Starting a business is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Here’s exactly what to print, order, and have ready before you go live.
So you’ve decided to take the leap. Maybe you’ve registered your business name, set up your website, or told a few people your idea — and it’s starting to feel very, very real.
One thing that catches a lot of new business owners off guard? The physical stuff. The bits of paper, card, and print that make your brand feel tangible and professional before you’ve even said a word.
The good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune. You just need the right things. Here’s a straightforward checklist of the stationery essentials for starting a business in the UK — with links to order everything in one place.
1. Business Cards
Yes, they’re still very much a thing. Handing someone a business card at a networking event, market stall, or chance encounter leaves an impression that a quick phone number exchange just doesn’t.
Your business card should include:
- Your name and job title
- Business name and logo
- Phone number and email address
- Website URL and any key social handles
Keep the design clean, the font readable, and the finish consistent with your brand. If you want to go a step further, a matt laminate or spot UV finish makes cards feel premium without breaking the bank.
Order business cards from Instantprint
2. Headed Notepaper / Letterheads
Even in a digital-first world, there will be moments when you need to send a physical letter — a formal quote, a contract, a thank-you note to a client. Branded letterheads make those moments look polished and considered.
A good letterhead includes your logo, business name, address, contact details, and any registration numbers (if you’re a limited company, your Companies House number is a legal requirement on correspondence).
Browse letterhead printing options
3. Compliment Slips
Think of these as the friendly, casual sibling of the letterhead. A compliment slip is a small, branded piece of paper — usually A5 or DL size — that you tuck into packages, hand with gifts, or attach to samples.
They’re a small touch that makes a big difference, especially if you’re running a product-based business or sending anything by post.
4. Branded Notepads
If you attend meetings, take calls, or do any kind of client-facing work, a branded notepad does double duty: it’s practical for you and subtly visible to whoever you’re with.
Custom notepads are also a lovely thing to gift to clients or leave at events. They’re kept, used, and seen repeatedly — which makes them surprisingly good value as a piece of branded merchandise.
5. Flyers and Leaflets
Not every business needs flyers — but many do. If you’re launching locally, running an event, attending a market, doing a promotion, or targeting a specific area, a well-designed leaflet can reach people that digital simply won’t.
Think about:
- A clear headline and single call to action
- Your key service or offer in plain language
- Contact details and website
- A QR code linking to your booking page, menu, or portfolio
6. A Pull-Up Banner (If You’re Event-Facing)
If there’s any chance you’ll attend trade shows, fairs, markets, or networking events, a roller banner is one of those investments that pays for itself quickly. It’s portable, reusable, and instantly signals that you mean business.
You don’t need several — one well-designed pull-up banner with your logo, tagline, and a QR code is usually enough to make an impact.
A Few Tips Before You Order
- Get your branding sorted first — logo, fonts, and brand colours — before you print anything. Reprinting is an avoidable cost.
- Order in sensible quantities. Don’t print 1,000 business cards if your phone number might change.
- Check delivery times before a launch or event. Most print companies need a few working days, so don’t leave it last minute.
- Look for bundle deals — ordering letterheads, compliment slips, and envelopes together often works out cheaper than ordering separately.
Start Somewhere
You don’t need every single item on this list on day one. If you’re just starting out, a box of business cards and a simple letterhead will take you a surprisingly long way.
The key is to look consistent and considered — because even before you have lots of clients or lots of sales, your stationery tells people that you’re taking this seriously. And if you’re reading this, you clearly are.
Ready to order? Browse everything you need at Instantprint →
Photo by Markus Winkler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/scrabble-tiles-spelling-launch-on-wooden-surface-30965502/