UK’s 10 Best Company Formation Agents

Starting a limited company in the UK is fast and affordable, but choosing the best company formation agent can save you time, reduce errors, and improve compliance. Drawing on real user feedback, service breadth, and our own industry knowledge, we have reviewed the UK’s top 10 providers for 2025. In doing so, we focus on transparency, support quality, banking introductions, address solutions, pricing, and knowledge resources.

How We Compared the UK Top 10 Agents

We assessed each company formation agent using consistent criteria so that readers can compare like with like. Our review covered online reputation, depth and speed of support, and whether a provider feels mass-market or offers more tailored corporate services. Customer review data was taken from platforms such as Trustpilot and Google, with attention paid to both average scores and the proportion of verified reviews.

We also looked at compliance services such as confirmation statements, VAT/PAYE registration, company secretarial work, and dormant accounts. In addition, address solutions, registered office options, and mail forwarding were noted, together with banking referrals to UK High-Street banks and major fintechs.

In the same way, pricing transparency was compared, including whether the statutory Companies House fee is included in the entry package. For completeness, we examined knowledge hubs, blogs, help centres, and whether guidance is easy to follow for first-time founders. To ensure fairness, we applied the same checklist of criteria to every provider and aimed to avoid subjective scoring beyond what could be supported by published information.

Finally, we fact-checked suitability for non-residents, since many providers offer only limited support for overseas directors.

Comparison and Ratings of the UK’s Top 10 Company Formation Agents

Formation Agent	Overall Service & Reputation	Support & Aftercare	Pricing	Address Solutions	Add-Ons	Solutions for Non-Residents	Resources
Uniwide Formations	9 ⭐	9 ⭐	8	9 ⭐	9 ⭐	9 ⭐	9
1st Formations	8	8	9 ⭐	9 ⭐	9 ⭐	7	9
Companies Made Simple	8	7	8	8	8	7	7
Your Company Formations	8	7	9 ⭐	9 ⭐	8	7	7
Mint Formations	7	6	7	6	7	5	5
1st Choice Formations	7	6	7	7	6	5	5
Vistra (Jordans)	7	6	5	8	9	7	7
Osome	6	7	6	7	6	6	7
Tide	6	6	8	5	5	3	6
ANNA Money	6	6	8	5	5	3	6

How Does a Company Formation Agent Work?

A company formation agent is an intermediary authorised to register companies with Companies House. Instead of filling in the government forms yourself, you complete a short application through the agent’s platform. From there, the agent then submits the information electronically to Companies House and issues your incorporation documents once approved.

Unlike Companies House, an agent can also bundle extra services into the process. These often include a registered office address to protect your privacy, a service address for directors, mail forwarding, introductions to high-street banks and fintechs, and secretarial or tax registrations. Beyond that, many agents also provide reminders for annual filings, guidance for non-resident directors, and digital dashboards for managing your company paperwork.

For a deeper explanation of the role and value of professional help, see our overview of the reasons to use a company formation agent.

Forming a Company: Use Companies House or a Formation Agent?

You can form a limited company directly through Companies House for £50. However, most entrepreneurs prefer to use an agent because the experience is easier and more comprehensive. Companies House will only register the company – it will not give you an official business address, file your confirmation statements, or help you open a bank account.

Formation agents reduce errors in the application, provide customer support, and package in services that save time later. For non-UK residents, using an agent is almost essential, since Companies House does not provide overseas address facilities or banking introductions. Many founders also consider the wider reasons to use a company formation agent, such as bundled services and compliance support.

ACSP Status and Choosing a Compliant Agent

From 2025, company formation agents in the UK must be registered as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. ACSP status enables an agent to verify the identity of clients – such as directors and persons with significant control – and to submit the corresponding verification statements to Companies House as part of company filings.

Before choosing a provider, it is also worth checking whether the agent is listed on the official Companies House register of formation and secretarial agents. This confirms that the agent has authorised access to file electronically with Companies House via recognised software.

