A Quick 4-Step Guide on How to Register a Company in the UK

A Quick 4-Step Guide on How to Register a Company in the UK

For those who may find the UK company registration process daunting, we wanted to offer you a step-by-step guide on how to register a company in the UK quickly (in as little as 3 hours), and simply too (we outline the entire process below in just 4 easy steps).

Step 1

Start by verifying the availability of your company name. We are pleased to offer a free company name check tool for you to perform as many name checks as many times as you choose.

Step 2

Next, select the type of Limited company you wish to form. This is typically determined by the nature of your business:

• Limited by Shares is most popular for for-profit companies Individuals and corporations can use this service to register their company in the UK in as little as 3-24 hours.
• Limited Liability Partnerships are best suited for business partnerships such as doctors, lawyers, etc.)
• Limited by Guarantee packages are most appropriate for not-for-profit companies such as member-based organizations, community associations, clubs, etc.)

A range of company formation packages to suit various budgets and business needs are usually available. For example, we offer International packages that are specially tailored to the needs of non-UK residents who are looking to register a company in the United Kingdom.

In addition to our company formation packages that start from as little as £15.95, we also offer more comprehensive options that provide supplementary services such as the filing of your first year’s paperwork (as legally required), your accounting, and bookkeeping services as well.

Step 3

The third step is to make your payment. 121 Company Formation offers a secure online portal where payment can be submitted using any major credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Step 4

Finally, submit the required information. We email you a company formation form where you can provide all the details including:

• Your registered office address is the official address of your company. This address must be within the UK and it must be a full postal address (i.e. you cannot use a PO Box Number)
• Your Standard Industrial Classification code, more commonly known as a SIC code). This classifies the nature of your business and the industry that you operate within
• Details about your company director(s). At least one director is required to set up a UK company
• Details about your shareholder(s) and shares. A limited company must also have a minimum of one shareholder but can have as many shareholders as it wishes. In addition to the shareholder(s) details, you will also be required to confirm how many shares will be issued
• Details about any Persons with Significant Control. These are persons who hold the majority of the company’s shares. In addition to providing their personal and contact details, you will also be required to confirm the number of shares each person of significant control will hold.

A benefit of using a company formation agent is that it can help to make the process more efficient. As part of our company formation processes, we diligently review the details provided before applying to Companies House on your behalf.

Companies House response times can vary, but with an accurately completed application, your company registration process can be completed in as little as 3 to 24 hours!

So, if you’re ready to make things official with a registered UK company, start with our free company name check tool and let us guide and help you through the entire process.

About 121 Company Formation

121 Company Formation is one of the UK’s leading online company formation agents. We have helped over 50,000 entrepreneurs register a company in the UK. We offer the most comprehensive range of services including company formation packages that start at just £15.95, administrative, accounting, and bookkeeping services to support you and your business before, during, and after the incorporation process.