The best resources for entrepreneurs and business owners doing business in London. The world’s leading global financial centre.
Whether you’re arriving internationally or travelling across the capital, London’s transport network is world-class. Here’s what business travellers need to know about getting in, out, and around London efficiently.
The world’s busiest international hub for business travel. Heathrow Express to Paddington in 15 minutes. Home to 80+ airlines serving 200+ destinations. Best for international arrivals and departures. Terminal 5 is BA’s flagship hub.
London’s second-largest airport. The Gatwick Express runs non-stop to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. Strong connections to Europe and North America. South Terminal houses most business-oriented airlines.
The business traveller’s airport. Located in Canary Wharf/Royal Docks. 10 minutes to the City by DLR. Primarily serves business routes across Europe. Short runway means quick turnarounds and less congestion.
The first step to doing business in London is getting set up correctly. The UK has a streamlined business registration process, but there are several compliance requirements depending on your business type, industry, and structure. See our step-by-step guide on how to start a business in London for the complete walkthrough from company formation to first customer.
Register a Limited Company with Companies House (companieshouse.gov.uk) online for just £12 — same-day registration available. Alternatively, register as a Sole Trader with HMRC for free. Partnerships and LLPs have separate registration processes. Your company name must be unique and not misleading.
Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting to trade. Register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds £90,000 — or voluntarily if beneficial. Set up PAYE if you employ staff. Self-Assessment registration required for sole traders and partners.
Licensing requirements depend heavily on your industry. Use the gov.uk/licence-finder tool to identify what you need. Common requirements include: premises licence (for alcohol, entertainment), food business registration with your local borough council, DBS checks for regulated activities, and sector-specific licences from the FCA, CQC, or other regulators.
London has an exceptional ecosystem for business. From world-class banks to enterprise support organisations, Hustler’s Library has researched and compiled the best resources for entrepreneurs doing business in London.
Our team has researched the best banks for business accounts in London — from the big four high street banks to challenger banks like Monzo Business, Starling, and Tide that are built for modern entrepreneurs.
London’s Investment Zones and Enterprise Zones offer significant tax reliefs and business support for qualifying businesses. From the Thames Estuary to the Royal Docks, these areas are designed to attract growth businesses.
Whether you’re looking to buy a business in London or sell your London business, our acquisition guides walk you through due diligence, valuation, and deal structure in the UK market.
London’s startup and business scene runs on events. From VC pitches in Shoreditch to City networking dinners, the opportunities are relentless. Whether you’re in fintech, property, retail, or creative industries, London has a thriving community ready to connect.
We know where to find it. London is home to the UK’s most active venture capital and angel investment ecosystem.
Finding Funding in London
London is Europe’s undisputed capital for startup and business funding. The city hosts over 40% of all UK venture capital investment, with a thriving ecosystem spanning from seed funding to Series C and beyond. From government-backed Innovate UK grants to Seedrs crowdfunding, the options are extensive.
Where You Can Find Funding In London:
From legal support to financial services, find the expert partners you need to succeed in London’s competitive business environment.
Contracts, IP protection, employment law, and corporate regulations — find London’s top business solicitors who understand the UK legal landscape and can protect your interests.
Taxes and finances, handled. Work with London-based chartered accountants, tax advisors, and financial consultants who specialise in UK business tax, R&D credits, and international structures.
Office space, retail units, and commercial property across London’s most sought-after locations — from the City and Canary Wharf to Shoreditch, Soho, and beyond.
London’s coworking scene is world-class. From WeWork and Second Home to independent hotdesks in Shoreditch and Clerkenwell, find the right flexible workspace for your business.
Whether you need a base near Heathrow, a boutique hotel in Mayfair, or a serviced apartment for a long-term London project, we’ve researched the best hotels for business travellers.
London has some of the world’s best coffee shop culture for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Find the best spots with reliable WiFi, great coffee, and the right vibe for getting work done.
Beyond basic company registration, doing business in London means navigating a layered regulatory environment — from national UK regulations to Greater London Authority (GLA) policies and individual London Borough requirements. Here are the key permits and registrations most London businesses will encounter.
All limited companies in the UK must be registered with Companies House. This establishes your legal identity, creates a public record, and gives you a Company Registration Number (CRN). The process takes as little as 24 hours and costs £12 online.
If your business turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month rolling period, VAT registration with HMRC is mandatory. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold, which can be advantageous for B2B businesses. Once registered, you must charge VAT at the appropriate rate (standard 20%, reduced 5%, or zero-rated) and file quarterly VAT returns.
Any food business operating in London must register with their local borough council at least 28 days before opening. This includes restaurants, cafes, food trucks, market stalls, and home-based food businesses. Registration is free and mandatory. You’ll also need to comply with food hygiene standards and may be subject to Food Standards Agency inspections.
If your business sells or serves alcohol, provides live music, or hosts late-night entertainment, you need a Premises Licence from your London Borough council. Apply through your local authority’s licensing department. Costs vary by borough and the rateable value of your premises. Allow at least 28 days for the standard application process.
If your business operates in healthcare, childcare, education, or other regulated sectors, you’ll need to conduct Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on employees. Enhanced DBS checks are required for working with vulnerable groups. Register with the DBS update service to keep checks current. Failure to comply can result in serious legal penalties.
If you’re changing the use of a property (e.g., converting retail to office space, or residential to commercial), you’ll need planning permission from your London Borough. The Mayor of London’s planning framework (the London Plan) also applies to larger developments. Use the Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk) to check requirements and submit applications.
