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The process for incorporating a company within the UK is a relatively simple one. Applications are processed through a government branch known as Companies House. Their website provides details on each aspect of owning and operating a company and the obligations of directors and shareholders. Different structures can be used for incorporation of a new company. You may chose to create a private company limited by shares or limited by a guarantee. A private unlimited company, a public limited company or a Societas Europaea (SE) form of incorporated company.

In order to form a company within the UK there are four types of company structures to consider. A private company, either limited by shares or limited by guarantee, a private unlimited company, a public limited company (PLC) or the Societas Europaea (SE). Additionally, you may be able to register an existing overseas company if you have a place of business within the UK and will carry out the majority of your business within the UK. All applications for company incorporation are handled by Companies House, a branch of the British government.

Companies house requires that you check the availability of your new company name before proceeding with any application. This can be done via their website at companieshouse.gov.uk, via telephone or in person. The form IN01 is the primary application form needed to begin registering an incorporated company with the United Kingdom. This form contains details of the person(s) that will be registering the company, as well as any company directors and secretaries. You must also place the location of a UK based registered office onto the form. If the application is for incorporation of a company limited by shares, the share capital details i.e. the amount to be issued and to whom, must be placed onto the IN01 Application Form also.

The Memorandum of Association is required when lodging an Application to Register a company. These Articles provide an internal rulebook on how the company behaves and operates. It includes details on management structures as well as other internal workings such as share distribution for employees. Instead of going to the effort to create the company Articles yourself, or with professional help, you can choose to use Companies House default Memorandum of Association to satisfy application requirements.

Once the application has been completed and the required Memorandum of Association created, a lodgment fee of 20 pounds is required for processing of the application within 8 to 10 days. For Same day incorporation the fee is increased to 50 pounds, though the application will only be processed providing all documentation is received before 3:00pm each business day. A number of online companies have sprung up to assist with company registration application, though they will charge a fee on top of that required by Companies House to get your application underway.

There is plenty of great advice on this topic available elsewhere online, and most of it is free, so there is no need to feel overwhelmed or that forming your own company will be too expensive.

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