Company Formation Checklist for New UK Businesses

Starting a limited company is an exciting step, but it is important to prepare the correct information before registering with Companies House. A company formation involves more than choosing a name. You need to think about directors, shareholders, registered office address, business activity and company records.

Spectre Offices provides company formation support for start-ups, entrepreneurs and business owners who want practical help setting up a limited company professionally.

1. Choose Your Company Name

Your company name should be suitable, professional and available to register. Before applying, it is important to check whether the name is already in use or too similar to another registered company.

You should also consider whether the name works for your brand, website, email address and long-term business plans.

2. Choose a Registered Office Address

Every limited company needs a registered office address. This is the official company address held at Companies House and used for statutory correspondence.

Many directors choose a professional registered office address instead of using their home address, as this helps protect privacy and gives the company a more professional public presence.

3. Decide Who the Directors Will Be

A company must have at least one director. Directors are responsible for managing the company and ensuring company obligations are met.

Before forming the company, you should decide who will be appointed and make sure their details are accurate.

4. Decide on Shareholders

Shareholders own shares in the company. For a simple company, there may be one shareholder who owns all shares. Other companies may have multiple shareholders.

It is important to decide the share structure before registration.

5. Choose the Correct SIC Code

A SIC code describes the company’s business activity. Choosing the right code helps show what the company does.

Some companies may need more than one SIC code if they carry out different activities.

6. Consider Director Service Address Requirements

Directors may wish to use a professional service address to keep their personal address private on public company records.

This can be especially useful for home-based business owners and directors who want to maintain privacy.

7. Think About HMRC and VAT Admin

After forming a company, you may also need to consider Corporation Tax registration, HMRC correspondence, VAT registration and Government Gateway access.

Spectre Offices can support with practical HMRC and VAT admin where required.

Company Formation Support from Spectre Offices

Spectre Offices can help you organise the information needed to form your company and provide support with registered office services, director service address options, Companies House admin and verification support through an authorised agent where required.

*Important Information

Spectre Offices provides administrative and company support services only. We are not Companies House, solicitors, accountants or tax advisers. Clients remain responsible for checking all company information and ensuring their filings are accurate.