Please take advantage of our exclusive limited company formation packages. As soon as your new company is registered at Companies House, we will deliver digital copies of the company documents to you via e-mail. If your order includes printed documents, they will be delivered by post.
Private Limited Company |
Basic |
Proxy |
Privacy |
Smart Deal
Advanced |
Premium |
Most UK companies are established as private companies limited by shares. This is an ideal choice for freelancers and contractors who want to open a limited company. Such companies are owned by shareholders who have certain rights. Shareholders must appoint directors to manage day-to-day business activities on their behalf. |
These Packages are available only to UK residents. |
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£59 + VAT |
£69 + VAT |
£99 + VAT Buy now Read More |
£129 + VAT Buy now Read More |
£199 + VAT Buy now Read More |
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FREE Business Bank Account from one of our banking partners (optional)
FREE Business Bank Account from one of our banking partners
We provide a choice of up to 8 business bank or payment institution accounts, including ANNA, Barclays, Cashplus, CountingUp, Mettle and Tide, each of which has an easy online application process. Our system will show you the banking options available for your business when you complete your company formation order. Simply select your preferred choice, and we will pass your details to our banking partners to contact you. Learn more about how to open a business bank account* This offer is available only for companies with directors and shareholders who are all residents within the UK. Non-residents of the UK should check the options available within our Packages for Non-Residents. |
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Introduction to an Accountant (optional)
Introduction to an Accountant
We have partnered with an accountancy firm that specialises in providing accounting services to new businesses. This accountancy firm will send you a welcome e-mail within 2 working days of your company being incorporated. You may then arrange a consultation with the firm, via Skype, e-mail or telephone, which is free for the first 30 minutes. The purpose of this initial consultation is to introduce you to their services and to let you discuss your accounting and taxation concerns. * Please note that you should negotiate your fees with the accountancy firm directly. |
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FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals (optional)
FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals
We have selected favourable deals that may be of interest to new and existing businesses. FREE co.uk and .uk domainsNames.co.uk: Secure a free domain name from one of the UK's leading providers. Buy .co.uk and .com domains from only £1Ionos.co.uk: Register your .co.uk or .com domain name with a trusted UK provider. * As soon as your company is registered, we will provide you with promotional links to access the offers. |
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Online Client Portal
Online Client Portal
This allows you to manage your existing companies and incorporate new ones without needing to re-enter the information. Click here to learn more. |
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Digital Certificate of Incorporation
Digital Certificate of Incorporation
A certificate of incorporation is an official document, provided by Companies House, which confirms the company name, number and date of incorporation.
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Digital set of Memorandum & Articles of Association
Digital set of Memorandum & Articles of Association
Your company will be formed with our standard articles of association relevant to your particular company type. They provide an easy-to-follow, flexible constitution that will suit the needs of most businesses. Those who want to upload their own memorandum and articles can do this during the application process. We charge an administration fee for this. |
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Registering a Company for Someone Else
Registering a Company for Someone Else
Typically, an application to form a company is made by someone who will be a company director or shareholder. It may instead be done, however, by someone outside the company structure, for example:
The above applies to our company formation packages, starting from the Proxy Package. |
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Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London (for 1 year)
Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London
All UK companies are required by law to have a registered office address, which is the official address for all correspondence from government agencies such as Companies House and HMRC. This address must be a physical postal address, not just a PO Box number. The company's address will be placed on the public record and must be displayed on all company stationery and websites. You may choose as a Registered Office Address either:
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Service Address for one person (for 1 year)
Service Address for one person
Apart from a company or partnership’s Registered Office Address, its directors, shareholders, secretaries and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) and LLP members must provide Companies House also with their correspondence address, which is also known as a Service Address. It will be used for these company officers and members to receive statutory mail and legal documents from official UK government agencies, including Companies House and HMRC. Such a Service Address may be the same as the Registered Office Address, or it may be different. If the Service Address is different then it does not need to be located in the United Kingdom. A Service Address can be a residential or commercial address, but cannot be a PO Box number. Like a Registered Office Address, a Service Address will always appear on the public register at Companies House. |