Top-10 Company Formation Agents Reviewed

Uniwide Formations: Expert Guidance With Personal Support

Uniwide Formations positions itself as more than a registration service. It combines incorporation with ongoing compliance, secretarial work, and access to a Kensington, London office address that enhances professional image. Entrepreneurs also benefit from direct access to banking partners and a strong knowledge base that supports not only the initial setup but also the future management of their company. This mix of transparent pricing and responsive UK-based support makes Uniwide Formations distinct among formation providers.

Pros

• To begin with, transparent pricing – Basic package (£59) already includes the £50 Companies House fee and pre-submission review.
• Address services are offered in prestigious Kensington, London, with a registered office available from £59 per year – a premium location that enhances company image.
• In addition, Uniwide Formations offers a wide range of add-on services, including VAT and PAYE registration, company secretarial support, confirmation statements, dormant accounts, document filing, share services, and introductions to accountants.
• Direct introductions to major UK High Street banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) and leading fintech partners.
• Support for non-resident clients: more banking options than most agents, which often provide none or only one.
• High online reputation – consistently rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot and 4.9/5 on Google Reviews. Trustpilot score stands at 4.9 out of 5, with an exceptionally high share of verified reviews (around 95 per cent). This makes Uniwide Formations’ customer feedback especially credible compared with many rivals.
• Personalised support: UK-based team available by phone, e-mail, and live chat, with real experts providing one-to-one help.
• Knowledge hub above industry average: comprehensive blog, searchable Help Centre, and even a chatbot trained on the full site content.
• Part of an international group with sister offices in Dubai, Riga, and Seychelles – useful for entrepreneurs who plan to expand abroad.

Cons

• On the downside, it is not the cheapest option on the market. However, some providers advertise lower entry prices, but these often exclude mandatory costs or provide fewer services. 

Verdict: Uniwide Formations combines company incorporation with address services, compliance add-ons, and established banking links, giving it breadth beyond basic packages. Although it is not the cheapest option available, transparent pricing, personal support, and credible aftercare give it clear value for entrepreneurs who want their company set up correctly and managed with long-term reliability. At the same time, the Kensington registered office adds weight for clients who want a credible London presence, while its strong record of verified reviews provides measurable assurance of service quality.

1st Formations: Mass‑Market with Depth

1st Formations is a high-volume provider that has become one of the most recognised names in UK company formation. Its appeal lies in combining affordable entry packages with a wide choice of compliance services and address options, including a Covent Garden registered office that balances prestige with cost. The company also maintains an extensive library of guides and blogs, making it useful for entrepreneurs who want clear information during and after incorporation.

Pros

• Competitive pricing – basic packages available at low entry-level rates (£52.99); however, a pre-submission review is charged additionally.
• Address services are attractively priced, with a Covent Garden registered office available for £39 per year – a strong balance of prestige and value.
• Wide range of add-on services, such as VAT and PAYE registration, company secretarial support, confirmation statements, dormant accounts, and document filing.
• Direct introductions to major UK High Street banks.
• Dedicated non-resident package including a London registered office, service address, international mail forwarding, and referral to a payment institution.
• Established brand with many years in the UK market.
• High online reputation – large number of positive customer reviews on Trustpilot and other platforms. Trustpilot score sits at 4.8 out of 5, supported by roughly 91 per cent verified reviews.
• Finally, good website knowledge resources, with detailed guides and blogs useful for new company owners.

Cons

• Customer support may feel less personal – reflecting the high-volume, call-centre style environment.
• There are also limited banking introductions for non-UK residents, with just one option.
• More of a mass-market provider, with less emphasis on tailored corporate services or one-to-one expert guidance.

Note: 1st Formations, Rapid Formations, and Quality Company Formations belong to the same group, sharing management, staff, address, and infrastructure. For this reason, we evaluate only their flagship brand, 1st Formations, and do not list the other group companies as separate contenders.

Verdict: 1st Formations offers competitive packages from £52.99, affordable London address services, and a broad range of add-ons, making it one of the most comprehensive mass-market agents. Its Trustpilot record of 4.8, backed by a high proportion of verified reviews, reinforces its reputation for reliable service. At the same time, its scale means that support can feel less personal, and non-resident banking introductions remain limited.

