflet distributors are also subject to licensing. Various environmental permits are also required.
For a complete list of regulated businesses please do not hesitate to reach out to our lawyer in the UK.
The infographic below summarizes the steps required for business license applications:
The trade license in the UK
Depending on the company’s activities, it may need to obtain a trade license. This is issued for specific trading activities, such as selling in the street.
Our lawyers list some of the most important issues to consider in the case of a street trade license in the UK:
- This type of license may be necessary in England and Wales;
- The types of activities determine the need to apply for the license;
- The local Council for the area in which the trading will take place oversees the licensing and control activities;
- Those who already have a pedlar’s certificate (issued for those who sell various objects on foot) may not need to apply for a street trading license.
Our team can give you complete details about the trade license in the UK.
Business license fees
Obtaining a license for your business activities will be subject to a fee, as determined by the type of license and the authority that issues it.
Here are some common examples of fees that can apply for a business license in the UK, according to activity. Please keep in mind that these fees can be subject to change:
- A standard TV license fee is required to be able to play the television for customers and it is £169.50 per year for colour television;
- A premises fee according to the value of the property can start at £100 per year depending on the fee band (category) for which the venue qualifies;
- The fee for a CCTV license is £184 for one license and it is valid for 3 years in most cases. The Security Industry Authority issues this license;
- The license for a business offering massage and/or beauty treatments can start at £317 as a one-off payment (unless you open more salons). Other costs, such as the grant fee, will apply.
A business license in the UK ensures that the company complies with the regulations that apply to certain industries and that the customers are safe. Offering services or practising without a license in England and/or Wales is illegal and, in many cases, subject to a fine of approximately £1000.
Contact our lawyer in England if you want to know more about business licenses and if you need assistance with your application.