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VAT Registration Assistance (use at any time)
VAT Registration Assistance (use at any time)
As soon as your company is registered you will receive an email containing a link to complete our online VAT questionnaire. Once you have completed the VAT questionnaire we will prepare and submit your VAT registration application to HMRC. It may take 20 to 30 days for HMRC to process the application. Once your application is successful, we will e-mail you the VAT Registration Number. HMRC will send you the VAT registration certificate by post. |
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Business Postal Address (for 1 year)
Business Postal Address and Mail Forwarding
We will provide you with a prestigious address Kensington, in the heart of London, creating an excellent image for your business. The Registered Office and Service Address cover the use of our address for official government mail only. If you wish to use our address for general business contact with your company, however, then you should purchase our Business Postal Address Service, whereby we will forward all of your post to you as soon as we receive it. This service is renewable annually. |
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£59 + VAT Buy now Read More |
£69 + VAT Buy now Read More |
£99 + VAT Buy now Read More |
£129 + VAT Buy now Read More |
£199 + VAT Buy now Read More |
Most UK companies are established as private companies limited by shares. This is an ideal choice for freelancers and contractors who want to open a limited company. Such companies are owned by shareholders who have certain rights. Shareholders must appoint directors to manage day-to-day business activities on their behalf.
Set up a limited company that is ready to trade with a full set of digital (PDF) documents.
Suitable only if forming a company for yourself (i.e., you must be a part of the company structure). If you are helping someone else to register a company then use the Proxy Package or other higher-level packages.
Register online a limited company that is ready to trade with a full set of digital (PDF) documents.
For anyone, including accountants and solicitors, helping to form a company for someone else.
Register a limited company with a registered office address and a service address. Ideal for protecting the privacy of your home address.
The package includes forming a limited company with a registered office and a service address as well as VAT registration assistance.
The package includes forming a limited company with a registered office and service address, business postal address and mail forwarding services as well as VAT registration assistance.
Private Company Limited by Guarantee |
Limited by Guarantee |
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A private company Limited by Guarantee (LBG) is an alternative type of limited company which is used mainly for non-profit organisations such as clubs, sports associations, community projects and charities. |
£89 + VAT Read More |
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FREE Business Bank Account from one of our banking partners (optional)
FREE Business Bank Account from one of our banking partners
We provide a choice of up to 8 business bank or payment institution accounts, including ANNA, Barclays, Cashplus, CountingUp, Mettle and Tide, each of which has an easy online application process. Our system will show you the banking options available for your business when you complete your company formation order. Simply select your preferred choice, and we will pass your details to our banking partners to contact you. Learn more about how to open a business bank account* This offer is available only for companies with directors and shareholders who are all residents within the UK. Non-residents of the UK should check the options available within our Packages for Non-Residents. |
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Introduction to an Accountant (optional)
Introduction to an Accountant
We have partnered with an accountancy firm that specialises in providing accounting services to new businesses. This accountancy firm will send you a welcome e-mail within 2 working days of your company being incorporated. You may then arrange a consultation with the firm, via Skype, e-mail or telephone, which is free for the first 30 minutes. The purpose of this initial consultation is to introduce you to their services and to let you discuss your accounting and taxation concerns. * Please note that you should negotiate your fees with the accountancy firm directly. |
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FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals (optional)
FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals
We have selected favourable deals that may be of interest to new and existing businesses. FREE co.uk and .uk domainsNames.co.uk: Secure a free domain name from one of the UK's leading providers. Buy .co.uk and .com domains from only £1Ionos.co.uk: Register your .co.uk or .com domain name with a trusted UK provider. * As soon as your company is registered, we will provide you with promotional links to access the offers. |
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Online Client Portal
Online Client Portal
This allows you to manage your existing companies and incorporate new ones without needing to re-enter the information. Click here to learn more. |
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Digital Certificate of Incorporation
Digital Certificate of Incorporation
A certificate of incorporation is an official document, provided by Companies House, which confirms the company name, number and date of incorporation. |
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Digital set of Memorandum & Articles of Association
Digital set of Memorandum & Articles of Association
During the application process our system will let you choose one of the following options regarding your company’s Articles of Association:
