Are you a proof-reading freelancer? I need to talk with you about what you had to do to get started?

Please, I respectfully ask that you read this carefully. Much appreciated. Responses that show that you have read it carefully will be so much more likely to get the glorious, juicy, sumptuous 10 points on offer.

What EXACTLY did you have to do so you were legally able to trade but did the least amount of setting-up? I am being forced into either: taking a job for a multi-million pound company and getting paid next to nothing – or going it alone as a freelancer.

I do NOT want to work for a HUGE profiteering, (ie obscene profits in most cases), company, so decided I ought to go it alone working for myself. Here’s the problem:

If I start working for myself, what are the most important things I need to know and what can I leave out, (legally I mean). I do NOT want to be regarded by the authorities and banks etc that I am a highly skilled, highly experienced, money-making-guru type of professional; you know the hardcore self-employed man who has a huge income that I can only assume the banks etc all assume you are the second you start trading. I am not. I know next to nothing about the, ‘running-a-business’, side of things and I don’t want to, I just want to know what I HAVE to know to allow me to offer my service with the least amount of hassle and grief.

I’d be starting out learning my trade as I progress, providing a service for others while earning an honest, (but no doubt difficult), living. The less paperwork and bureaucracy that I have to deal with, the more I can concentrate on providing the service.

I don’t want to rely on the government, I don’t want to rely on the banks etc etc; I want to do things as independently, (but legally), as possible. In other words, I don’t want others claiming legal rights to the money I make unless it’s absolutely, wholly and legally necessary.

How did you go about setting up as self-employed without all the unnecessary bureaucracy and bulls**t? What MUST I know about – and what can I opt-out of?

Things like VAT, insurance, taxes, business cards, invoicing, disclaimers, marketing / advertising, getting work, keeping organised, my accounts, etc. What things would you say are 100% important and what’s not important? Also, what services from others would you say were unequivocally essential? Remember, the less I have to use, the better. (as far as I’m concerned).

I am based in the UK and would like advice from those experienced in getting started with UK businesses, (whether you live in the UK or not). I’d be offering a basic but wide-ranging proof-reading service.

Please, no website links unless they are SERIOUSLY useful. I would much prefer to hear about your experiences, sharing your advice, offering me your input.

Thank you kindly.
Answer