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The easy way to form a limited company

Setting up your company with us takes 5 minutes thanks to our easy 4-step process.

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The easy way to form a limited company

Setting up your company with us takes 5 minutes thanks to our easy 4-step process.

How to start a business from scratch

Contrary to popular belief – you don’t need a lengthy track record or a mega-rich backer to start a business!

How many of us have had a great business idea that we never get off the ground because we think it’s unworkable? It becomes even more frustrating if you see someone else take that idea, start their own business and make a success of it. However, there is good news, because learning how to start a business from scratch is much easier than you might think.

The startup community
One result of the credit crisis has been a surge in the number of people going it alone or starting businesses. So much so, in fact, that 2016 was a record year for new businesses in the UK. According to the Centre for Entrepreneurs, more than 650,000 new businesses came into being, and by all indications, the coming years will be even bigger.

The value of this enterprising startup community to the UK economy should not be underestimated. According to an annual report from Virgin Startups, it has generated more than £196bn for the economy.

From zero to hero: How to start a business out of nothing
Of course, getting finance from banks is difficult when you’re starting a business from scratch, but don’t worry. Thanks to the rise of digital technology the barriers to entry have come tumbling down.

Due to high-speed WiFi you don’t necessarily need to spend money on an office. Many businesses can be run directly from your laptop wherever you are at any given moment: your home, a café with internet access, airport lounge or the train. You might even run it during breaks at work.

If you can figure out how to start a business on a small scale in your spare time, you won’t have to quit your job: that means you can avoid that terrifying transitionary phase when you’ve lost a reliable income and aren’t making money through your new business.

Alternative financing
If the traditional banks have turned their back on you, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Business accelerator programs are becoming increasingly popular. Some are run by governments; other by big corporations such as Virgin who want to be seen as helping entrepreneurs.

Another useful option is crowdfunding. Crowdfunding platforms offer a chance for businesses to go directly to the public and raise capital. It bypasses the banks and gives ideas a chance to thrive. If people like them, they will be willing to back them with cash.

Getting experience
So, there are ways to get around the lack of money, but one of the biggest obstacles, if you’re starting a business from scratch, could be your own lack of expertise. The world is full of people who had a great idea, but knew very little about starting up and running a business. One of the most common things small business owners say after a failed venture is ‘I wish I’d known at the start what I know now’.

Many entrepreneurs go through several failed ventures before they get it right. Experience is valuable and you need to get as much as you can. Try attending low-cost workshops. These are often run by successful entrepreneurs and give you a chance to learn the lessons from their past.

Networking events can open up new business opportunities and introduce you to people who can help you in many surprising ways. At the very least they represent opportunities for group learning. You can swap ideas with other entrepreneurs and come away with lessons which may prove useful in your own journey. And don’t panic: we’ve got some good tips for networking if you’re uneasy about diving straight in.

The web can be a great tool. There are lots of forums in which entrepreneurs discuss their adventures as well as dedicated publications such as Entpreneur.com, and The Formations Company help centre has lots of invaluable content aimed at providing help and support to those worried about how to start a business successfully.

Do your research
Aside from this, all that remains are the usual tips we would give to any budding entrepreneur. Do your research. See what’s available in your local area and in your market. Understand the competition and work out if you can offer people something that they do not. This can be a great form of due diligence in itself. If there isn’t another company in your sector then it means two things: either you’ve hit upon an amazing idea that nobody has ever thought of yet, or there isn’t a market for your product.

Creating a limited company
Before you start trading, though, you will, of course, have to go about creating a limited company. This can be relatively straightforward, but it’s worth getting right. Register your company early and get all the necessary details out the way.

So, even if you don’t have much in terms of money or experience, it is possible to make that dream business idea a reality. Here at the Formations Company, we offer a range of resources to help you out. If you want to know more about how to start a business from scratch, check out the help centre for more advice. Or, get to work creating a limited company now by checking out our different packages.

Register your own business from £9.99

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Formation bundles to suit all businesses

Essentials

Value for money

£17.99

+VAT | ONE OFF

Entrepreneur

Cost-effective

£39.99

+VAT | ONE OFF

Super

Most popular

£79.99

+VAT | ONE OFF

Pro

All inclusive

Was £149.99

Now £114.99

+VAT | PER YEAR

Go limited

For sole traders

£29.99

+VAT | PER YEAR

Go limited +

For sole traders

£59.99

+VAT | PER YEAR

Limited Company

Digital & Printed

Limited Company

Bound MOA, Digital &
Printed docs

Limited Company

Digital, Printed & Bound.

