If you are in the process of starting your own business Jersey Enterprise is here to help. We have a range of support programmes and a network of dedicated professional partners offering information, advice and support to help your business succeed.  If you have a business idea plus the energy and passion to follow it through then Jersey Enterprise will provide all the encouragement you will need during the early years of your company. 

When you are about to start a new business in Jersey there are some things you must do:

1. Obtain a licence
   You must apply and be granted a licence from the Jersey Regulation of Undertakings office. Obtaining this licence is a legal requirement and takes approximately 4 weeks to obtain.  Further information and application forms are available from the Regulation of Undertakings website
2. Decide on a trading name
   You need to consider what name you are going to trade as.  If you decide to use a trading name which is different to your own name then you must check the name is not already in use by registering at the Jersey Financial Services Commission.  There is a £30 registration fee and further information and registration forms are available from the Jersey Financial Services Commission website
3. Register with Social Security Department
   You must register with the Social Security Department before you start trading and inform them that you will be self employed.   As a self employed person you will be liable for Class 2 contributions, which for 2008 is 12.5% of your 2006 earnings.  However as a new start up business the Social Security Department are prepared to discuss your contributions but this needs to be done before you start trading. We strongly recommend you discuss your new business with them. Further information and contact details are available from the Social Security website 

 In addition to the above, here is a list of things which you should also carefully consider:

• Income Tax – You will need to register all your staff on the Income Tax Instalment System (ITIS). You should also consider and discuss the possible changes to your personal tax liability. Further information is available from the Income Tax website  
• Employment Law- All employers and employees are employed under the minimum requirements of the local employment laws. Information about the law as well as advice on employment law is available from the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service website  
• Employer’s Liability Insurance. All employers must have adequate insurance to ensure both the company and its employees are suitably protected in the case of a claim following an accident. Insurance can be obtained from local insurance companies.
• Notifying and register your business with the Data Protection Commissioner's Office. More information is available from the Data Protection Commissoner website

Jersey Enterprise is able to offer professional and confidential business advice to all businesses start-ups and we recommend you contact us as early as possible to ensure that your new business has the maximum chance of succeeding. 

Jersey Business Venture also works in close partnership with Jersey Enterprise and can also be used to provide information on setting up a business in Jersey, guidance on putting together a business plan, financing, and marketing.  More information is available from the Jersey Business Venture website or by contacting the team at

33 Gloucester Street, St Helier, JE2 3QR
Tel: (01534) 619222