Company Formation FAQs
Where can I register a company online?
You can register a company on line by using our online incorporation form. This usually takes less than 24 hours and will be registered with Companies House.
Why is there no paperwork to sign?
Paper based incorporations require the signatures of the company officers to confirm that the consent to act for the company. BIRR take 3 details of personal information and supply them with the application. This information acts as the electronic equivalent to a paper signature.
Can I choose any name I like for my company?
You can choose whatever name you like for your company, but it is important to check that the name you’d like to register is acceptable to Companies House
- It can’t be too similar to another company.
- You can’t use a name that is likely to cause offence.
- The use of certain words are restricted. Our search will warn you if a word is classed as ‘sensitive’
Use the FREE name check service to see if your name is available by clicking the following link.
How can I protect the name I choose for my company?
Only businesses required to register their names with Companies House, mainly limited companies, can protect their name. So, if you are not a limited company or LLP, you cannot register your name with any government agency so another company can register your name. You can use trademark protection but it is an expensive option.
Register your company name with us today and ensure your name is protected.
On what documents should the Company name be shown?
Your company name but be stated in legible lettering on:
- All business letters
- All electronic documents eg. Emails
- All notices and other official publications
- On your company website
- All bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and orders for money or goods signed for on behalf of the company
What are the requirements for registering a limited company?
Every company must have:
- at least one Director – responsible for running the company
- a Company Secretary – must ensure the company conforms with current legislation
- at least one shareholder – the people who actually own the company
Can anyone be a Company Director?
You can not be a Company Director of a Limited Company if you are:
- An undischarged bankrupt
- Disqualified by Court from holding a directorship, unless given leave to act
- Under the age of 16
What are the memorandum and articles of association?
These are legal documents that set out:
- The company name
- Registered Office location
- Objects of the company
- The internal constitution of the company
What is a dormant company?
A company is dormant if it has had no ‘significant accounting transactions’ during the period.
How long do I have to deliver accounts?
The first accounts of a Private Limited Company
- Within 9 months of the end of the accounting reference period; or
- If the accounting reference period is more than 12 months, within 21 months of the date of incorporation, or three months from the end of the accounting reference period, whichever is longer.
What if my accounts are filed late?
There is an automatic penalty. This is between £100 and £1,000 for a private company and £500 and £5,000 for a PLC.
Directors can be prosecuted for not filing certain documents. If convicted, they will have a criminal record and be liable for a fine of up to £5,000 for each offence. They could also be disqualified from being a company director or taking part in the management of a company for up to 5 years.
What is the Registered Office?
This must be an address in England and Wales, or Scotland where legal documents can be served on your company. The address is kept on the Companies House database and is available for anyone to inspect free of charge.
This address needs to be written on all of your correspondence.
Please click here to view more information about our registered office address service.