Start by choosing the right structure (limited by shares, guarantee, or LLP) to protect personal assets. Pick a unique, compliant name via Companies House. Set a UK registered office and appoint at least one director and member. Prepare Articles, define share classes and rights, and choose an accurate SIC code. Register online with Companies House and HMRC, then open a business bank account and set up record-keeping and compliance. Next, you’ll see each step explained clearly with practical tips.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right structure (Ltd, guarantee company, or LLP) and secure a UK registered office address.
- Pick a unique, compliant company name and confirm availability via Companies House.
- Prepare Articles of Association, define share structure, appoint directors/members, and select the correct SIC code.
- Submit online incorporation to Companies House, then register with HMRC and obtain your Certificate of Incorporation.
- Open a business bank account using incorporation documents, ID/address proofs, and set up bookkeeping and compliance systems.
Choose Your Company Structure
Before you register, decide which structure fits your goals and risk tolerance. If you’re building a profit-making venture, choose a company limited by shares. You’ll issue shares, and your liability’s capped at the amount unpaid on them, so your personal assets stay shielded from company debts.
Choose a company limited by shares to cap liability and shield personal assets from business debts.
If you’re setting up a non-profit or charity, pick a company limited by guarantee. Instead of shares, members promise a small amount if the company winds up, keeping liability minimal.
If you’re a professional—like a solicitor, dentist, or consultant—consider a limited liability partnership (LLP). An LLP gives you partnership-style flexibility while protecting each member’s liability.
Whichever you choose, you’ll need a registered office address within the registration jurisdiction. That’s where HMRC and Companies House send official legal documents.
Pick and Check a Unique Company Name
Wondering what to call your company? Start by brainstorming names that clearly reflect what you do and how you want to be perceived. Your name must be unique—Companies House won’t allow anything identical or too similar to an existing UK limited company. Avoid sensitive or restricted words that suggest government links or a special status unless you have permission.
Use the Companies House online name availability checker to test your shortlist. If a name’s taken or too close, refine it with distinctive words, different ordering, or a unique descriptor. Don’t mislead the public about your activities or legal form.
Once you confirm a unique, compliant name, you can register it during formation with Companies House.
| Step |
Tip |
| Brainstorm |
Reflect your business’s nature |
| Check |
Use Companies House checker |
| Confirm |
Avoid sensitive or misleading terms |
Set Your Registered Office and Company Officers
As you move from naming to forming, set a compliant registered office and appoint your company officers. Choose an address within your registration jurisdiction—England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland—because it’s the official location for legal documents.
Make sure the address complies with legal naming rules and isn’t confusingly similar to an existing company’s name.
Choose a name and address that won’t confuse or conflict with existing companies.
Appoint at least one director and one member (a shareholder or guarantor). You can be both. Directors must be natural persons, and you must submit their details to Companies House during incorporation.
Verify spellings, dates of birth, and service addresses before filing to avoid delays.
Maintain your registered office continuously. If it changes, update Companies House promptly to prevent missed notices, penalties, or legal issues.
Keep officer details current as responsibilities evolve.
Prepare Articles, Share Structure, and SIC Code
With your registered office and officers in place, turn to the framework that governs how your company operates.
Draft Articles of Association that act as your rule book—set out governance, director duties, decision-making, and member rights. You can adopt model articles or tailor them, but make sure they reflect how you’ll run meetings, issue shares, and resolve disputes.
Define your share structure clearly. Decide classes (e.g., ordinary, non-voting, preference), voting rights, dividends, and transfer restrictions. Record each class’s rights and the obligations on shareholders.
Select a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that best describes your primary activity. Use Companies House’s list to pinpoint the closest match, and remember you can update the code if your business focus changes.
- Governance rules
- Director responsibilities
- Share classes and rights
- Accurate SIC code selection
Register With Companies House and HMRC
Before you trade, secure your company’s legal status by registering with Companies House and HMRC.
Choose a unique company name that meets naming rules and isn’t identical to any existing listing. Provide a UK-registered office address for official correspondence.
Submit your incorporation application online with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, plus details of directors, shareholders, and shareholdings.
Once Companies House accepts your filing, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation—proof your company exists. Keep it safe; you’ll need it for official processes.
Next, register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within three months of starting to trade. Monitor turnover and register for VAT if you exceed the £85,000 threshold or choose to register voluntarily.
Maintain accurate records to ensure continued compliance with legal and tax obligations.
Open a Business Bank Account and Set up Compliance Systems
Once your company’s incorporated, open a dedicated business bank account to separate personal and company finances and streamline compliance.
Compare providers for fees, transaction limits, integrations, and international capabilities. To apply, have your Certificate of Incorporation, proof of registered UK office address, and valid ID for all directors and shareholders (passport or driver’s license).
Set up compliance systems immediately. Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within three months of starting to trade.
Keep accurate, up-to-date records: financial statements, annual accounts, and tax records. File your annual confirmation statement and accounts with Companies House on time, and track changes in directors or shareholdings.
Use a simple checklist to stay on track:
1) Track filing deadlines.
2) Monitor structural changes.
3) Reconcile monthly.
4) Review bank fees and features quarterly.
Conclusion
You’ve now got a clear path: choose the right structure, secure a unique name, appoint your officers, set your articles and shares, and select your SIC code. Register with Companies House and HMRC, then open your business bank account and put compliance systems in place. Keep records tidy, meet filing deadlines, and review your setup as you grow. Take each step confidently, and you’ll launch on solid ground—ready to trade, build credibility, and scale your limited company.