Limited Company

Digital, Printed & Bound.

Limited Company

Digital

Limited Company

Digital

Must haves

Up to £100 cashback

Business bank account

Bookkeeping software

Business phone number

-

Must haves

Up to £100 cashback

Business bank account

Bookkeeping software

Business phone number

-

Must haves

Up to £100 cashback

Business bank account

Bookkeeping software

Business phone number

-

Must haves

Up to £100 cashback

Business bank account

Bookkeeping software

Business phone number

Discounted Apple tech

Must haves

Up to £100 cashback

Business bank account

Bookkeeping software

Business phone number

Fraud protection

Must haves

Up to £100 cashback

Business bank account

Bookkeeping software

Business phone number

Fraud protection

Guides and support

Lifetime support

Business hub manager

Ltd company e-book

Guides and support

Lifetime support

Business hub manager

Ltd company e-book

Guides and support

Lifetime support

Business hub manager

Ltd company e-book

Guides and support

Lifetime support

Business hub manager

Ltd company e-book

Guides and support

Lifetime support

Business hub manager

Ltd company e-book

Guides and support

Lifetime support

Business hub manager

Ltd company e-book

Free expert advice

Accountant consultation

Free expert advice

Accountant consultation

Free expert advice

Accountant consultation

Free expert advice

Accountant consultation

Free expert advice

Accountant consultation

Free expert advice

Accountant consultation

-

 

 

 

 


Registered agent

3/MOS. free

Registered office address

Service address

Mail forwarding


Registered agent

12/MOS. free

Registered office address

Service address

Mail forwarding


Registered agent

+ Digital scan & send

Registered office address

Service address

Mail forwarding


Registered agent

Available as an added service

 

 


Registered agent

Available as an added service

 

 


-

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company admin

Confirmation statement

1st board meeting mins

Digital register & mins

 

 

 

Company admin

Confirmation statement

1st board meeting mins

Digital register & mins

Dissolution service

Dormant returns

Company filling edits

Company admin

Confirmation statement

Digital register & mins

Dissolution service

Dormant returns

Company filling edits

PSC Online Register

Company admin

Confirmation statement

Digital register & mins

Dissolution service

Dormant returns

Company filling edits

PSC Online Register

PAYE registration

VAT registration

-

 

 
 



 
 

-

 

 
 



 
 

-

 

 
 



 
 

Legal and cashflow
management

Legal health check
and 24/7 advice helpline

Legal contract creator

Company debt recovery

Company credit checking
and monitoring

-

 

 
 



 
 

Legal and cashflow
management

Legal health check
and 24/7 advice helpline

Legal contract creator

Company debt recovery

Company credit checking
and monitoring



See all add-ons



See all add-ons



See all add-ons



See all add-ons



See all add-ons



See all add-ons

Upgrade for support and peace of mind

Get up and running with everything you need to start and run your business. Subscribe and let us take care of your on-going filing requirements.

Starter

£29.99

+VAT

PER YEAR

RRP £220, SAVE 86%

Limited company

TFC support agent

TFC hub access

Business phone number

Business bank account

Tax and accounting

Digital docs

Confirmation statement

Dissolution Service

Company Filling Edits

Dormant Returns

Continue with one-time purchase

Upgrade for support and peace of mind

Get up and running with everything you need to start and run your business. Subscribe and let us take care of your on-going filing requirements.

Starter

£29.99

+VAT

PER YEAR

RRP £220, SAVE 86%

Limited company

TFC support agent

TFC hub access

Business phone number

Business bank account

Tax and accounting

Digital docs

Confirmation statement

Dissolution Service

Company Filling Edits

Dormant Returns

Continue with one-time purchase

One off payment

A one time payment that's required in full at time of purchase.

Per year payment

A recuring yearly payment that includes access all the services contained in the Pro bundle. Payment will automtically be taken on the day of initial purchase every year.

Limited Company documents

Certificate of Incorporation:

The certificate provides confirmation that your company has been incorporated under the Companies Act 2006.

Memorandum and Articles of Association:

The Memorandum of Association is a written legal agreement signed by all initial shareholders of a company, agreeing to form the company. Articles of Association are the written rules which define how the company will be run. These rules are agreed on and signed by the company director, shareholders and secretary.

Share certificates:

If a company is limited by shares, a Shareholder Certificate is sent out at the time of incorporation or just after incorporation. The certificate includes information such as the company’s registered address, plus the names and addresses of the shareholders.

