What are the primary legal documents and requirements for starting a hospitality or tourism business in the UK?

To start a hospitality or tourism business in the UK, you will need to prepare and register a variety of legal documents. Key requirements include:

• Registering your business name with Companies House (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house).
• Obtaining Employers' Liability Insurance and business insurance (e.g. public liability, property damage).
• Securing Local Authority approval (e.g. planning permission, environmental health) and a lease agreement (if renting premises).
• Having Health and Safety policies and procedures in place, compliant with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines (https://www.hse.gov.uk).
• Obtaining any tourism industry specific licenses and permits (e.g. accommodation, tour operator, travel agent) from the relevant local authorities or specific bodies.