If you are not confident in forming a company on your own - call our friendly team and we will complete your order by telephone.
020 3897 2233
If you are not confident forming a new company on your own,
call our team of experts and we will complete your order by telephone.
020 3897 2233
Your new company name:
Digital and printed company documents. Perfect if you wish to set up a bank account.
£19.99
Digital and printed documents, two address services and and VAT registration. Protects your privacy and comes with some useful extras.
£49.99
Digital and printed documents, three address services, VAT registration and Confirmation Statement. Everything your new company needs to get started today!
£69.99
What happens if I make a mistake?
Don’t worry! All mistakes can be fixed after your company is formed, and most of the time it will not cost you anything to rectify matters.
To reduce the risk of errors, we recommend you purchase the pre-submission review service - available at a cost of £4.99 during the ordering process. This will ensure one of our experts reviews your company application and corrects any errors before it is submitted to Companies House.
Can I set up a dormant company?
A dormant company is not a type of company that can be registered at Companies House; however, you can make your new company dormant simply by informing HMRC that you have not started trading, and have no plans to do so in the immediate future.
Therefore, you would like them to classify your company as dormant. This can be done after you receive your company’s UTR (unique tax reference) number, which is sent to the registered office around two to three weeks after the date of company incorporation.
If I buy a service address, can I use it for more than one company?
No. If you purchase our service address, one director will be able to use it for one company only. Should you wish to use our address as your service address for another company, a separate purchase is required.
Can I buy a digital package now and upgrade later?
Yes, you can choose a digital package now, and this will provide you with a limited company. If, at a later date, you wish to buy any additional items that are included in more expensive packages, they can be purchased separately from your customer area. However, they will not be available at the discounted rates of the packages.
How long will it take to complete the whole process?
It will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete our online company application form. We will then send the application to Companies House, which will usually take around 3 to 6 working hours to approve a company - although this time period is dependent on Companies House workload, and sometimes it can take longer.
If you need your company to be formed as soon as possible or on a certain date, it is advisable to purchase the guaranteed sameday service. This service can be added to your company package during the order process at a cost of £22.99.
VAT registration usually takes up to 30 days, but can take longer in some instances.
Do I need to sign anything?
Our company formation service is 100% online, and there is no need to supply any documentation or signatures. Just follow our simple 5 step company set up process, and your new company will usually be set up within 3 to 6 working hours (subject to Companies House workload).
Don't I need a solicitor or accountant to do this?
No. You can very easily form your limited company or LLP from as little as £12.99 plus VAT by using our website, saving you £200 to £300 in solicitor or accountancy fees.
What information do I need to have at hand to form a company?
You will need a company name, a registered office address, and the details of the director and shareholder (which can be the same person) - name, date of birth, occupation, nationality, home address. You will also need a SIC code (business activity code) - but don't worry, we provide a list of codes for you to choose from.
See also: Information Required to Set Up a Company.
When do I get my authentication code?
If you register your company with 1st Formations, your company's authentication code and company documents will be sent to you by email as soon as your application is approved by Companies House. The authentication code will also be available to view in your online customer area on our website.
How do I keep my home address private ?
All new registered companies require supplying 2 official addresses that are placed on the public record - a registered office address and a directors service address. Most people do not want to use their home address as they would like to maintain their privacy.
The best way to do this is by choosing one of our packages that includes a registered office and service address at a discounted rate, for example: The Privacy, Privacy Plus or All Inclusive.
Which type of company is best for me?
If you are forming a company with the objective of making a profit, then the standard company type for most commercial business activities is a private company limited by shares (or, in short, a 'limited' or 'ltd' company). You will find our range of limited company packages above.
For those wishing to form a non-profit company, co-operative, association, membership organisation, etc., the company type you should go for is a private company limited by guarantee. Please have a look at our Limited by Guarantee Package for further information.
1st Formations also provides limited liability partnership (LLP) company registration, which is similar to a traditional partnership, but enjoys the same limited liability as a limited company. This type of company is popular with professionals such as solicitors and accountants.
