1st Formations has been shortlisted at the UK Customer Experience Awards 2026 for our Hassle-Free Compliance Service (HFCS), which we introduced as Companies House requirements evolved. We’ve been recognised for our approach in responding to changing customer needs and improving the practical support available to company directors. The shortlist also reflects the importance we place on customer experience when developing our services.
1st Formations is a finalist in the ‘Customers at the Heart of Everything – SME’ category at the UK Customer Experience Awards (UKCXA™), an awards programme recognising organisations that demonstrate excellence in customer experience. The category includes organisations from across the UK, including Simba Sleep, L&G Affordable Homes, and Chrysalis Finance. Our shortlist recognises our Hassle-Free Compliance Service (HFCS) and its positive impact on UK company directors.
Key takeaways
- 1st Formations is a UKCXA™ finalist for its Hassle-Free Compliance Service.
- We developed the HFCS to help company directors manage their compliance obligations following major Companies House reforms.
- HFCS combines compliance support, expert guidance, and access to legally reviewed business document templates.
This shortlist reflects why we developed HFCS: to make ongoing compliance support more proactive.
- We’re an accredited real Living Wage Employer at 1st Formations
- UK companies face tougher non-compliance penalties
- How to register a company in 4 simple steps with 1st Formations
Why we created the Hassle-Free Compliance Service
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act led to significant Companies House reforms, increasing the ongoing compliance responsibilities faced by company directors. During our own implementation as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we recognised how challenging many customers would find the changes.
By combining our own experience with customer evidence, including Trustpilot feedback, Net Promoter Score (NPS) data, and support tickets, we could see that many directors were finding the new requirements difficult.
While our Full Company Secretary Service had been sufficient for most directors before the reforms, it was primarily reactive, meaning we helped customers after an issue had arisen. We developed HFCS as an always-on, digital-first service that provides support before problems occur.
What the UKCXA™ shortlist recognises
The UKCXA™ judges assess entries using evidence of customer outcomes, innovation, and business impact. Our shortlist recognises the measurable improvements HFCS has delivered for customers and our internal operations.
HFCS has reduced the number of ad hoc compliance requests we receive and the amount of manual chasing required by our staff.
HFCS by the numbers
- ~70% fewer ad hoc compliance requests
- Staff are carrying out 45% less manual chasing of routine compliance tasks
- 7% increase in renewal rate
- Account manager emails fell from a peak of 943 per week to 506 per week
Since rollout, we’ve also maintained a near-five-star Trustpilot rating across over 27,000 verified reviews.
Helping our customers stay compliant
As part of our Hassle-Free Compliance Service, we provide ongoing expert compliance and filing support, alongside instant access to legally reviewed business document templates.
Our Business Document Template Library is included with HFCS, giving customers access to more than 400 customisable templates covering areas such as company policies, employment agreements, and contracts.
We also prepare and submit annual confirmation statements, helping customers avoid missed filing deadlines and penalties.
While our proactive approach has lowered the number of ad hoc queries we receive, we still offer direct access to our compliance team by phone and email for customers who need additional guidance.
By using digital tools and online resources in place of some paper-based processes, HFCS also supports our wider efforts to reduce unnecessary printing, postage, and administration as part of our Carbon Reduction Plan. This digital-first approach complements the wider sustainability initiatives behind our Carbon Neutral certification.
Commenting on being shortlisted for our Hassle-Free Compliance Service, Nicholas Campion, Director of Company Secretarial at 1st Formations, said:
As company compliance has increased in complexity following recent legislative changes, our goal at 1st Formations is to help customers stay ahead of their obligations. We don’t want to simply resolve issues after they’ve arisen. Instead, we’re here to help our customers avoid problems in the first place. We’re already seeing positive results with our Hassle-Free Compliance Service, which empowers our customers with the right tools and guidance.
Why UKCXA™ recognition matters
As a finalist at the UK Customer Experience Awards 2026, we’ve been independently recognised for the work that has gone into developing and implementing our Hassle-Free Compliance Service.
We look forward to the ceremony later this year at Wembley Stadium. Whatever the outcome, our focus remains on continuing to improve the experience we provide to customers.
Our Hassle-Free Compliance Service gives limited company directors proactive support to help them manage their ongoing obligations. Existing HFCS customers can already access the relevant resources, while those considering setting up a new limited company can explore our company formation packages.
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