Company formation services

As part of our tax and business planning service we often recommend to clients to use a companies limited structure to make the most of the available tax breaks and to limit commercial risk. A ‘company limited’ gives limited liability to shareholders meaning they are not personally liable for the company’s debts beyond their investment in shares. A business run through a limited company can give the appearance of a more established organisation than an individual sole trader or professional.

Our company secretarial service has a lot of experience of forming limited companies and can usually arrange for this to be done within 24 hours. When registering a company address it is crucial to stress the importance of the company’s registered office address as a legal requirement.

Brighton Company Formations

We will ask you for the basic information that is required to set up the company such as:

• Preferred name – We can advise on the availability of certain names and any general restrictions on terms that can be included in a company name under company law.
• Registered office address – Many of our clients use our address for this purpose.
• Identity of directors – We can help you understand your legal obligations as directors.
• Ownership of the company – The company may be owned by its director(s) or ownership may be more widely held, as required.
• Directors’ service addresses – Directors can use a business address for publication at Companies House for privacy reasons and we can advise on suitable options.

If you want a basic company structure set up quickly this can be done with a minimum share capital and one director with refinements left until after it has been formed. These might include the appointment of further directors and the issue of additional shares to other shareholders. We will help you get the right set up for you.

When setting up a limited company it’s important to get the structure right from the start. While a simple formation with a single director and shareholder might be sufficient in the short term many businesses benefit from refining their structure as they grow. This can include appointing additional directors, issuing shares to new investors or establishing different share classes to reflect varying levels of ownership and control. Understanding the implications of these choices can make a big difference to your tax position, profit distribution and long term financial planning.

At Plus Accounting we offer more than just company formation; we provide tailored advice to ensure your new business is built on solid foundations. This includes helping you draft essential documents such as shareholder agreements to prevent disputes in the future by clearly defining each stakeholder’s rights and responsibilities. We can also guide you through the decision making process around company structure so you’re set up for success from day one.

What is Company Formation?

Company formation, also known as company registration, is the process of incorporating a business as a limited company. This involves registering the company with Companies House, the registrar of companies, and obtaining a unique company number. The company formation process includes choosing a company name, registering a company address, appointing directors and shareholders and filing the necessary documents with Companies House. This formal registration not only legitimises your business but also provides a structured framework for its operations.

Benefits of Company Formation

The benefits of company formation are many and impactful:

• Limited Liability: Shareholders personal assets are protected if the company incurs debts or liabilities, so personal and business finances stay separate.
• Tax Benefits: Limited companies can pay corporation tax on their profits which is often lower than income tax rates, so there are potential savings.
• Professional Image: A limited company structure can give a professional image, build trust with customers and suppliers and enhance your business’s reputation.
• Flexibility: Limited companies can be structured in many ways, so flexibility in ownership and management can be tailored to the business needs.

Another important aspect of company formation is regulatory compliance. When you register a company you must meet statutory obligations including filing annual accounts, submitting confirmation statements and maintaining accurate records of directors, shareholders and company activities. The time taken for registrations can be dependant on the Companies House workload especially when seeking quick incorporations or same day service options. Our team can assist with these requirements so your company remains in good standing with Companies House and HMRC.

Once the company is formed you can get on with opening a bank account and starting to deal with customers and suppliers – we can help you understand the legal requirements for the company’s paperwork and commercial arrangements, and of course our tax team will be here to make sure you are compliant with corporation tax and VAT rules. Choosing the right business banking solution can streamline your financial operations and offer additional benefits like multi-currency support and integration with accounting tools.

Company Formation Process

The company formation process involves several key steps to get your business set up correctly and efficiently. It starts with choosing a company name and the right company structure for your business. Once these decisions are made the next step is to register your company with Companies House.

At Plus Accounting we are here to guide you through every step of this process. Our team will handle all the paperwork and commercial arrangements. We have a range of company formation packages to suit different business needs including basic, standard and premium options.

We’ll provide guidance on all the company details, share capital and director information to make sure everything is in order. Once the company is formed we can help you open a business bank account so you can start dealing with customers and suppliers straight away.

Beyond the initial registration process new businesses will also need to consider operational setup. Once the company is incorporated you’ll need to apply for the relevant tax registrations, VAT if your expected turnover is above the threshold and you may need to register as an employer with HMRC if you plan to hire staff. These administrative tasks are important to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Opening a business bank account is another key milestone in the formation process. Many banks require proof of incorporation, ID for directors and shareholders and a business plan outlining the company’s activities. Some business bank accounts can help with the company incorporation process by reducing paperwork and making it hassle free. We can advise on a bank that suits your needs and assist with the paperwork to make the process smoother. Signing up for a free business bank account can give you no monthly fees for the first year and additional features like cashback offers.

If you trade internationally or e-commerce additional considerations may apply. You may need an EORI number for importing and exporting or to register for schemes like the VAT Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) if you provide digital services. At Plus Accounting we will make sure all these factors are taken into account so you can start your business with confidence.

How your company is set up can also affect its long term growth and exit strategy. Whether you plan to scale quickly, attract investors or sell the business, getting the legal and financial structure right from the start will save time and money in the long run. Our team will offer strategic advice tailored to your goals so your company formation aligns with your business ambitions.

Company Structures

Choosing a limited company structure can give you tax benefits and limit commercial risk making it a popular choice for many businesses. Forming a UK limited company can give you financial protections and regulatory benefits. At Plus Accounting we will help you determine the right company structure for your needs whether it be limited by shares, limited by guarantee or a limited liability partnership.

Choosing the right company structure isn’t just about tax efficiency – it can also impact your ability to raise funding, enter into contracts and build credibility with clients and suppliers. Investors and lenders prefer limited companies because they offer clear legal protections and defined ownership structures. A well structured company can also help your professional image making it easier to win contracts and partnerships.

In addition to limited companies limited liability partnerships (LLPs) may be more suitable for some professional services firms or joint ventures. An LLP offers flexibility in profit distribution while giving limited liability protection to its partners. We can review your business model and recommend the right structure for your business and long term plans.

Managing shareholdings is another key consideration. Different types of shares can grant varying levels of voting rights and dividend entitlements allowing business owners to structure ownership to suit their goals. Opening a business bank account tailored to your company needs can further improve your financial management and operational efficiency. Whether you need to set up preference shares for investors or a shareholder agreement to protect minority interests our team can advise.

Finally, compliance with the Companies Act is an ongoing responsibility for all limited companies. From director duties to statutory record-keeping we will help business owners stay on top of their legal obligations. By handling your company secretarial duties we will ensure your company formation is not only completed smoothly but remains compliant as your business grows.

Contact Us

We will guide you through the key considerations when choosing a limited company type including the number of shareholders, directors and employees. Our company secretarial service has extensive experience in forming limited companies and can typically complete the formation within 24 hours.

We also offer assistance with essential company documents such as articles of association and shareholder agreements so your company is set up with a solid legal foundation. With us you can make sense of the company formation process and focus on growing your business.

Get company formation support.