Company Formation

Starting a new business is an exciting venture, but choosing the right legal structure is crucial for your company's future success, tax efficiency, and legal protection. The decisions you make at formation can significantly impact your business operations, funding opportunities, and personal liability.

What Our Company Formation Solicitors Can Help With

• Limited Company Formation: Standard private companies limited by shares
• Public Company Formation: PLCs for larger businesses and public offerings
• Partnership Structures: Limited liability partnerships and general partnerships
• Sole Trader Setup: Advice on self-employment structures
• Group Company Structures: Holding companies and subsidiary arrangements
• Special Purpose Vehicles: Project-specific company formations
• Overseas Company Registration: UK branches of foreign companies
• Company Name Reservations: Securing preferred business names

Types of Business Structures

Private Limited Company (Ltd):

• Limited liability protection for directors and shareholders
• Separate legal entity with perpetual succession
• Tax efficient for profits above £50,000
• Enhanced credibility with customers and suppliers
• Easier to raise investment and secure business loans
• Annual filing requirements with Companies House

Public Limited Company (PLC):

• Minimum share capital of £50,000
• Ability to raise capital from public share offerings
• Stricter regulatory requirements and reporting
• Enhanced corporate governance obligations
• Required for Stock Exchange listings

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP):

• Popular with professional services firms
• Partners have limited liability protection
• Flexible management structure
• Pass-through taxation to individual partners
• No requirement for external shareholders

Company Formation Process

1. Structure Selection: Choosing optimal business structure for your needs
2. Name Availability: Checking and reserving company name
3. Documentation Preparation: Articles of association and incorporation forms
4. Share Structure Design: Determining share classes and ownership
5. Director Appointments: Identifying and appointing company directors
6. Companies House Filing: Submitting incorporation documents
7. Certificate of Incorporation: Receiving official company registration
8. Post-Incorporation Setup: Bank accounts, HMRC registration, and compliance

What's Included in Professional Company Formation

• Business Structure Advice: Recommending optimal structure for your objectives
• Articles of Association: Bespoke or standard articles tailored to your needs
• Share Structure Planning: Designing equity arrangements for growth
• Director & Secretary Appointments: Proper appointment procedures and documentation
• Companies House Filing: Professional submission of all required forms
• Statutory Books: Company registers and record-keeping systems
• HMRC Registration: Corporation tax and VAT registration guidance
• Banking Support: Assistance with business bank account opening

Company Formation Costs

Government Fees:

• Companies House incorporation fee: £12 (online) or £40 (postal)
• Same-day incorporation: £100
• Name reservation: £10

Legal Fees:

• Basic company formation: £150-£500
• Complex structures with bespoke articles: £500-£1,500
• Group company formations: £1,000-£5,000
• Ongoing compliance advice: £100-£300 per hour

Additional Considerations:

• Registered office address: £50-£200 per year
• Company secretary services: £200-£500 per year
• Accounting and bookkeeping: £1,000-£5,000 per year

Post-Formation Compliance Requirements

Annual Obligations:

• Annual confirmation statement to Companies House
• Annual accounts filing within 9 months of year-end
• Corporation tax return within 12 months of year-end
• Maintaining statutory registers and minutes

Ongoing Changes:

• Director and secretary appointments/resignations
• Share transfers and new share issues
• Registered office address changes
• Articles of association amendments

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Company Formation

• Business Law Specialists: Solicitors experienced in business formations and structures
• Tax Planning Integration: Coordination with accountants for optimal tax structures
• Growth Planning: Structures designed to accommodate future expansion
• Investment Ready: Formations suitable for attracting investors
• Fixed Fee Certainty: Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Fast Turnaround: Same-day incorporations available when needed

Professional company formation ensures your business starts with the right legal foundation for long-term success and growth.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.