If you’ve decided to close your limited company, a members’ voluntary liquidation is often a tax-efficient way to do it. Here we explain what an MVL is.
Limited Company Guides
Explore our essential guides to setting up and running a limited company.
A limited company is one of the most popular ways to run a business in the UK. It offers a clear separation between the company and its owners, which can provide both tax advantages and legal protection.
Many professional contractors also use limited companies, but the structure is equally common among small business owners of all kinds.
While directors take on extra legal responsibilities compared with sole traders or umbrella company workers, most of the routine administration can be handled by a specialist accountant.
Start here
- If you only have 5 minutes, read 10 steps you need to take to set up a limited company + FAQs
- How much does it cost to set up a limited company?
- Limited vs umbrella – advantages and disadvantages of each business structure
- More detailed guides on LimitedCompanyHelp.com.
What is a limited company secretary, and do I need one?
A company secretary helps with the administrative side of running a limited company, supporting directors with their legal duties and day-to-day paperwork.
Articles and Memorandum of Association for contractors
If you want to form a new company, alongside the Companies House application itself (IN01), you must also file Articles and a Memorandum of Association. Here, we explain what these documents are and how to submit them.
Shareholders’ agreements for limited company contractors
Running a limited company with co-owners? Here’s why it’s worth having a shareholders’ agreement early – to avoid disputes and protect everyone’s interests.
Who can be a company director? Eligibility, age limits, disqualifications
Find out who can be a company director in the UK, the legal requirements, restrictions, and responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006.
Limited company registered address – what are my options?
When you form a company, you must provide Companies House with several addresses, the most important one being your registered office address.
Why recruitment agencies won’t engage sole trader contractors
Why recruitment agencies and end-clients are unlikely to hire contractors who do not work via either a limited or umbrella company structure.
10 essential steps to setting up a limited company in 2026
A practical guide to setting up a company in 2026, covering how the company formation process works, directors’ duties and Companies House requirements.
What a certificate of incorporation shows (and when you’ll need it)
What is a certificate of incorporation? See what it proves, what information it contains, and when UK companies are asked to provide it.
Keeping your limited company in a dormant state – a guide for contractors
You may decide to take a break from contracting while keeping your company ticking over. This is where the concept of a dormant company comes into play.