I dont agree with the overkill comments. Am happy to discuss same. not being dogmatic but the issues do need airing
The operational admin of a Ltd is not more onerous that for a ST
[ I agree you need to get a second director but with on line annual CRO at 20 euro a pop and free ROS.... ]
You can set up a Ltd for about 150 euro
The key advantages for Ltd are the preservation of SW contributions as an employee.when properly structured, at the A rate and the limited liability. It can also cater for SW contributions for the spouse
Class S
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Topics/PRSI/Pages/selfemployed.aspx
Class S PRSI does not provide cover for any other schemes/benefits like Jobseekers, Illness, Dental and Optical Benefits etc.
Class A does
I know u can top up the PRSI via VC's but thats another days work
A Ltd can run from home as can a ST and the Revenue are happy to have an allocation for Home office/ power/heat/ etc: it can all be ring fenced/split.
Finally as we all know, perceptions are important and if a person comes to me touting for business with a business card which says MD or similar of a Ltd company as opposed to joe bloggs trading as....
In relation to food industry regulation, read the legislation and only get hygiene et al services for what is required: I have first hand experience of running a cafe and loads of the hygiene companies tried to sell extra services on the premise that they were required regulations.
Good luck