Companies Made Simple: Broad One‑Stop Shop

Companies Made Simple has built its profile by focusing on straightforward company registrations supported by a wide selection of compliance add-ons. It has long been positioned as a convenient platform for freelancers and smaller businesses who want affordable incorporation and simple ordering. The service is presented as a one-stop shop, with company filings, address facilities, and post-incorporation services available under one provider. Its established name in the UK market continues to give it visibility among cost-conscious entrepreneurs.

Pros

• For a start, wide choice of formation packages with low entry pricing (£54.99).
• Address services are available in Central London, with a registered office priced at £89.99 per year as a standalone service – higher than the market average, though reasonable value when included within incorporation packages.
• Alongside formations, the company provides a broad catalogue of add-ons, including confirmation statement filing, dormant accounts, company secretarial support, and VAT/PAYE registration.
• Partnerships with major banks and fintechs for business account referrals.
• Dedicated non-resident package including a London registered office, service address, international mail forwarding, and referral to a Wise Business account.
• Strong online reputation with consistently high ratings. Trustpilot score is 4.7 out of 5, with about 77 per cent of reviews verified. However, around 6 per cent of all reviews are 1-star, which is a higher negative share than some top competitors.

Cons

• Non-resident banking option is limited mainly to Wise, offering fewer choices for overseas clients compared with agents that provide multiple non-resident banking introductions.
• It is primarily a mass-market provider, with less focus on tailored corporate services or individual expert guidance than specialist agents.
• Knowledge resources such as blogs and guides are useful but not as extensive or in-depth as those offered by some competitors.

Verdict: Companies Made Simple provides incorporation packages from £54.99 and bundles them with a wide range of compliance services, address options, and fintech referrals. Its Central London registered office is priced above the market average when purchased alone, but becomes more cost-effective within formation bundles. The Trustpilot profile is broadly positive, although the proportion of negative reviews is slightly higher than that of leading rivals. Overall, Companies Made Simple is positioned as a mass-market provider with affordable entry packages and broad service coverage.

Your Company Formations: Digital Portal with Broad Services

Your Company Formations has been active since 2014 and is among the better-known names in the UK company formation market. Its model focuses on affordability and speed, using a secure online portal where customers can order services, download incorporation documents, and handle compliance filings. The emphasis is on transactional efficiency rather than personalised advice, which makes the service a stronger fit for straightforward incorporations than for complex or bespoke structures.

Pros

• To begin with, they offer competitive pricing and a variety of formation packages at a low entry level. Their digital package starts at £2.48 but excludes the £50 Companies House fee.
• Address services are attractively priced, with a registered office available in Central London for just £29 per year – one of the market’s lowest rates for this essential add-on.
• The add-on menu is wide, with services such as VAT and PAYE registration, company secretarial support, confirmation statements, dormant accounts, and call answering.
• Additionally, it maintains partnerships with major banks and fintechs for business account referrals.
• For overseas founders, there is a dedicated non-resident package with a London registered office, mail forwarding, and the option to open a business account.
• Customer ratings on Trustpilot are consistently strong, with most reviews marked “Excellent.” However, only around 8 per cent of reviews are verified, compared with 90 per cent or more at leading agents, which reduces confidence in the score’s reliability.

Cons

• More of a mass-market provider – less focus on tailored corporate services or individual expert guidance than specialist agents.
• Moreover, banking options for non-residents are limited, and there are fewer introductions than some rivals.
• Knowledge resources such as guides and blogs are useful but not as extensive as those offered by some competitors.

Verdict: Your Company Formations promotes very low entry pricing, including a digital package from £2.48 plus the Companies House fee, and offers some of the cheapest address services on the market at £29 a year for a Central London registered office. The platform is simple to use, and the range of add-ons covers most routine compliance tasks, from secretarial support to VAT registration. Customer reviews are generally positive, but the low proportion of verified reviews means the overall Trustpilot score should be treated with caution. In practice, Your Company Formations is positioned as a low-cost, mass-market agent that works well for founders who want a quick, no-frills incorporation, while entrepreneurs seeking more personalised guidance or international banking support may prefer providers with a stronger advisory focus.