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Digital Guarantor Certificate | ||
Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London (for 1 year)
Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London
All UK companies are required by law to have a registered office address, which is the official address for all correspondence from government agencies such as Companies House and HMRC. This address must be a physical postal address, not just a PO Box number. The company's address will be placed on the public record and must be displayed on all company stationery and websites. You may choose as a Registered Office Address either:
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Service Address for one person (for 1 year)
Service Address for one person
Apart from a company or partnership’s Registered Office Address, its directors, shareholders, secretaries and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) and LLP members must provide Companies House also with their correspondence address, which is also known as a Service Address. It will be used for these company officers and members to receive statutory mail and legal documents from official UK government agencies, including Companies House and HMRC. Such a Service Address may be the same as the Registered Office Address, or it may be different. If the Service Address is different then it does not need to be located in the United Kingdom. A Service Address can be a residential or commercial address, but cannot be a PO Box number. Like a Registered Office Address, a Service Address will always appear on the public register at Companies House. |
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Business Postal Address (for 1 year)
Business Postal Address and Mail Forwarding
We will provide you with a prestigious address Kensington, in the heart of London, creating an excellent image for your business. The Registered Office and Service Address cover the use of our address for official government mail only. If you wish to use our address for general business contact with your company, however, then you should purchase our Business Postal Address Service, whereby we will forward all of your post to you as soon as we receive it. This service is renewable annually. |
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VAT Registration Assistance (use at any time)
VAT Registration Assistance (use at any time)
As soon as your company is registered you will receive an email containing a link to complete our online VAT questionnaire. Once you have completed the VAT questionnaire we will prepare and submit your VAT registration application to HMRC. It may take 20 to 30 days for HMRC to process the application. Once your application is successful, we will e-mail you the VAT Registration Number. HMRC will send you the VAT registration certificate by post. |
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£89 + VAT Read More |
A private company Limited by Guarantee (LBG) is an alternative type of limited company which is used mainly for non-profit organisations such as clubs, sports associations, community projects and charities.
Limited Liability Partnership |
LLP |
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A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is an alternative corporate business structure that has the benefit of limited liability for its members. At the same time, however, it also allows its members the flexibility to organise their internal structure to resemble a traditional partnership. An LLP is commonly used by industry professionals who normally work in partnerships, such as solicitors, architects and accountants, but who wish to protect their personal finances by way of limited liability. |
£99 + VAT Read More |
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FREE Business Bank Account from one of our banking partners (optional)
FREE Business Bank Account from one of our banking partners
We provide a choice of up to 8 business bank or payment institution accounts, including ANNA, Barclays, Cashplus, CountingUp, Mettle and Tide, each of which has an easy online application process. Our system will show you the banking options available for your business when you complete your company formation order. Simply select your preferred choice, and we will pass your details to our banking partners to contact you. Learn more about how to open a business bank account* This offer is available only for companies with directors and shareholders who are all residents within the UK. Non-residents of the UK should check the options available within our Packages for Non-Residents. |
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Introduction to an Accountant (optional)
Introduction to an Accountant
We have partnered with an accountancy firm that specialises in providing accounting services to new businesses. This accountancy firm will send you a welcome e-mail within 2 working days of your company being incorporated. You may then arrange a consultation with the firm, via Skype, e-mail or telephone, which is free for the first 30 minutes. The purpose of this initial consultation is to introduce you to their services and to let you discuss your accounting and taxation concerns. * Please note that you should negotiate your fees with the accountancy firm directly. |
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FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals (optional)
FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals
We have selected favourable deals that may be of interest to new and existing businesses. FREE co.uk and .uk domainsNames.co.uk: Secure a free domain name from one of the UK's leading providers. Buy .co.uk and .com domains from only £1Ionos.co.uk: Register your .co.uk or .com domain name with a trusted UK provider. * As soon as your company is registered, we will provide you with promotional links to access the offers. |
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Online Client Portal
