A practical guide to setting up a company in 2026, covering how the company formation process works, directors’ duties and Companies House requirements.
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 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.
Limited company directors: duties and responsibilities explained
Understand the key duties and legal responsibilities of a limited company director, from filing deadlines to dividends and Companies House rules.
Mandatory identity checks for company directors – what you need to know
From November 2025, all company directors and persons of significant control (PSC) must complete formal identity verification with Companies House.
Managed Service Company (MSC) rules – a contractor’s guide
Learn how the Managed Service Company (MSC) rules work, recent HMRC cases, and what contractors should do if they receive an enquiry.
Setting up a company – what are Model Articles of Association?
What are Model Articles of Association? A clear guide for UK contractors and small companies, including how they work and when to amend them.
How much does it cost to set up a limited company in the UK?
You can form a company via Companies House, hire an accountant, or use a company formation agent. How muct does each option cost?
How limited company shares work: shareholders, rights and responsibilities
If you work through a limited company, you are not the business, even if you are the company’s sole owner. But how do shares work, who can be a shareholder, and what are your rights and responsibilities?
How much ‘hassle’ is involved in running a limited company?
If you’ve chosen to set up as a limited company contractor, how much admin work will you have to undertake? In truth, there’s not as much ‘hassle’ as you might imagine, especially if you hire a good accountant.