Registering a new business

If you are a new business and you employ staff, you need to register with either HSE or your local authority. Who you register with depends on the type of work you do.

• Flowchart to help you decide who you need to register with

If you are unsure who to register your business with, ring your local authority’s environmental health department or call HSE’s Infoline on 0845 345 0055.

Relevant forms:

• Notice of factory occupation (F9) – for registering with HSE [150KB]
• Offices Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 (OSR1) for registering with your local authority [160KB]

If you work with hazardous substances, such as asbestos or explosives, or in a hazardous industry, such as construction or diving, you may also need to apply for a licence; or notify HSE or your local authority.

• HSE Forms – Notifications
  Lists forms which have to be submitted before certain types of work begin

If in doubt, ring your local authority’s environmental health department or call HSE’s Infoline on 0845 345 0055 for advice.