Limited Company documents

Certificate of Incorporation:

The certificate provides confirmation that your company has been incorporated under the Companies Act 2006.

Memorandum and Articles of Association:

The Memorandum of Association is a written legal agreement signed by all initial shareholders of a company, agreeing to form the company. Articles of Association are the written rules which define how the company will be run. These rules are agreed on and signed by the company director, shareholders and secretary.

Share certificates:

If a company is limited by shares, a Shareholder Certificate is sent out at the time of incorporation or just after incorporation. The certificate includes information such as the company’s registered address, plus the names and addresses of the shareholders.

First board meeting minutes:

Even if you’re both a shareholder and director of your company, you’ll still need to hold an initial board meeting. It’s a legal requirement that if requested, you can provide the first board meeting minutes, as it is proof that a company director was formally appointed. At The Formations Company, we’ll provide you with a template to easily fill out your minutes.

Company must haves

Business Bank Account:

It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!

Bookkeeping software:

Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!

Business phone number:

Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.

Company must haves

Business Bank Account:

It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!

Bookkeeping software:

Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!

Business phone number:

Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.

Discounted Apple tech:

We have partnered with wearesync.co.uk to bring our customers affordable tech for their business. With this formation package you will have access to exclusive offers on the very latest Apple technologies at discounted prices which you will not be able to find anywhere else in store or online - up to 13% off Apple products.

Company must haves

Business Bank Account:

It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!

Bookkeeping software:

Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!

Business phone number:

Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.

Company must haves

Business Bank Account:

It’s a legal requirement to have a business bank account as a limited company. We’ve handpicked a range of different types of business bank accounts to suit all types of business. You can even get up to £100 cashback with some of our business bank accounts!

Bookkeeping software:

Bookkeeping software is essential for a new limited company as it's a legal requirement to keep financial records of the company. It can also save you a lot of time and money, even if you’re not ready to trade yet!

Business phone number:

Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.Every business needs a new phone number and bOnline is here to make it clear and simple. You’ll get a new phone number with unlimited calls free for 90-days and only £9 per month, thereafter, so you can keep your business and personal numbers separate.

Fraud Protection Service

Protect your company from fraud by preventing changes being submitted via paper forms and secure your account with added notifications if anything changes.

Guides and support

Hub business manager:

You can manage your business from your Hub business manager. Access invoices, company details and any additional services you might need, including bank accounts, insurance, websites and much more!You can manage your business from your Hub business manager. Access invoices, company details and any additional services you might need, including bank accounts, insurance, websites and much more!

Lifetime customer support:

When you form your limited company with us, you'll get lifetime support from your very own TFC Support Agent, who will be on hand to help and support your limited company.

Ltd company e-book:


Everything you need to know about owning a limited company and being a director is included in this eBook.

Free expert advice

Book a free, no-commitment consultation with an accountant and a trade mark attorney at a time and date that suits you.

Registered agent

Included with this bundle

A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.

Registered office address:

On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address

Service address:

On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address

Mail forwarding:

Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.

Registered agent

Free for 3 months with this bundle

A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.

Registered office address:

On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address

Service address:

On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address

Mail forwarding:

Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.

Registered agent

Free for 12 months with this bundle

A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.

Registered office address:

On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address

Service address:

On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address

Mail forwarding:

Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.

Registered agent

A 3 in 1 service that protects your privacy, all other directors privacy and includes our mail forwarding service.

Registered office address:

On the public register, use our address as the business’s registered office address

Service address:

On the public register, use our address as all the directors service address

Mail forwarding:

Quick and efficient mail forwarding and junk mail filtering. No additional handling or postage fees.

Digital scan and send

We'll digitally scan all your statutory only mail, then email you a copy, making sure you get it ASAP.

Company admin

Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:

Confirmation Statement:

A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.

Company filling edits

At some point in your business's lifetime you'll need to make changes, be it changing a directors details, removing/adding a shareholder, a change of address or even changing the company name.

PSC Online Register

Limited companies in the UK are required to identify and record the people who own or control their company. This means that a you will need to keep a register if the people with significant control (PSCs). This helps to increase transparency over who owns and controls the company and will help inform investors when they are considering investing in a company. It will also support law enforcement agencies in money laundering investigations. This cost effective, online version of your PSC register will safeguard you and your business.

Company admin

Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:

Confirmation Statement:

A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.

Company filling edits

At some point in your business's lifetime you'll need to make changes, be it changing a directors details, removing/adding a shareholder, a change of address or even changing the company name.

