Set up your limited company quickly and confidently, with help from trusted formation services.
Starting a limited company is simpler than you think. Here’s what’s included.
You can form a new company with Companies House in just a few minutes. Most providers offer same-day registration and send you digital confirmation once it's complete.
Decide who owns and runs your company. You’ll list the directors and shareholders (even if that’s just you) when you form the business. If you’re the sole director and shareholder, you can still set up a fully compliant limited company on your own.
Open a dedicated business bank account to keep your company finances separate. Some formation services offer fast-track options with trusted banking partners. This makes it easier to track income, claim expenses, and stay compliant with HMRC record-keeping rules.
Once your company is formed, you’ll receive official documents like your Certificate of Incorporation, share certificates, and Memorandum & Articles, usually by email. You’ll need these documents to open a bank account, register for tax, or work with certain clients and agencies.
You can protect your privacy with a virtual registered office. This official address appears on the public record and is where HMRC and Companies House will send company post. You can still run your business from home, but the registered office keeps your personal address off the public record.
You can add VAT or PAYE registration as part of your company setup. Many providers handle this for you, so you don’t need to register separately with HMRC later.
Make sure your business name is available and meets Companies House rules. It should be unique, not too similar to existing names, and free from restricted words. A good name checker will flag duplicates, sensitive terms, or anything likely to get rejected during registration.
You can start your limited company quickly, with all the support you need.
Your questions about company formation, answered.
Online company registration can typically be completed in 5 to 10 minutes, and applications are often approved by Companies House within 24 hours.
No, but it’s highly recommended once your company is registered. An accountant helps with tax returns, annual filings, and compliance.
Yes. Most contractors set up as sole director and shareholder, which is standard and fully compliant.
You’ll need to file annual accounts, a confirmation statement, and a Corporation Tax return. An accountant can handle all of this for you.
Your company name is the legal entity registered with Companies House. You can also operate under a trading name (e.g. “XYZ Consulting”). Just make sure it’s not already taken or misleading.
Yes. You can change your company name after registration, but it must be approved and updated with Companies House.
Yes, many contractors form a limited company while still employed. Just check your employment contract for any clauses about outside work or conflicts of interest.
No, you don’t need a business plan. But having one can help with banking, insurance, and planning your finances as a contractor.
You can use your home address, but it will appear on the public record. A registered office service keeps your personal address private and looks more professional.
Yes. Many recruiters and clients require you to have a limited company in place before offering work. Just be aware of your filing deadlines, even if you’re not trading yet.
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