Corporate
Company formation services in London
New UK companies registered correctly with Companies House and ready to trade.
House
Layout simplified for illustration. This is not the official form.
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF A PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY
Company number EX000001
The Registrar of Companies for England and Wales hereby certifies that EXAMPLE LTD is this day incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 as a private company, that the company is limited by shares, and the situation of its registered office is in England/Wales.
Given at Companies House on 1 April 2025
Sample wording for illustration only. The real certificate is issued by Companies House.
EXAMPLE LTD
After incorporation: first steps
| When | What | Done |
| Straight away | Open a business bank account | ✓ |
| Within 3 months of starting to trade | Register for Corporation Tax | ✓ |
| Before the first payday | Register as an employer for PAYE | ✓ |
| If taxable turnover goes over £90,000 | Register for VAT | Not yet |
| Within 12 months + 14 days | File the first confirmation statement | Diary |
| Within 21 months | File the first accounts at Companies House | Diary |
What is it
What is company formation?
Company formation, or incorporation, is the process of registering a new limited company with Companies House. Once registered, the company is a separate legal entity with its own name, registered office and company number.
What you need to know
- The Companies House fee for an online incorporation is £100 (from 1 February 2026)
- Directors and people with significant control must verify their identity with Companies House
- Every company needs an appropriate registered office address and a registered email address
- The company must be registered for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade
Who we help
Who we help
Companies set up for first-time founders and experienced owners alike.
Founders & start-ups
Setting up your first company.
Growing businesses
Moving from sole trader to limited company.
Investors & holding companies
Holding, property and investment company structures.
International clients
UK companies for non-UK residents.
What’s included
What our company formation service includes
Incorporation
We prepare and file the application with Companies House.
Share structure
We advise on share classes and record the first shareholders.
Registered office
We can provide our London address as your registered office.
Tax registrations
We register the company for Corporation Tax, PAYE and VAT as needed.
Ongoing support
We offer advice for future compliance, banking, and corporate governance.
Pricing & transparency
The cost of forming a company depends on the structure you need, such as the number of shareholders and share classes, and on any extra documents. We confirm the fee in writing before we start.
Price list
Pricing & transparency
The cost of forming a company depends on the structure you need, such as the number of shareholders and share classes, and on any extra documents. We confirm the fee in writing before we start.
Services
Related services
Corporate documents
Management and filing of essential corporate records.
Statutory accounts
Preparation of legally required financial statements, ensuring compliance.
Management accounts
Regular internal reports providing insights into your business performance.
Tax consultancy
Strategic tax planning and optimisation.
FAQ
Company formation: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to form a company?
Online applications are usually processed by Companies House within 24 hours, once identity verification is complete.
Do directors need to verify their identity?
Yes. Since 18 November 2025, new directors and people with significant control must verify their identity before a company can be incorporated.
Should I trade as a sole trader or a limited company?
It depends on your profits, plans and appetite for administration. We can model both options for you before you decide.
Licenses & certificates
Request a consultation
Personalised financial guidance
Speak with our experts to discuss your accounting, tax, or corporate needs. Whether you are an individual, a startup, or an established business, we provide personalised guidance and reliable advice tailored to your circumstances