Where do I start?

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

Apologies if this has been posted before but I couldnt find anything relevant.

I'm planning to start freelancing. I'm a statistician and already have a good base of contacts I believe I could start to build up from.

I'm confused about how to do all the set up though. I'm assuming I need to set up a company? Or register as self employed? Assuming a website also a good idea and company email?
Any pointers appreciated. Thank you

Have you approached your bank for an appointment? Most have business managers who will point you in the right direction.

No I haven't, didn't realise I needed to involve them. Thank you

In Scotland we have something called Business Gateway - they do free courses which are v helpful.

Might be worth googling - even if they don't exist where you are, they may be able to point out an alternative.

I am about to do the same. You can be either (1) self employed, or (2) set up a limited company.

Either way you need to tell HMRC.

If you want people to find you, you need a web site.

You don't need to involve your bank. If you set up a Ltd Co you'll need a business account in that name but if you just do it as a sole trader the money can go to your own account in your name and, yes, you register self employed with HMRC.

I've run my own business for five years and never once had a conversation with the bank.