Online Client Portal
This allows you to manage your existing companies and incorporate new ones without needing to re-enter the information. Click here to learn more. |
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Digital Certificate of Incorporation
Digital Certificate of Incorporation
A certificate of incorporation is an official document, provided by Companies House, which confirms the company name, number and date of incorporation. |
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Digital Membership Certificate | ||
Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London (for 1 year)
Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London
All UK companies are required by law to have a registered office address, which is the official address for all correspondence from government agencies such as Companies House and HMRC. This address must be a physical postal address, not just a PO Box number. The company's address will be placed on the public record and must be displayed on all company stationery and websites. You may choose as a Registered Office Address either:
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Service Address for one person (for 1 year)
Service Address for one person
Apart from a company or partnership’s Registered Office Address, its directors, shareholders, secretaries and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) and LLP members must provide Companies House also with their correspondence address, which is also known as a Service Address. It will be used for these company officers and members to receive statutory mail and legal documents from official UK government agencies, including Companies House and HMRC. Such a Service Address may be the same as the Registered Office Address, or it may be different. If the Service Address is different then it does not need to be located in the United Kingdom. A Service Address can be a residential or commercial address, but cannot be a PO Box number. Like a Registered Office Address, a Service Address will always appear on the public register at Companies House. |
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Business Postal Address (for 1 year)
Business Postal Address and Mail Forwarding
We will provide you with a prestigious address Kensington, in the heart of London, creating an excellent image for your business. The Registered Office and Service Address cover the use of our address for official government mail only. If you wish to use our address for general business contact with your company, however, then you should purchase our Business Postal Address Service, whereby we will forward all of your post to you as soon as we receive it. This service is renewable annually. |
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£99 + VAT Read More |
This is an alternative corporate business structure that has the benefit of limited liability for its members. An LLP is commonly used by industry professionals who normally work in partnerships, such as solicitors, architects and accountants.
Private Limited Company |
Non-Resident |
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This offer is designed to meet the needs of non-residents who wish to establish a private company limited by shares in the United Kingdom. It gives your company a London presence, including the use of our prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington. |
£169 + VAT Read More |
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Business Account Options for Non-Residents
Business Account Options for Non-Residents
We have partnered with an FCA-regulated payment institution in the UK that is proficient in working with companies formed by non-residents. Wise provides an efficient online account for international transactions in 50 currencies across 80 countries. The Payoneer multi-currency account has everything that your business needs to pay, get paid, and grow globally. Airwallex offers a streamlined international payment platform with local and SWIFT accounts in over 18 currencies, real-time FX rates, and low fees. Once your company is registered with Companies House, we will send you a referral link to apply for opening an account. * Please note that your application for opening an account is subject to approval by the payment institution and is not guaranteed. Fees from the payment institution may apply. |
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Introduction to an Accountant (optional)
Introduction to an Accountant
We have partnered with an accountancy firm that specialises in providing accounting services to new businesses. This accountancy firm will send you a welcome e-mail within 2 working days of your company being incorporated. You may then arrange a consultation with the firm, via Skype, e-mail or telephone, which is free for the first 30 minutes. The purpose of this initial consultation is to introduce you to their services and to let you discuss your accounting and taxation concerns. * Please note that you should negotiate your fees with the accountancy firm directly. |
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FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals (optional)
FREE .co.uk Domain and Other Great Deals
We have selected favourable deals that may be of interest to new and existing businesses. FREE co.uk and .uk domainsNames.co.uk: Secure a free domain name from one of the UK's leading providers. Buy .co.uk and .com domains from only £1Ionos.co.uk: Register your .co.uk or .com domain name with a trusted UK provider. * As soon as your company is registered, we will provide you with promotional links to access the offers. |
||
Online Client Portal
Online Client Portal
This allows you to manage your existing companies and incorporate new ones without needing to re-enter the information. Click here to learn more. |
||
Digital Certificate of Incorporation
Digital Certificate of Incorporation
A certificate of incorporation is an official document, provided by Companies House, which confirms the company name, number and date of incorporation.