How much does it cost, and what do I receive?
You can set up a limited company that is ready to trade, from as little as £12.99 plus VAT, by choosing our Digital Package. This cost includes the Companies House filing fee, so there is nothing else to pay.
As soon as your new company is registered by Companies House (usually within 3 to 6 working hours), you will receive an email containing your certificate of incorporation, a memorandum and articles of association and a share certificate for each shareholder.
You can, of course, choose one of our more comprehensive packages - which will provide many useful services. For example, our All Inclusive Package provides digital and high quality printed company documents delivered by post, all 3 address services that will protect your privacy and ensure your company has an excellent corporate image, and much more.
A package for non-residents who wish to set up a UK limited company, including:
We have partnered with TransferWise to offer our non-UK resident customers a UK business account to send, spend, and receive multiple currencies with the real exchange rate.
You will get your own UK account number and sort code, Eurozone IBAN, and US account and routing number in minutes, regardless of where you are in the world.
Also included in the package price is the use of our Covent Garden address for one year. We will provide you with 3 address services; Registered Office, Service Address, and Business Address.
Other benefits include free access to our secure Online Company Manager, where you can view, maintain and change your company details with Companies House for the lifetime of your company.
If you were to buy the items included in this package individually, it would cost a total of £532.99. Therefore, at a discounted price of £124.99, you will enjoy a huge saving of £408.00 plus VAT.
Through our extensive experience in working with non-UK residents, we understand the problems many have obtaining UK business banking facilities. Please find below our best options:
The simplest and quickest business banking solution for non-UK residents, and so we have included this option within our non-UK residents’ package.
It provides international business banking with worldwide coverage, allowing you to send money to 70+ countries, and receive and hold 40+ currencies.
After your company is formed using our website, we will send you a link to create your business account and you will very quickly receive your UK bank sort code and account number.
There is a fixed one-time on-boarding fee ranging from £16-£21 (or equivalent in local currency).
Many non-UK residents choose to open a bank account in their own country as opposed to in the UK; however, a bank in another country will normally require you to legalise or ‘apostille’ your UK company documents.
Our Apostilled Documents Service, can be added to any of our company formation packages on our Checkout page.
Your new company will usually be formed within 3 to 6 working hours; however, this timescale is subject to Companies House workload and it may take longer. If it is of great importance that your company is incorporated as soon as possible or on the same day, we always recommend you add the Guaranteed Same Day Service to your order.
Once your new company has been approved by Companies House, you can start trading immediately.
We have partnered with TransferWise to provide our Non-UK resident customers with international business banking.
Create an account in minutes and get access to the following bank details to receive money for free and hold money in over 40 currencies – all with zero fees:
A TransferWise for Business Account provides worldwide coverage, allowing you to send money to 70+ countries, and receive and hold 40+ currencies.
There is a fixed one-time fee to obtain access to your international account details ranging from £16-£21 (or equivalent in local currency). This is a one-time fee that you pay regardless of how many international account details you open.
What happens next?
As soon as your company is approved by Companies House, we will send you an order fulfilled email, which will include a link to sign up for a new TransferWise for Business Account.
Companies House charge a £12.00 filing fee for company incorporation. This is included in the package price, so what you see is what you pay - there are no hidden costs.
Our Online Company Manager system allows you to take full control of your company details from one central login:
Save money on accountancy fees by maintaining your company's statutory books through our system. You can quickly and easily update your company information through our website, including details of company name, registered office, accounting dates, officer details and more. Just let us know what's changing, and we'll take care of the rest.
We have partnered with one of the UK’s leading domain name providers to offer you a free .co.uk domain name for 1 year, and help establish the online presence of your new business.
How it works: As soon as your company is approved by Companies House, we will send you an order fulfilled email, which will include your exclusive voucher and a link to the Names.co.uk website. You should proceed to order your .com or .co.uk domain name and apply the voucher code at checkout. This code will expire in 30 days so take advantage of the offer and get your .com or .co.uk domain name now.