Tide: Formation Linked to Digital Business Accounts

Tide is a fintech platform that includes company formation as part of its business account service. The process allows entrepreneurs to register a limited company and open an account in one step, with all administration managed through a mobile and web app. The service is designed for speed and convenience, and it is particularly aimed at UK residents who want to combine banking, invoicing, and expense management within a single digital platform.

Pros

• Low pricing (from £14.99 with £50 Companies House fee covered by Tide) for both company formation and account services, although only available when bundled together.
• Large user base with over a million UK business customers.
• Fast, app-based support through in-app chat, making company setup and account opening quick and straightforward.
• Combined service: company formation linked directly with a business account, saving time for start-ups.
• Access to integrated financial tools such as invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting software integrations.
• User-friendly mobile and web platform with clear guidance and straightforward navigation.

Cons

• Low-cost formation is conditional on opening a Tide business account – there is no fully independent formation option.
• Add-on services are minimal, limited to basic functions like VAT registration, with no wider catalogue of company secretarial or filing support.
• No in-house registered office service is offered; instead, Tide relies on a third-party provider (Hoxton Mix), making its address solution less integrated than specialist agents.
• Geared towards UK residents only – almost no support for non-residents or overseas directors.
• No introductions to High Street banks or alternative fintechs beyond Tide’s own services.
• Support is digital-only and less personalised; in fact, there is no dedicated one-to-one guidance.
• Trustpilot score sits at 4.0 out of 5. Verified reviews account for less than 1 per cent of its total, and around 19 per cent of reviews are 1-star. This mix suggests a weaker and less reliable reputation compared with dedicated formation agents.
• Formation expertise is more limited, as Tide’s core focus is banking rather than company formations.

Verdict: Tide offers low-cost incorporation when paired with its business account, and its integrated financial tools make it convenient for entrepreneurs who prefer a digital setup. The platform is easy to use and supported by a large customer base. However, the narrow range of add-ons, reliance on third-party address services, and weaker review profile mean it does not match the depth of specialist formation agents.

ANNA Money: Account Plus Admin Tools

ANNA Money positions itself as a fintech platform where company formation is bundled with a business account and digital admin tools. The service is designed for UK residents who want to handle banking, invoicing, and expense tracking in one app. While the entry cost for formation is low, the service is not standalone and depends on opening an ANNA account.

Pros

• They offer discounted company formation (from £19) when you open an ANNA business account, typically covering the £50 Companies House fee. 
• Trusted and recognised fintech brand with a large UK customer base.
• Modern digital-first platform with a mobile app for business account management.
• Useful extras: invoicing, receipt capture, expense tracking, tax tools and accounting integrations.
• Provides 24/7 Cardiff-based customer support with reputation for quick response times.

Cons

• Discounted formation is typically bundled with opening an ANNA business account, and therefore not a standalone option.
• The address service is delivered via a third party (Hoxton Mix) rather than directly by ANNA, meaning the registered office solution feels less bespoke and more generic compared with competitors.
• Compliance services are offered through partners, covering only basics such as VAT registration and a simplified company secretary function.
• Primarily geared towards UK residents – ANNA accounts generally require UK residency.
• No facility in the formation journey to open external business bank accounts; the flow is centred on ANNA.
• Support is app-based chat and e-mail; less one-to-one expert guidance than traditional formation agents.
• Trustpilot score is 4.3 out of 5, broadly in line with fintech peers but lower than the best formation agencies. Only around 2 per cent of reviews are verified, and roughly 11 per cent are 1-star, which undermines the reliability of the overall rating.
• Overall, company formations remain secondary to ANNA’s main product – the business account and admin tools.

Verdict: ANNA Money offers low-cost incorporation linked directly to its business account, with extras such as invoicing and expense tracking built into the app. At the same time, the reliance on third parties for address and compliance services, the lack of verified reviews, and limited formation expertise put it behind dedicated agents. In practice, ANNA is convenient for those who want banking and admin tools in one place, but it does not provide the breadth of services expected from a specialist formation provider.

Mint Formations: Streamlined Service

Mint Formations operates from London and promotes a flexible approach to company registration. Its marketing often highlights low entry prices and a wide spread of address options, from suburban London locations to premium addresses in Knightsbridge.