|
||
Digital set of Memorandum & Articles of Association
Digital set of Memorandum & Articles of Association
Your company will be formed with our standard articles of association relevant to your particular company type. They provide an easy-to-follow, flexible constitution that will suit the needs of most businesses. Those who want to upload their own memorandum and articles can do this during the application process. We charge an administration fee for this. |
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Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London (for 1 year)
Prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington, London
All UK companies are required by law to have a registered office address, which is the official address for all correspondence from government agencies such as Companies House and HMRC. This address must be a physical postal address, not just a PO Box number. The company's address will be placed on the public record and must be displayed on all company stationery and websites. You may choose as a Registered Office Address either:
|
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Service Address for one person (for 1 year)
Service Address for one person
Apart from a company or partnership’s Registered Office Address, its directors, shareholders, secretaries and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) and LLP members must provide Companies House also with their correspondence address, which is also known as a Service Address. It will be used for these company officers and members to receive statutory mail and legal documents from official UK government agencies, including Companies House and HMRC. Such a Service Address may be the same as the Registered Office Address, or it may be different. If the Service Address is different then it does not need to be located in the United Kingdom. A Service Address can be a residential or commercial address, but cannot be a PO Box number. Like a Registered Office Address, a Service Address will always appear on the public register at Companies House. |
||
Business Postal Address (for 1 year)
Business Postal Address and Mail Forwarding
We will provide you with a prestigious address Kensington, in the heart of London, creating an excellent image for your business. The Registered Office and Service Address cover the use of our address for official government mail only. If you wish to use our address for general business contact with your company, however, then you should purchase our Business Postal Address Service, whereby we will forward all of your post to you as soon as we receive it. This service is renewable annually. |
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Company Documents Bundle certified by a Solicitor & Apostille
Company Documents Bundle certified by a Solicitor & Apostille
An Apostille is a way of officially authenticating the company documents for use in other countries. It may also be required if you choose to open a bank account or a branch of your company outside the UK. In the United Kingdom an Apostille is granted by the Foreign and Commonwealth office. Our Apostilled Documents Service, including certification by a solicitor beforehand, can be added to you company formation order on the Checkout page. |
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VAT Registration Assistance (use at any time)
VAT Registration Assistance (use at any time)
As soon as your company is registered you will receive an email containing a link to complete our online VAT questionnaire. Once you have completed the VAT questionnaire we will prepare and submit your VAT registration application to HMRC. It may take 20 to 30 days for HMRC to process the application. Once your application is successful, we will e-mail you the VAT Registration Number. HMRC will send you the VAT registration certificate by post. |
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£169 + VAT Read More |
Ideal for non-residents who wish to establish a private company limited by shares in the United Kingdom. It gives your company a London presence, including the use of our prestigious Registered Office Address in Kensington.
If you want your company documents apostilled, this option can be added as part of your company formation order.
Most people require setting up a standard limited company, as this is suitable for nearly all types of trading. We will be happy to tell you more about the advantages and disadvantages of a private limited company.
A limited company is a form of business legally separate from its shareholders and directors. Even if a limited company has just one person as its shareholder and director, it remains a legal entity separate and distinct from that person. The company can enter into contracts, and can also be sued, in its own right.
