A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is used to identify the business activity of your company, such as ‘Information technology consultancy activities.’

If you decide to set up a limited company with other people – either for contracting purposes or to run another type of business, how do you ensure that all of your shareholders (including yourselves) are protected in case something goes wrong? A well-drafted shareholders’ agreement might be the answer.

When you register a company in the UK, once your application has been processed and approved, Companies House will send you a formal certificate of incorporation.

One of the main attractions of contracting via your own company is that the liability of its shareholders is limited. So, to what extent is the liability of company directors limited?

If you’re running your own limited company, there are a number of records the directors are obliged to keep. Here we explain what these registers are used for, and what types of information they contain.

There are several ways to set up your own limited company; via an accountant (a popular way), via a company formations agent, or direct with Companies House. Here we look at the typical costs associated with each option.

There may be good reasons why you want to set up a company, but not necessarily trade for the time being… or you may decide to take a break from contracting, but keep your company ticking over. Here we explain what a ‘dormant’ limited company is, and what responsibilities you have as a company director.

If you have decided to trade via your own limited company, you have to submit an application to Companies House, the registrar of companies. Here, we’ve listed 10 bits of information you need to collect in advance to ensure your formation can be processed correctly the first time.

Many IT contractors work via their own limited companies. There are a number of benefits to incorporating; we look at how the formations process works, and what it means to be a limited company director.