So, you've got a brilliant business idea and you're ready to make it official. Congratulations! Taking the step to form a private limited company is an exciting milestone. It gives your business a professional identity, protects your personal assets, and opens up new opportunities.
But when it comes to the paperwork, you might be wondering: what's the best way to register with Companies House?
The process can seem a bit daunting, but it's more straightforward than you might think. Essentially, you have four main paths to choose from. In this guide, we'll break down each option, looking at the costs, the benefits, and who it's best for, so you can make the right choice for your new venture.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Regardless of which method you choose, you'll need to have a few key details ready:
- A Unique Company Name: Check the Companies House register to ensure your chosen name isn't already taken or too similar to another.
- A Registered Office Address: This must be a physical UK address where official mail can be sent. It will be publicly available.
- Director(s): You need at least one director. You'll need their full name, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and residential address.
- Shareholder(s): You need at least one shareholder (this can be the same person as the director). You'll need to decide on the number and value of shares.
- SIC Code (Standard Industrial Classification): This code identifies what your company does. You can find the right one on the government's condensed list.
Once you have this information, you're ready to choose your registration method.
Option 1: The DIY Route - Register Directly with Companies House
For the hands-on entrepreneur who likes to manage things themselves, going directly to the source is a solid choice.
This is the most direct way to form your company. You complete the application online via the official government portal. You'll be guided through the process step-by-step, filling in your company details as you go.
- How to do it: Use the official GOV.UK registration service.
- Cost: £50.00 (as of our latest update for online applications).
- Who it's for: Confident individuals who have a simple company structure (e.g., one or two directors/shareholders) and don't need any advice on share structures or legal compliance.
- Pros: You are in full control and deal directly with the official body.
- Cons: There's no one to double-check your application for errors. Mistakes in the articles of association or share structure can be complicated and costly to fix later on. You get no professional advice.
Option 2: Use a Company Formation Agent
Formation agents are companies that specialise in registering businesses. They use software that links directly with Companies House, making the process very quick and often cheaper than the direct government fee.
They usually offer different packages, from a basic registration to bundles that include a registered office address service, business bank account introductions, and compliance support.
- Cost: Varies, but typically starts from a small agent fee on top of the standard Companies House charge.
- Who it's for: Entrepreneurs who want a fast, low-cost, and convenient service that handles the administrative side of things.
- Pros: Very fast (often same-day formation), user-friendly platforms, and access to optional extras.
- Cons: The cheapest packages offer very little support. You need to be wary of hidden fees or auto-renewing subscriptions for services you don't need.
Option 3: The Professional Route - Use an Accountant or Solicitor
If your company structure is complex, involves multiple investors, or you need bespoke legal and financial advice from the outset, using an accountant or a solicitor is the safest bet.
They will not only register your company but also provide crucial advice on the most tax-efficient share structure, director responsibilities, and ensuring your articles of association are tailored to your specific needs.
- Cost: Typically ranges from £200 to over £1,000, depending on the level of advice required.
- Who it's for: Start-ups with multiple shareholders, complex ownership structures, or those seeking investment and needing expert financial and legal guidance from day one.
- Pros: Peace of mind that everything is set up correctly and optimised for your situation. Access to invaluable professional advice.
- Cons: This is by far the most expensive option for company formation.
Option 4: The Smart Route - Free Company Registration with Taxwise Accountancy
What if you could get the best of both worlds? The peace of mind that comes from professional oversight, without the hefty price tag.
That's exactly what we offer at Taxwise Accountancy. We believe starting a business should be as seamless as possible. That's why we provide a completely free company registration service. Our expert accountants will manage the entire setup and registration process for you, ensuring everything is correct from the start.
You don't pay us a penny for our time or expertise in setting up the company. You only cover the standard, mandatory Companies House fee.
- How to do it: Get started with our Free Limited Company Registration service.
- Cost: £0 in professional fees. You only pay the Companies House incorporation fee.
- Who it's for: Savvy entrepreneurs who want an expert to check their application and handle the formation, without paying premium accountant fees for the registration itself. It's the perfect way to start a professional relationship with an accountant who can help your business grow.
- Pros: It’s free! You get professional oversight from qualified accountants, preventing costly mistakes. It's fast, simple, and gives you a direct point of contact for future tax and accounting questions.
- Cons: We’re confident you’ll love our service, but this offer is designed to introduce you to the benefits of working with a proactive accountant.
Ready to Start Your Business Journey?
Choosing how to register your company is your first big decision as a business owner. By understanding your options, you can pick the path that best suits your budget, your confidence level, and your company's future needs.
If you want to get started on the right foot with expert help and zero registration fees, get in touch with our team today.