The company owners are protected by “limited liability”, hence it is a “limited” company. Apart from a case of fraud or other serious wrongdoing, the owners are liable for the business's debts only up to the value of their original investment.
Three main types of a limited company in the UK are a private company limited by shares, a private company limited by guarantee and a public limited company.
Most UK limited companies are established as private companies limited by shares. This is an ideal choice for freelancers and contractors who want to start companies.
Such companies are owned by shareholders who have certain rights. Shareholders must appoint directors to manage day-to-day business activities on their behalf. To set up a company limited by shares, only one shareholder and one director is required and the same person can hold both positions.
An individual share may be of any value. You can choose a low share value (for example, £1) to limit the shareholders’ liability to a reasonable amount. Ordinary shares are the most common type of shares which give a shareholder the following rights:
Not on paper: It is all done online to make things simple. No printing or scanning is required.
If your company turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold of £85,000 then you must register for VAT with HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). You may make an optional application for VAT registration before and/or without reaching that level, however, so that you can claim back the VAT that you have paid on your purchases.
When setting up a business and deciding whether to operate as a sole trader or limited company, there are a few key things to consider, such as tax, liability and control.
Sole traders are self-employed individuals who run their businesses in their own name. This means that they are personally liable for any debts or losses incurred by the business. However, sole traders also have more control over their businesses than limited company directors. They can make all the business decisions without consulting with anyone else.
Limited companies are legal entities in their own right, separate from those who own and run them. This means that the directors of a limited company are not personally liable for the business's debts. However, limited companies do have to adhere to specific rules and regulations, and the directors may have less control over the business than a sole trader.
Although most companies have only one type of share, different classes of shares can be created, each with distinct voting, dividend, and/or capital rights. While each class could be given a descriptive name, it is common to label multiple share classes as “A” shares, “B” shares, and so on (e.g., "C", "D" shares, etc.). Examples of different share classes include:
We support online company formations with multiple share classes. As part of the formation process, you will need to name each class of shares and document the particulars prescribed for each.
It is essential to seek appropriate legal and taxation advice for the company and its shareholders when setting up and documenting a complex share class structure.
Your Company Registration Number (CRN) is unique, consists of 8 characters and is shown on your company’s Certificate of Incorporation. Companies House will have automatically assigned this number to your company when it was formed.
Your CRN can be found also on any official documentation that you receive from Companies House and by searching for your company by name on the Companies House online public register. You are welcome also to get in touch with us if you have trouble finding your CRN.
You must display your Company Registration Number on all company stationery, websites and other online material.
Your company’s Unique Tax Reference (company UTR number) is used to identify it for tax-related purposes. You will have been sent a letter confirming this specific ten-digit reference number and guidance on your tax responsibilities to your registered company address.
Once your company is registered at Companies House, HMRC will be notified of its existence automatically. Within 14 days of registering your company you will receive a letter from HMRC that will give you your company’s unique taxpayer reference.
You should also find this reference number on other statutory communication you receive from HMRC. Your company Unique Tax Reference should not be confused with the personal Unique Tax Reference number that people receive when they register for self-assessment.
Yes, you can add your own articles of association when forming a limited company. We charge an administration fee for this service.
Adding your own articles of association is a way of customising the rules that govern your limited company. This can be useful if you want to add specific provisions that are not covered by the default rules set out in the Companies Act 2006.
If you are thinking of adding your own articles of association, we recommend that you seek professional legal advice to ensure that the provisions you include are valid and compliant with the Companies Act 2006.
As a UK company formation agent, we follow “Know Your Customer” (KYC) rules and, consequently, need proof of identity and address for our customers.
If you live in the UK and open a limited company, we will use the details from your order form to check your ID and address. Most of our customers (90%) pass our digital ID checks.
However, if you cannot use our digital ID check or do not pass it, we will email you a request for the required information and documents. For more details, you can check our ID requirements.