Incorporating your business in the UK provides several benefits, including limited liability protection for shareholders, potential tax advantages, and enhanced credibility with customers and suppliers. Additionally, incorporation can make it easier to raise capital, transfer ownership, and ensure business continuity.

You can incorporate different types of companies such as Private Limited Companies (Ltd), Public Limited Companies (PLC), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), and Community Interest Companies (CIC). Each type has its own set of features and benefits, so you can choose the one that best suits your business needs and goals.Private Limited Companies are the norm in the UK.

To choose the right type of company for your business, consider factors like your business objectives, the level of personal liability protection you require, the desired ownership structure, and potential tax implications. It’s a good idea to consult with an accountant like Sleek who can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation, ensuring you make an informed decision.

You’ll need to provide the following information: a unique company name, a registered office address in the UK, details of the director(s) and shareholder(s) including names, addresses, and dates of birth, the share capital and share structure. You will need to submit this information to your formation agent or Companies House during the registration process.

Companies House is a UK government agency responsible for registering and maintaining records of all incorporated businesses in the country. During company incorporation, it ensures that the provided information meets regulatory requirements, registers the new company, and assigns a unique company registration number. Companies House also maintains a public register, allowing the public to access company information, such as annual accounts and director details.

The incorporation process in the UK typically takes between 24 hours to 48 hours for online applications. However, postal applications can take longer, usually around 8-10 working days. It’s important to note that these timeframes are approximate, and actual processing times may vary depending on various factors, such as the accuracy of the submitted information and the volume of applications being processed.

Running an incorporated company in the UK comes with certain annual fees and maintenance costs. These include the annual confirmation statement fee, which is required by Companies House to ensure your company’s information is up to date. Additionally, you’ll need to prepare and file annual accounts, corporation tax returns, and potentially pay for accounting and legal services. The costs for these services can vary based on the size and complexity of your business, so it’s essential to budget accordingly.

You can incorporate your company online in the UK without visiting a physical office. Sleek offers a web incorporation service that allows you to submit the required information and pay the registration fee online. This online method is generally faster, with processing times usually taking between 24 to 48 hours. However, you can also choose to submit your incorporation documents via post if you prefer, but the processing time will be longer.

A director is an individual appointed to manage and oversee the operations of an incorporated company, making decisions on behalf of the business. Their responsibilities include setting the company’s strategic direction, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, preparing and filing annual accounts, maintaining accurate company records, and safeguarding the interests of shareholders. Directors are also responsible for meeting fiduciary duties, such as acting in the best interest of the company, exercising reasonable care and skill, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

A shareholder is an individual or entity that owns a portion of an incorporated company through the purchase or allocation of shares. Shareholders play a crucial role in the company by providing capital in exchange for ownership and potential dividends. While they don’t typically manage day-to-day operations, shareholders have certain rights, such as voting on major decisions, attending annual general meetings, and receiving financial reports. The extent of their influence and rights often corresponds to the percentage of shares they hold in the company.

A company secretary is an individual responsible for ensuring that an incorporated company complies with relevant legal, regulatory, and administrative requirements. Their duties include maintaining statutory registers, submitting annual confirmation statements, and liaising with Companies House and other authorities. In the UK, having a company secretary is not mandatory for private limited companies (Ltd). However, public limited companies (PLC) are required to appoint a company secretary, and some private companies may choose to have one for smoother administration and compliance.

Yes, you can change your company’s name, directors, or registered office address after incorporation. To do so, you need to notify Companies House using the appropriate forms (NM01 for company name, AP01/AP02 for director appointments and resignations, and AD01 for registered office address).

Incorporating your business can have tax implications. Limited companies in the UK are subject to corporation tax on profits, and directors may need to pay income tax on their salaries and dividends. However, there might be potential tax advantages, such as lower tax rates and access to reliefs. It’s advisable to consult a tax professional for tailored guidance.

Yes, you can incorporate your company in the UK even if you’re not a resident, provided you have a registered office address within the country. You may also need to appoint a UK-based director, depending on the company structure and specific requirements.

To protect your company name, ensure it’s unique when registering with Companies House. You can also consider registering it as a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office, which prevents others from using a similar name or logo for their business in the same industry.

Yes, we can. Sleek offers bespoke packages including incoporation, bookkeeping, accounting and tax compliance