Forming a company in the UK involves filing an application to incorporate (Form IN01) with Companies House (the Registrar of Companies) in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. This guide explains the legal requirements and essential steps you need to take, including choosing a company name, adopting articles of association, appointing directors, issuing shares, and…

Anyone who has filled out a confirmation statement will know how easy it is to make mistakes, particularly if any changes need to be entered on the form. And even if all the information is correct at the time of filing, it can soon become out of date. Fortunately amending a confirmation statement is normally…

The government has been consulting on corporate transparency and reform of the Companies Register for the past couple of years. The broad aim is to enhance the role of Companies House, increase the transparency of UK corporate entities and help combat economic crime. We will examine both the original consultation which was published in May…

There is a wealth of information available online extolling the benefits of forming a limited company. Whether you’re a startup or an established business owner keen to switch from a sole trader or partnership model to an incorporated company or LLP structure, you will find troves of government information and well-written business blogs offering valuable…

There are many good reasons to use an accountant to help with the smooth running of a limited company, particularly when it comes to submitting annual accounts and managing tax affairs. However, there is no need to use an accountant to set up a limited company, even though they will generally offer this service. Instead,…

There are around 1.7 million contractors in the UK, many of whom operate as sole traders. A large proportion provide services exclusively (or primarily) to one client. A significant number of companies also try to convert a portion of their workforce from employees to contractors, often for tax avoidance purposes. To counter this trend, the…

Anyone setting up a new company will be faced with administrative work to get their new business registered with Companies House and off the ground. Those who are new to the process will also have a fair amount of research to conduct. Fortunately, a company formation agent can help out with the process of incorporating…

Almost 10% of online company formation applications, and around half of postal incorporation applications, are rejected at Companies House. Many of the causes of rejected applications are simple mistakes that can be easily avoided. Below, we will take a look at some of the key problem areas to be aware of. Company names The Companies…

The company formation process in the UK is relatively straightforward, but it’s easy to make mistakes that may cause your application to be rejected or require correction after incorporation. Based on our extensive experience, as well as information obtained from Companies House, this blog reveals the most common errors and how you can avoid making…

There is no legal requirement for the director of a UK company to reside or base themselves in the UK. In fact, they do not even need to be British nationals. The same applies to company secretaries, shareholders, and People with Significant Control (PSCs). However, there are certain eligibility rules for UK company directors –…

When you decide to start a new business, setting up a limited company is one of the most crucial steps you need to take. Company formation not only offers you and your business a wide range of essential legal protections, it also cements the foundation of your business. Today, more than 50,000 business owners use…