Business Ownership and Liability
The biggest decision any entrepreneur faces is choosing between limited and unlimited liability. With unlimited liability, your personal belongings - house, car, everything - can be seized if your business fails to pay its debts. It's a terrifying prospect that keeps many business owners awake at night.
Sole traders face unlimited liability but get complete control over their business. You can start trading immediately and keep 100% of the profits, but you're also 100% responsible when things go wrong. Think of it as being the captain of your own ship - exciting, but you'll sink or swim entirely on your own.
Partnerships spread the liability risk between partners and bring complementary skills to the business. However, arguments between partners can destroy even the most promising ventures. Plus, you're still facing unlimited liability, just shared among more people.
Limited companies offer the holy grail of business protection - limited liability. Your personal assets stay safe, and you can raise money by selling shares to investors. The downside? You'll face higher setup costs, annual auditing requirements, and the risk of losing control to shareholders.
Remember: Limited liability means the business is legally separate from you as a person - it's like having a protective shield around your personal wealth.