PSC Online Register

Limited companies in the UK are required to identify and record the people who own or control their company. This means that a you will need to keep a register if the people with significant control (PSCs). This helps to increase transparency over who owns and controls the company and will help inform investors when they are considering investing in a company. It will also support law enforcement agencies in money laundering investigations. This cost effective, online version of your PSC register will safeguard you and your business.

VAT Registration

Companies register for VAT due to the following reasons:

  • Turnover is expected to exceed £85,000 in the next 12 months. It is therefore a legal requirement to register for VAT, unless the supplies are exempt.
  • If turnover is expected to be less than £85,000 but the company wants to register voluntarily.

Our accountancy partner will be in contact shortly after your company is incorporated and will handle the entire registration process for you.

PAYE Registration

Even if you are the only person in your business it is still a good idea to register yourself for PAYE.

Many business owners decide to pay themselves a wage below the tax threshold via PAYE as a part of their earnings before they take out money through their share dividends.

You will receive your PAYE reference number from HMRC within 10 working days directly at your trading address.

Fast and Easy Process

No login, password or complicated jargon. Just respond to our 5 min questionnaire about your business.

Company admin

Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:

Confirmation Statement:

A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.

Dissolution service:

If you decide to close your limited company, you'll have to let Companies House know. There are several different ways of doing this depending on the circumstances of why you're closing your limited company.

Our experts will take care and take the necessary course of action with Companies House, should you need it.

Dormant returns

If you’re company has no ‘significant’ transactions in the financial year, it’s classed as dormant. In this case, we’ll file a Company Tax Return to show HMRC that your company is dormant so you don’t have to.

Company filling edits

At some point in your business's lifetime you'll need to make changes, be it changing a directors details, removing/adding a shareholder, a change of address or even changing the company name.

Company admin

Our experts will take care of all the complicated companies house fillings you might need:

Confirmation Statement:

A confirmation statement is a snapshot of all the information about the company directors to make sure that Companies House's records are up to date. It's a legal requirement for limited companies to file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months.

All bundle add-ons

PAYE Registration

Many business owners decide to pay themselves a wage below the tax threshold via PAYE. Make sure you are registered correctly by letting us handle this for you.

VAT, PAYE & MTD Registration

We'll take care of registering your business for VAT, PAYE and MTD. leave the complicated admin work to us and focus on your getting your limited company up and running.

VAT Registration

Crunch combine market-leading online accounting software with a team of expert accountants and client managers to create the UK’s greatest self-employed accounting solution.

Check & Send Service

Before your application is submitted to Companies House, be sure it is 100% complete and correct. One in ten applications are rejected the first time around, resulting in longer wait times.

International ID Check

If your residential address is not in the UK, we will need to run an international ID check to verify your details.

Fraud Protection Service

Protect your company from fraud by preventing changes being submitted via paper forms and secure your account with added notifications if anything changes.

PSC Online Register

By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Our online register is a simple and cost effective way to safeguard you and your business.

PSC Online & Printed Register and Minutes

By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Not only will you get an online register, but you£ll also get a printed version of it and minutes.

All bundle add-ons

Registered Agent Monthly and Yearly

3 in 1 service that protects all directors, shareholders, PSC's and your personal address details. All your mail will be sent our London office address where we will filter out the junk and swiftly forward all important correspondence.

PAYE Registration

Many business owners decide to pay themselves a wage below the tax threshold via PAYE. Make sure you are registered correctly by letting us handle this for you.

VAT, PAYE & MTD Registration

We'll take care of registering your business for VAT, PAYE and MTD. leave the complicated admin work to us and focus on your getting your limited company up and running.

VAT Registration

Crunch combine market-leading online accounting software with a team of expert accountants and client managers to create the UK’s greatest self-employed accounting solution.

Check & Send Service

Before your application is submitted to Companies House, be sure it is 100% complete and correct. One in ten applications are rejected the first time around, resulting in longer wait times.

International ID Check

If your residential address is not in the UK, we will need to run an international ID check to verify your details.

Fraud Protection Service

Protect your company from fraud by preventing changes being submitted via paper forms and secure your account with added notifications if anything changes.

PSC Online Register

By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Our online register is a simple and cost effective way to safeguard you and your business.

PSC Online & Printed Register and Minutes

By law all UK Ltd companies must have a 'Persons of significant control' register. Not only will you get an online register, but you£ll also get a printed version of it and minutes.

No hidden extras, just simple online process.

Register your own company from £9.99