Setting up a new Limited Company
1. Company name
Choose your unique company name & whether you would like it to end with “Limited” or “Ltd”. Please check the Companies House register to ensure the name doesn't already exist.
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2. A registered address
Select an address for the company, this can be the trading address or an alternative address but must be a physical address not a PO box. This is where your official documents from HMRC and Companies House will be sent.
Notably, this registered office address will be placed on the public record and accessible by marketing agencies and the general public. You can choose to use a registered office address service to protect your residential addres. We do not offer this service, but you can find many companies offering this service online e.g. 1st formations.
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3. Type of business (SIC code)
You must select at least one SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code that depicts the nature of your business and proposed activities.
SIC codes exist for every type of business, from video production and life insurance to financial management and childcare.
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4. Directors details
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Full names, and any details of a change of name including the date when changed, for all directors
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Date of birth (must be at least 16 years old)
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Occupation (you can simply state “Company Director” as your occupation if desired)
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Nationality
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Residential address (this does not go on the public register), if you have lived here for less than 3 years, your previous address also
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Service address (you can choose to use your home address or any other physical address to receive official documentation, but it’s important to note that this will be on the public record and accessible via the Companies House website by anyone)
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5. Shareholders details
Every limited company must have at least one shareholder — this may also be the director.
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Full name
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Date of birth
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Residential address (this does not go on the public register), if you have lived here for less than 3 years, your previous address also
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Service address (this may be a home address or any other physical address and will go on the public register)
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Nationality
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Nature of control (for example, the number of shares they hold)
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At least three of the following:
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Town of birth
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Mother’s maiden name
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Father’s first name
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Telephone number
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Passport number
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National insurance number
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6. Company secretary details
It is not mandatory to have a company secretary and many limited companies choose not to appoint a secretary, especially if they are happy to conduct company secretary duties themselves. However, if you do choose to appoint a company secretary, you must provide the following information:
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Full Name, and any details of a change of name including the date when changed
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Date of birth (must be at least 16 years old)
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Occupation
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Nationality
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Residential address, if you have lived here for less than 3 years, your previous address also
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Service address
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7. Persons of Significant Control
You must also provide details of any additional Persons of Significant Control (PSC), excluding the director, shareholder or secretary (if applicable).
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Full name, and any details of a change of name including the date when changed
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Date of birth
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Residential address, if you have lived here for less than 3 years, your previous address also
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Service Address
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Nationality
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Nature of Control (e.g. if the person controls a trust that owns over 25% of the shares)
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8. Proof of ID
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations require us to request photo ID and proof of address for all directors. These will be requested as required by law and must be provided.
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