Pros

• On pricing, company formation packages are broadly in line with market averages; the Digital package starts at £4.99 plus the £50 Companies House fee.
• Address services are available in London, with a registered office from £35 per year in Ruislip, while the premium Knightsbridge option costs £360 annually – making their pricing range wider than most competitors.
• Add-on services are varied, including VAT and PAYE registration, dormant accounts, company secretarial support, and accountancy assistance.
• Banking referrals for UK residents. 
• Start-ups may also benefit from extras such as merchant account introductions. 
• Trustpilot score is high at 4.9 out of 5, but none of the reviews are verified. This lack of verification casts doubt on the reliability of such a strong headline rating.

Cons

• Knowledge resources, such as blogs and downloadable guides, are relatively limited and not updated as often as competitors’. 
• Non-resident banking assistance is a paid add-on rather than a standard inclusion, and the available options are not revealed on the website.  

Verdict: Mint Formations advertises entry-level packages starting at £4.99 plus the Companies House fee and also markets premium London address services priced as high as £360 per year. Its add-ons cover VAT and PAYE registration, secretarial services, dormant accounts, and accountancy support. Trustpilot shows a 4.9 rating based on customer reviews, but none of these reviews are verified. Knowledge materials are limited and updated less frequently than those of larger competitors, and non-resident banking is only available as a paid add-on with no details listed publicly.

1st Choice Formations: Smaller-Scale Provider

1st Choice Formations operates as a more compact agent in the UK market, focusing on straightforward incorporations at a low starting price. Its services centre on company registration, address facilities, and a modest catalogue of compliance add-ons. The brand also highlights value in its Central London registered office, which is priced lower than many similar offerings.

Pros

• To start with, pricing is competitive with LTD company registration from £53, with simple entry-level formation products.
• Address services as standalone products are competitively priced, with a Central London registered office from £39 per year.
• Compliance & add-on services: offers core services but fewer secretarial and compliance add-ons than larger competitors.
• For banking, there are direct introductions to major UK High Street banks.
• Telephone and e-mail support available during UK business hours.
• Overall, its online reputation is generally positive, with solid feedback from customers. Its Trustpilot score is strong at 4.8 out of 5, with around 68 per cent of reviews verified. This verification rate is lower than market leaders but still enough to make the score credible.

Cons

• Smaller range of services – fewer company secretarial services, banking introductions, fintech partners, and start-up offers than larger competitors.
• Non-resident banking option is limited mainly to Wise, offering fewer choices for overseas clients compared with agents that provide multiple non-resident banking introductions.
• Knowledge resources such as guides and blogs are limited compared with other providers.
• The website and user portal work adequately but feel dated compared with more modern competitors.

Verdict: 1st Choice Formations lists company registration from £53 and provides address services starting at £39 per year in Central London. Its Trustpilot score is 4.8 out of 5, with around 68 per cent of reviews verified – a lower proportion than market leaders, but still providing a credible indication of customer satisfaction. The agent covers the essentials of company formation and banking referrals to high street banks, but its smaller range of add-ons, limited non-resident support, and less modern portal distinguish it from larger competitors.

Vistra (Jordans): Professional, Bespoke Focus

Vistra, formerly Jordans, positions itself as a provider for complex and international corporate structures rather than day-to-day start-ups. Its services are aimed at professional and corporate clients who require tailored solutions, covering company secretarial work, nominee services, and statutory filings. Offices in London, Bristol, and Edinburgh give it a national presence, but its pricing structure places it firmly at the premium end of the market.

Pros

• Strong reputation for handling complex and international corporate structures.
• Bespoke, tailored approach – not a mass-market provider.
• Full range of compliance and add-on services, including company secretarial, nominee, statutory filings and virtual office.
• Registered office and address solutions in London, Bristol and Edinburgh.
• Experienced support team available by phone and email.

