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Image and logo
Whether you give thought to it or not, your business will have an image.  Developing that image through a logo and your business stationery can be an important part of your marketing strategy.  Updating an image can be expensive so it is important to develop the image you want as early as possible, preferably with your first design of stationery.

Letterhead
The legal requirements differ between types of business.

A sole trader can use a trading name.  The trading name does not have to be registered, but all letters, orders, invoices and receipts must state also his own name and the business address.

A partnership will have a trading name.  Again it does not have to be registered, but all letters, orders, invoices and receipts must either state the name of each partner or where a list of partners may be inspected, and an address in Great Britain where any document may be served on a partner.

Limited Companies must show on all business letters and order forms -

• the full name of the company
• the country of registration
• the registration number
• the address of the registered office
• the place of business if different from the registered office

There is a choice in respect of the names of directors - either all or none.  If directors are named, the nationality of any non European Union nationals must be noted. 

Invoices and receipts only have to show the company name, but the address for payment is a good idea.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) regulations are similar to Limited Companies.

Contracts
We strongly suggest taking legal advice on the wording of contracts.

Invoices
Apart from the information stated above, all invoices of VAT registered businesses must show the VAT registration number and "Tax Point" if different from the date, the rate of VAT applicable to each item, and the total VAT.  

All invoices will have a (preferably unique) serial number, and show the customers name and address as well as a delivery address.  The rate or amount of discount for prompt settlement will be shown if applicable.

Ledgers
There are many satisfactory bookkeeping systems, simple or complex, manual or computerised.  However you choose to keep your financial records, it is important that they are accurate and systematic.

Reminder - disclaimer applies. Please feedback your comments.  This page was last modified 17 March 2002.