Please note: The price of a co.uk domain will be £0.00 (Ex VAT) when registered with names.co.uk for 1 year using the voucher code supplied. Discounts apply for the first billing period only and do not apply to renewals. Offer must be redeemed within 30 days and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer may be withdrawn at any time at the discretion of Namesco Limited. Standard terms & conditions apply. Limited to 1 per customer.
A digital (PDF) version of the Certificate of Incorporation. This is a vital document which verifies your company's existence and is often requested by banks and other institutions.
Information included in this document:
A digital version of the memorandum & articles of association - essential company documents that outline the purpose of the business and contain a set of rules about the management and structure of the company.
The memorandum of association states the intention of the subscribers to form a company, become a member of that company and agree to take at least one share each.
The articles of association set out the rules on how the company should be governed. It also details the rights and responsibilities of its directors and owners.
A digital version of your share certificate, which is a legal document certifying ownership of shares within a limited company. The following information is displayed on a share certificate:
A digital version of your company’s statutory registers, including completed initial entries from the date of your company registration. The documents included in the company register are:
The Certificate of Incorporation is an essential document which verifies your company’s existence. It is recommended that you have a printed copy of this certificate, as it is often requested by banks and other institutions.
Information included in this document:
The memorandum & articles of association are essential company documents that outline the purpose of the business, and contain a set of rules about the management and structure of the company. Given their importance, it is highly recommended you have a hard copy of these documents.
The memorandum of association states the intention of the subscribers to form a company, become a member of that company and agree to take at least one share each.
The articles of association set out the rules on how the company should be governed. It also details the rights and responsibilities of its directors and owners.
A printed version of your original share certificate(s). This document provides evidence of your ownership of shares within a limited company. The following information is displayed on a share certificate:
The Registered Office will appear on public record as the official address of your company. With this service, our prestigious Covent Garden address will appear on public record rather than your home address. We will then scan and email all statutory company mail to you, from a number of official government bodies, free of charge.
Mail from the following government bodies are covered by this service: Companies House, HMRC, Government Gateway, Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), The Pensions Regulator (TPR), Office for National Statistics, Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Court documents.
This service is renewable on a 12 monthly basis at the cost of £39.00 +VAT. Notice will always be given in advance of your renewal date and you will be able to cancel the service.
Please note: The forwarding of official government mail by scan and email is free. Mail will be forwarded on a daily basis.
All company directors, shareholders who are persons with significant control (PSC), and company secretaries, must provide a service address where statutory mail from government bodies such as Companies House and HMRC can be sent to them personally. This address will appear on public record, so most people prefer not to use their home address for this purpose.
With this facility, our London Service Address will show on the public record rather than your home address. This service includes the scanning and emailing of all official government mail addressed to a company officer, from a number of government bodies, free of charge.
Mail from the following government agencies are covered by this service: Companies House, HMRC, Government Gateway, Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), The Pensions Regulator (TPR), Office for National Statistics, Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Court documents.
This item provides a service address for 1 person and is renewable on a 12 month basis at a cost of £26.00 +VAT. Notice will always be given in advance of your renewal date and you will be able to cancel the service.
Please note: Forwarding of service address mail by scan and email is free of charge. Mail will be forwarded on a daily basis.
1st Formations' London business address service allows you to use our prestigious Covent Garden address for your day-to-day business correspondence.
A business address in the heart of London’s West End is an excellent way to enhance the corporate image of your company and establish a business presence in an important area.
All mail addressed to your company will be forwarded to you at an address of your choice by first class post, on a daily basis.
This service is renewable on a 12 monthly basis at the cost of £96.00 +VAT. Notice will always be given in advance of your renewal date and you will be able to cancel the service.
Please note: The forwarding of mail to you is not included. All international mail forwarding will be charged at Royal Mail postal rates plus 15%.