Cons

• Entry-level pricing is significantly higher than mass-market agents (from £170) and not aimed at cost-conscious start-ups.
• Address services are priced from £250 per year in London, Bristol or Edinburgh – premium locations with corresponding fees, placing them well above average for this type of service.
• Onboarding is consultative rather than instant checkout, and pricing is not entry‑level.
• There are no referrals to traditional high-street UK banks or fintech partners; instead, banking help is corporate-level only.
• Resources cater more to professional users than first‑time founders.
• Vistra does not currently maintain a Trustpilot profile, meaning there is no independent customer feedback available on the platform.
• No start-up ecosystem benefits offered.

Verdict: Vistra charges from £170 for incorporations and from £250 per year for address services in London, Bristol, or Edinburgh, making it more expensive than mass-market agents. It offers a full catalogue of compliance services and personalised onboarding, but does not provide introductions to banks or fintechs. Unlike most competitors, it does not maintain a Trustpilot profile, so there is no independent customer review data. Vistra is positioned as a corporate-level provider, serving professional users rather than price-sensitive start-ups.

Osome: Digital Platform with Fintech Links

Osome combines company formation with digital tools for managing documents and accounting. Its service is designed to give entrepreneurs a single online platform where incorporation records and business administration sit together. Banking referrals are focused on fintechs, and its offering includes access to start-up ecosystem deals. However, the scope of services differs from traditional agents, with no standalone registered office or service address available outside of bundled formation packages.

Pros

• To begin with, it offers a low-cost basic package at £50.
• In addition, a secure online portal stores all incorporation and accounting documents centrally and makes them easily accessible.
• Expert support, which is available via live chat and phone.
• When it comes to banking, referrals are provided to fintech partners such as Wise, Airwallex and Revolut, accessible for both UK residents and non-residents.
• Beyond the basics, clients gain access to a wide range of start-up ecosystem offers.
• Moreover, the platform provides solid knowledge resources.
• Customer feedback is generally positive, with many reviews highlighting reliability.

Cons

• Higher than average prices for company formation services beyond the basic package.
• Add-on services focus on compliance, offering confirmation statements, filing support, and integrated accounting features, though the range is narrower than traditional formation agents.
• No registered office or service address services are offered as standalone products; instead, they are only available when bundled with incorporation packages at comparatively high prices.
• No referrals to traditional high-street UK banks (e.g., HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) – only fintech and neobank partners.
• Knowledge resources are useful but less extensive than those of some well-established rivals.
• Furthermore, pricing for anything beyond the basic package tends to be higher than many rivals.
• Trustpilot score is weaker at 3.9 out of 5, with only a negligible fraction of reviews verified. In addition, around 13 per cent of reviews are 1-star, indicating a higher level of dissatisfaction than most competitors.

Verdict: Osome’s entry package starts at £50, but prices for additional services rise above the market average. The platform provides live chat and phone support, referrals to fintechs such as Wise, Airwallex and Revolut, and a portal that integrates accounting features with formation services. Its Trustpilot score stands at 3.9 out of 5, with only a negligible fraction of reviews verified and around 13 per cent rated one star. This signals a weaker profile than many competitors. While Osome does offer useful digital resources and start-up ecosystem benefits, its higher overall pricing, limited address services, and absence of traditional bank partnerships distinguish it from mainstream formation agents.

Which is the Best Company Formation Agent in the UK?

Overall, there is no single “best” company formation agent for every founder. Low headline prices can be attractive, but the right partner will combine clear pricing, sensible add-ons, reliable support, and, where needed, introductions to banks that fit your profile. If you expect cross-border banking or have a complex share structure, you will likely benefit from a provider with deeper corporate experience.

The best agent depends on your needs. For overall service and support, Uniwide Formations, 1st Formations, and Companies Made Simple stand out. If you want integrated banking, Tide or ANNA Money may suit you, while Vistra caters to more complex structures.

For straightforward incorporations, most of the UK’s top 10 agents can provide a reliable service. For more demanding requirements – such as international banking or detailed secretarial support – it makes sense to choose an agent with deeper expertise and a wider service catalogue.

Before you decide, it is worth weighing not only the upfront package price but also the ongoing value of support, address privacy, and compliance services. If you are ready to form your company, check if your chosen name is available and begin the incorporation process today using our free company name availability tool.