Starting your own business is an exciting adventure. Being your own boss brings a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement. But it can be a struggle when you’re overrun with unforeseen costs.

So how much does it cost to start a business? Some research suggests on average UK start-ups budget £5,000 to launch (source: The Company Warehouse). But the truth is there’s no one simple answer to this. However, the following can help you plan for success by highlighting the costs you may need to consider.

Common business start-up costs

Start-up costs will vary depending on the type of business you’re launching. If you’re a graphic designer you could work from home so your only main set up costs are your laptop, a wi-fi connection and perhaps a website advertising your work (and lots of tea probably). But, if you’re a builder there are other items such as equipment, supplies, labour (and even more tea) that must be factored in.

And it’s not just the immediate costs you need to be aware of. According to a study the average UK start-up spends £22,756 in their first year (source: Geniac). So it’s worthwhile thinking about how much money you’ll need in the first 12 months and beyond.

Here then is a summary of costs that you may need to plan for.

Start-up expenses

These are the costs that you incur to get your business up and running before you’ve even started making any money.

They are sometimes called ‘sunk costs’ because you cannot get them back no matter how much you sell. This should not put you off though as they are important for laying the foundations of a successful business. Examples include:

• Registering your business: depends on whether you are a sole trader, partnership or limited company - take a look at our articles The different types of UK businesses explained and Registering your business for more information

• Professional fees: accountants and consultants to help with the business plan, registering your business or securing funds

• Marketing: logo, website, business cards, social media, advertising, brochures etc

• Recruitment fees: cost of hiring employees

Assets

These are basically the ‘things’ you invest in and keep to help run the business. They are often items that have a value and could be sold on. Examples of this are premises (if you have bought them), vehicles, machinery and equipment.

Equipment costs will very much depend on your business. For example, a baker will require a very different set of assets to a window cleaner or a hairdresser.

Whilst it’s important you account for assets in your start-up calculations, under HMRC’s Annual Investment Allowance you can sometimes offset their cost from your profit when calculating your tax.

Ongoing costs

These are the costs that are paid regularly and that you can usually plan for, such as:

• Rent on premises

• Business rates - have a look at our article Business rates explained to help determine how this is calculated

• Utilities - gas, electricity, water

• Interest on business loans

• Regular staff cost

• Insurance

• Marketing - ongoing cost of attracting customers (e.g. the upkeep of your website and social media, newspaper ads, a stand at an event, or leafleting)

Variable costs

These are costs that are determined by how much goods or services you are producing. For instance, if you make jewellery the cost of materials (beads, gems, clasps, wire) will increase the more you make. If your business is very busy at particular times of the year you could include here the increase in short term staffing costs.

General expenses

These are best described as small, infrequent purchases that are not due to a particular sale but instead is used across the business. This could include travel to meetings, or office supplies, and those tea bags we mentioned earlier.

These may seem rather daunting but you may find that you can save money by doing many of the administration tasks yourself, or share them with your business partner. But whatever your running cost calculations it is sensible to overestimate them to ensure you have enough cash flow to keep your business afloat.

Budgeting tips 

• Find out what loans or grants are available

• Work from home instead of renting premises

• Take advantage of credit terms from suppliers

• Shop around to get the best prices

• Set aside money from good months to cover times when sales are low

• Over estimate costs to avoid nasty surprises

Keeping track of your costs

It always advisable to keep a close eye on costs and to write them down. This way you can make sure you have enough funds to cover your outlay, it helps you put together a business plan for potential investors, and it will prepare you for those periods that regularly see an uplift.

This can be as simple as writing the costs down in a book, or you can use one of the many spreadsheet templates that are available online to help you keep track of the money coming in and the money going out. There are lots to choose from so it is simply a case of choosing one that is right for you.

Related articles:

• The different types of UK businesses explained

• Business rates explained