Allow our highly trained staff to handle the formalities of your VAT registration.
If your turnover is expected to exceed £85,000 in the next 12 months, it is a legal requirement to register for VAT, unless the supplies are exempt.
If your turnover is not expected to exceed the £85,000 threshold, there are a number of reasons why many companies choose to register for VAT voluntarily. Here are some examples:
The VAT registration process explained
As soon as your company is incorporated, we will send you a questionnaire by email, asking for some additional information necessary to complete your VAT registration application with HMRC.
We will then apply for your VAT registration online. This process can take up to 30 days.
Once your VAT registration has been approved, we will send your VAT Registration Number to you by email. Your VAT Registration Certificate will be sent to you by post by HMRC.
It is a legal requirement to submit a Confirmation Statement to Companies House at least once each year, keeping them informed and up-to-date with your latest company details. The Confirmation Statement is basically a snapshot of general information about your company on the date of filing the Statement. It includes details of the company’s principal business activity, directors (and company secretary if applicable), the registered office, share capital, shareholdings and people with significant control. An experienced member of our staff will prepare and submit your Confirmation Statement to Companies House before the due date, ensuring this will be done on time and with total accuracy.
The Confirmation Statement should not be confused with the annual accounts, which are financial documents, usually prepared by an accountant.
Please note: This service is renewable every 12 months and does not include disbursements. Notice will always be given in advance of your renewal date and you will be able to cancel the service.
We have partnered with Haines Watts, one of the UK’s top 20 Chartered Accountant firms, who specialise in providing annual accounting and tax services to new businesses.
Within 48 hours of your company being incorporated, Haines Watts will contact you to arrange a free consultation, which can be in person, by telephone or skype. The purpose of the consultation is to introduce their services to you, and also provide you with an opportunity to obtain some free advice on tax and accounting.
Haines Watts have developed affordable accountancy products for micro and small businesses, which also include the free of use of Kashflow accountancy software.
Business finances can often be complex, so having an experienced accountant to look after your accounts and taxation matters can be invaluable for a new business.
Please note: You should negotiate your fees with Haines Watts directly.
An invaluable resource for new businesses, this package will save both time and money when it comes to gathering all of the legal documents you need for a functioning business. The legal contracts and notices package provides standard formatted versions of a range of legal documents you will need, including:
International Business Tracked Delivery (or if not available in your country - International Business Signed Delivery) of your printed company documents, to anywhere in the world - free of charge.
* All registered office and service address mail (official government mail) will be scanned and emailed to you free of charge. Business address mail will be forwarded to you at Royal Mail International postal rates plus 15% handling charge.
** Your printed company documents will be sent to you free of charge by International Business Tracked Delivery Service.
If you are not confident forming your company online - call our friendly team and we will complete your order by telephone.
No, you can register a UK limited company from anywhere in the world. The only requirements are that you have one director and one shareholder (the same person can assume both positions) and your company has a registered office address in the UK (included in the Non-Residents Package).
No. You can incorporate a limited company using any of our packages; however, this one is specifically designed for non-UK residents and represents the best value for money.
Yes. You can choose to use another address if you would prefer. Please remember, your Registered Office address must be a UK address. The package cost will remain the same should you choose not to use any of the inclusive address services.
All mail will be forwarded to you, regardless of where in the world you are located. All mail is covered by one of the three address services included in this package: registered office and service address mail will be scanned and emailed to you, free of charge.
General business mail will be forwarded at the cost of the Royal Mail postage plus a 15% handling fee.
This is a facility which allows you to make changes to your company easily. Just file your updates using our website and we will take care of the rest, making sure everything is kept up to date at Companies House.
The confirmation statement is a document that must be filed annually, providing Companies House with up to date information about your company. This package includes the preparation and filing of your first confirmation statement.
This package does not cover the filing of company accounts, but we will introduce you to an accountant who can help with this. We have partnered with one of the UK’s top accountancy firms and we will put you in contact with them for a free initial consultation.
