Explore in detail on our Compare Packages Page.
Begin by searching for your company name to see if it is available for registration.
Select the package that is right for you. We have a range of different options.
Proceed to checkout. You will also have the option to add additional services.
Quickly fill in your company details and let us take care of the rest.
Select a business bank account during the company formation process and tick off another task on your ‘to do’ list.
We offer up to 8 banking options for your new company, each with simple online account opening. Select a bank today and get your account up and running in a matter of minutes.
Register Now
We have teamed up with some of the top business brands
in the world to give our customers a range of special offers and discounts.
As the UK's leading company formations agents, we recognised
our responsibility to address our impact on the environment.
We calculated and offset our carbon footprint by investing in
environmental projects certified to the most recognised standards.
We are proud of this achievement and committed to maintaining
our carbon neutral status for many years to come.
Take a look at what our customers say after registering a company with us.
“Wow what can I say an absolutely easy smooth and professional company. Process of starting my new company with them was absolutely brilliant..many thanks to Linah..” (14 June 2023)
Raider Acquisitions Ltd
“Perfect delivery of services, quick, precise and good value. Thank you.” (12 June 2023)
RS Construction Consultants Ltd
“Clear and professional set up online to set up our first business. Great help and support from staff via phone, making sure everything was correct. I would recommend and will use them again.” (7 June 2023)
Stock and Ford Ltd
“I opted for non-resident package, and the entire process took around 3 days. Great customer service, I got all my questions answered.” (7 June 2023)
Arabian Business Concepts Ltd
“Skepticism about using a formation agent but 1st Formations online platform is simple, easy and very effective. Post incorporation, swift follow up (and the packet of Haribo in the paper copies of the documents was a nice touch). Strongly recommend.” (5 June 2023)
Arturian Limited
“1st Formations are highly experienced and the process they have developed for the registering of a company is clear, straightforward amd efficient.” (2 May 2023)
Stratum Resources Limited
“Assistance given by staff during the application process all staff pleasant and easy to get on with.” (19 April 2023)
Weld Test Solutions Ltd
“Great and amazing service. All my questions were answered and my company was formed without any issues. I definitely recommend them.” (19 April 2023)
Mansa Online International Ltd
“1st formations is certainly the best company formation agent. They keep you updated at all times and are very quick to answer your call when you have queries regarding your company. I couldn't recommend them enough.” (3 April 2023)
John Duffy Ltd
“Needed to register my little business as I wanted to work at a festival and needed to be registered to do that. Was baffled trying to do it on my, and then 1st Formations came up and in just a few clicks it was done.” (26 March 2023)
Jolly Good Potions Ltd
A company name that is not already in use at Companies House. You can check the availability for your preferred company name by using our company name checker.
A registered office address that is a physical address in the UK. Don't worry, most of our packages include a London registered office service, for example, the Privacy Package.
The details of all company officers (directors and secretaries) and shareholders, including full name, residential address, occupation, date of birth and nationality.
Have a look at our videos for business insights, advice and inspiration.
The No.1 thing that has made us successful has been our fanatical focus on the customer.
As we have grown we've been able to pass on our economies of scale to the customer.
Our company formation training programme is much-admired within our industry.
Have you got any questions about the company formation process or business
in general? No problem. We’ve written a number of guides to help you start, run and grow your business.
Everything you need to know about setting up a UK limited company. Find out what company formation means, how to pick the perfect name, and what you must do to register a company with Companies House.
After company incorporation you will immediately take on a number of responsibilities. This is a comprehensive look at everything you need to do in your new role as company director.
The UK limited company structure provides multiple benefits when compared to sole traders, with the biggest being the financial protection it offers its members. Here’s how to make the switch.
Operating as a limited company provides flexibility when it comes to your personal income. This is what you need to know in regards to paying yourself.
Taking care of a startup can be a culture shock - going from steady, monthly pay to the unknown. We’ve compiled some handy tips to help you manage your money after registering a company.
Congratulations on setting up a company! Now it’s time to get your new business noticed. Here’s what you need to do to build a website that will demand attention.
The main benefit of forming a limited company is the protection provided by limited liability. This means if your business runs into financial trouble, your personal assets will not be at risk. Other benefits include enhanced credibility and tax efficiency.
A company limited by shares is the most popular type of limited company. 'Limited by shares' simply means the liability of the owners is limited to the nominal value of the shares issued by the company.
It usually takes 3 to 6 working hours to form a company with 1st Formations; however, this is dependent on Companies House workload on the day, and it can take up to 24 hours.
Yes. One person can form a limited company in the UK. You will need at least one director, who can also be the company’s shareholder (owner).
A limited company must issue at least one share. If there is more than one shareholder, it requires to issue at least one share per shareholder. It is often recommended to issue more than the minimum number of shares to avoid the need to issue more in the future.
No. You can form a company as a non UK resident from most locations in the world. However, you will require to have a UK registered office address, which 1st Formations provides in most our company formation packages. Have a look at our Non-Residents Package.
We accept all major credit and debit cards including Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, and American Express.
There is no legal obligation for a limited company to open a business bank account; however, in practice it is almost impossible to operate without one. A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners, therefore you should keep your personal and business finances separate.
You can start trading through your new limited company immediately after it is registered at Companies House.
The annual filing requirements for a limited company are the confirmation statement, annual accounts and Corporation Tax Return.
Yes, 1st Formations provide full telephone and email support for all customers during the lifetime of their companies. We also provide an Online Company Manager and a full range of company services including London company address services to help you maintain and develop your company.
Learn how to cultivate a business idea, create a business plan, explore funding strategies, and start your business, with our comprehensive guide.
We’ll also show you how to set up a company website, sell online, cope with the stress of running your business – and much more.
1st Formations provide many services to help you set up, maintain and develop your
business after company incorporation. Here is a selection of our most popular services.
1st Formations are authorised Companies House formation agents, and we are also a member of ACRA (the Association of Company Registration Agents) ensuring our company documentation is of the highest quality, always up-to-date and compliant with current regulations and legislation.
We are available and ready to support you every step of the way; from tentative initial enquires, to helping you choose a package, to guiding you through the company formation process.
If you need any assistance or you would like to form your company by telephone with one of our experts, give us a call at 020 3897 2233.
It’s a simple matter of following our simple 4 step company formation process: Go to our homepage and find out if your company name is available; choose a package; select any company services you may require, checkout and pay; and complete our 'online company registration form'. This should take you no more than 15 minutes and your new company should be ready to trade in 3 to 6 working hours.
As soon as your new company is incorporated, we will send you a digital copy of your company documents. Printed documents will take between 24 to 48 hours to reach you by post, and if your package included any address services, these will be set up for you within 3 to 5 working hours.
Let’s just say our journey together has just started! 1st Formations provides free customer support for the lifetime of your company. So please call or email us if you need help.
We also provide a free Online Company Manager facility for all customers, where they can maintain and update their company records and details, without having to login and navigate Companies House website, and a full range of company services.