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Officially registering a company (UK)

by Ryan UK
11 replies
Hi Warriors,

I am from the UK and would like to know the procedures of registering a legitimate company. I currently work as a freelance web designer and would like to post some company details on my website to show more credibility. I currently work in my own name and not a company name.

Would it also be possible to have two companies? I would also like one to advertise my services as a company.

Does anyone know if it's free to register a company or is there a lot of admin fees to pay?
#company #officially #registering
  • Profile picture of the author PeterGarety
    It is very easy and simple to establish a company in UK. I had my own company there in 2002.

    Type into Google - shelf companies in uk, and you will get a bunch of offers with different packages.

    Then the next step will be bank account and VAT registration.
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  • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
    Hey Ryan

    It's easy to set up an "off the shelf" company as Peter has said.

    One I have used in the past a couple of times is Company Registrations Online.

    Be aware that the administration of your business is different so you may wish to consult a lawyer and/or an accountant. In fact, you'd be advised to do so.

    At the very least, you'll need to worry about:

    Companies House (company registration, annual return and annual accounts)
    HMRC (corporation tax, VAT and perhaps PAYE)
    Information Commissioner (data protection)
    Bank (business banking)

    ...and none of them are particularly forgiving when you get it wrong.

    Cheers,

    Neil
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  • Profile picture of the author John Henderson
    If you're not bothered about starting a limited company, you can set yourself up as a sole trader with nothing more than a phone call to HMRC at Longbenton (near Newcastle).
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve Peters Benn
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        "Company registration agents" (they're usually also accountants, of varying kinds) offer off-the-shelf company registration for about £50, or made-to-order company registration for about £80, I think.

        They also all have a range of optional extra services including "registered office facilities", "nominee directors/company secretaries" and so on (and it's the optional extras on which they make their profits, I think).

        Handling a company formation yourself can be done for about £15 or £20 less, but probably isn't worth it, because the mistakes are all sitting there waiting to be made through inexperience, and it might be better all round just to buy a ready-made one from professionals?
        i did that for my first Limited company. £20 and a pen. I did mess up slightly on share allocation, but it was fun. Not really worth the time though.

        It always fascinates me how having a Limited company gives you some sort of ability to create bridges, tunnels and railways.... (according to the articles of memorandum or something)
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    • Profile picture of the author KenJ
      I would take the advice of an accountant on this. They can tell you if an off the shelf solution would work for you.

      In theory its simple but there are complications if you don't set things up correctly. I let my accountant take complete control of this area as I know nothing.

      This lets me concentrate on my business

      Kenj
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    • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
      Originally Posted by John Henderson View Post

      If you're not bothered about starting a limited company, you can set yourself up as a sole trader with nothing more than a phone call to HMRC at Longbenton (near Newcastle).
      This is what I've done.

      Unless you're already make HUGE amounts of money, it's not worth registering with Companies House.

      Just tell HMRC you're self employed and keep your books in order.

      It's nowhere near as difficult as it seems.

      Once a year I let my accountants know how much I've earned and how much I've spent, for the company, and they do the tax returns.

      It's that simple.

      And I've been self employed for nearly four years.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Henderson
    Sorry Ryan, I should have pointed to this in my last post...

    Choosing and setting up a legal structure | Business Link
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan UK
    Cheers everyone for the help, I much appreciate it. I shall follow up on the leads you have provided.
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  • Profile picture of the author lindaj
    Ryan you may find this helpful, it's from Companies House:

    Companies Act 2006 Guidance
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    www.solentswimschool.com
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