Please note, you should agree all fees directly with the accountancy firm.
Registered office and service address mail (official government mail) will be scanned and emailed to you free of charge. General business correspondence will be forwarded to you at the cost of the Royal Mail postal charge plus a 15% handling fee.
After the first year, address services can be renewed at the standard cost you see today.
All company formation agents, including ourselves, have a legal requirement to check Proof of ID and Address documents. You can read more about our ID requirements here.
This package includes three address services which can be renewed at a total cost of £161.00, and the filing of your confirmation statement which can also be renewed at a cost of £34.99.
Our Limited Liability Partnership formation package, at a cost of £34.99 plus VAT, is ideal for any type of professions that would normally operate as a traditional partnership, but whose members require limited liability.
It provides registration with Companies House in just 3 to 6 working hours (subject to Companies House workload, it may take longer) and includes a free draft LLP Agreement, digital and printed LLP documents, and access to 1st Formations online Company Manager, to maintain and update your LLP details.
As soon as Companies House approves your new LLP registration, we will send your Certificate of Incorporation, LLP documents, and a draft LLP Agreement to your email address. If you require a formal LLP Agreement, simply email your completed draft to 1st Formations and we will prepare and deliver two printed copies of the document by 1st class post.
Please note:
If you are not confident forming your company online - call our friendly team and we will complete your order by telephone.
What is a Limited Liability Partnership?
A Limited Liability Partnership offers its members the security of limited financial liability with the more flexible internal structure offered by a traditional partnership.
Why should I choose to form an LLP?
A Limited Liability Partnership is commonly used by industry professionals who normally work in partnerships, such as solicitors, architects and accountants, but who wish to protect their personal finances by way of limited liability.
Do I need to have a Partnership Agreement?
It is not a legal requirement to produce a Partnership Agreement, though it is recommended. This can help to prevent any disputes over partners' rights.
How many partners should an LLP have?
A Limited Liability Partnership must have at least 2 members (partners) to be registered with Companies House. There is no upper limit to the number of partners an LLP can have.
Our Limited by Guarantee package, at a cost of just £29.99 plus VAT, is ideal for those who wish to set up a limited company for non-profit purposes - i.e. a club, sporting association, community project, workers' cooperative or membership organisation.
This package provides digital and printed company documents, a free client account on our Online Company Manager, allowing you to update company details and report changes to Companies House, and a free .com or .co.uk domain name for one year.
This package is not suitable to form the following companies:
To form these companies or use bespoke articles of association, please call our customer service team at 020 3897 2233, and we will be happy to assist you.
Please note: Company documents are delivered free of charge within the UK. For overseas deliveries, Royal Mail postage rates + 15% will be charged.
If you are not confident forming your company online - call our friendly team and we will complete your order by telephone.
What is a company limited by guarantee?
A company limited by guarantee is typically used by non-profit organisations. This type of company has guarantees and guarantors rather than shares and shareholders.
Why would I choose this package?
It is ideal for anyone setting up a not for profit company such as a workers’ co-operative, membership organisation, club, or sports association.
A limited by guarantee company structure is very popular for non-profit organisations because it provides limited financial liability to the company owners (guarantors). This means their personal finances are legally protected if the company encounters any financial difficulty or is sued.
What is the difference between a guarantor and a shareholder?
The main difference is that a guarantor will not normally take any profits out of the business in the way a shareholder would. Instead, all profits are usually re-invested in the company to aid the fulfilment of its objectives.
Is this package suitable for setting up a charity?
No - it is unsuitable for setting up a charity because a charitable company requires a special memorandum and articles of association that details the specific objects of the company. The Model articles provided are unsuitable for this purpose.
« 1st Formations had the most useful and competitive packages and their ordering process seemed so much easier than incorporating directly with Companies House. »
Thom Dhar
1ST FORMATIONS CUSTOMER
If you are not confident in forming a company on your own - call our friendly team and we will complete your order by telephone.
020 3897 2233