Register Company in the UK: How I Efficiently Set Up My Business

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

I opted for a Private Limited Company because it's ideal for small to medium-sized businesses like mine. It provides limited liability protection, meaning personal assets remain safe from business debts or legal issues.

My Ltd company required at least one director and one shareholder—I could be both, simplifying management. I must file annual accounts and confirmation statements to Companies House, ensuring compliance.

Profits are taxed via Corporation Tax, with dividends available to shareholders, making it a flexible and relatively straightforward structure.

Public Limited Company (PLC)

While I didn't choose a PLC, it's an option for larger businesses looking to raise capital by selling shares publicly. This type demands at least £50,000 in share capital, strict regulatory compliance, audits, and detailed public disclosures.

Suitable for larger operations, shareholder liability stays limited to their investments.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

LLPs blend partnership and limited company elements, offering members limited liability and direct involvement in running the business.

Unlike Ltd or PLC structures, LLP profits are taxed personally on each member's income, avoiding Corporation Tax. This suits professional firms like law practices or accounting firms.

Choosing My Company Name

Selecting a unique name was my first step. The name couldn't closely resemble existing registered companies or contain restricted words without permission. It needed to end with "Limited" or "Ltd" since I chose a private limited structure.

I easily checked availability online through Companies House.

Registered Office Address

I provided a registered office address within the UK. This physical location (not a PO Box) appears publicly and receives all official correspondence, including critical government communications.

Directors and Shareholders

My company needed at least one director aged 16 or over. Directors manage the company and have specific legal responsibilities. Additionally, my company required at least one shareholder (individual or corporate entity).

All director and shareholder details are public, so accuracy was essential.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

I submitted a Memorandum of Association signed by initial shareholders, confirming our agreement to form the company. Additionally, I provided Articles of Association outlining company operations, director roles, and shareholder rights.

Standard templates from Companies House were convenient, although I had the option to customise.