New rules to combat fraud and improve the integrity of the Companies House database come into effect in March 2024. New guide for limited company directors.
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.
Keeping your limited company in a dormant state – a guide for contractors
There may be good reasons why you want to set up a company, but not necessarily trade for the time being. You may decide to take a break from contracting, but keep your company ticking over. This is where the concept of a dormant company comes into play.
Setting up a company – what are Model Articles of Association?
When incorporating a new UK private limited company, directors must register Articles of Association with Companies House. These Articles set out the company’s internal governance ‘rule book’. Here we explain what the Model Articles contain, and answer some common contractor FAQs.
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.
What is a company secretary, and do I need one?
Company secretaries are usually appointed to help directors complete their statutory duties and carry out other tasks relating to corporate governance.
Forming a company – Articles and Memorandum of Association
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.