I've had an idea for an internet business but no idea how to get started - what do I do?

[Pennies]

How do I get a website set up without the person who sets it up nicking the idea themselves?

Hopefully if you went to a professional they wouldnt nick your idea.

Have you had a look at setting a website up yourself? Depending on the scale of your idea that might be enough for you, or at least would give you a better idea of what you need to ask of the person who is setting it up for you.

Can you apply for some sort of patent/copyright?

Have you seen this: IP Office

Well it would involve some kind of table processing software and payment - I suppose paypal would suffice but I need it to be easy for people to pay if they don't want to use paypal too.

Useful link there BST - will investigate.

You can't copyright an idea, and you can't patent software or services.

So the way to protect your interest is by signing a contract with confidentiality provisions which will protect your interest - any professional (company or individual) will have these terms in their standard services agreement, but do check the agreement carefully or have a lawyer do it for you.