How to Register a Business |
Small Company Guide
A guide to registering a business in 3 simple steps
A guide to registering a business in 3 simple steps
Registering a business is a process that every company must go through to become legally recognised in the UK, and because most businesses are set up as limited companies, understanding how the registration process works is essential for small business owners.
In this guide we walk you through the steps of company registration in England, including tips on company name registration and getting set up with Companies House.
Before diving into UK company registration, you need to decide on the structure of your business. The most common options include:
One of the most common business structures in the UK, a limited company operates as a separate legal entity from its owners, protecting their personal assets.
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is best if you're starting a business with one or more people. This business structure requires a minimum of 2 shareholders.
A simple structure where you are personally responsible for the business's debts. You can still register as a limited company if you are running a business on your own.
Once you've selected your business structure, the next step is company name registration. You must choose a name that is unique and not already taken by another business.
You can check this on the Companies House register or use our quick check tool to ensure that your desired name is available.
In the UK, all companies must be registered with Companies House. Here's how to register using our online service:
After you’ve completed the company registration process, your next step is to register for tax with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You usually receive your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) from HMRC within 2 weeks of registering your company. Once you start to trade, you must register for corporation tax within three months. You will need your UTR to do this. If you need help with tax registration and filing, you can find more information at EasyDigitalFiling.com
Depending on your business activities, we can also help you to set up a PAYE (Pay as You Earn) system for hiring employees, and registering for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000.
Once your company is officially registered, you are required to file annual accounts with Companies House and submit a yearly confirmation statement, to ensure your details are up to date.
You also need to inform Companies House about any changes to your business, such as a change of director, share structure, or if you update your registered business address.
Your company name must be unique and compliant with the UK’s naming rules, which exclude the use of sensitive words or names too similar to well-known brands.
Once registered, your company’s name is protected, and no other business can use it.
Your registered office must be a physical address in the UK. It doesn’t have to be your trading address, but it must be a location where official documents and notices can be sent.
You can incorporate with a registered office to keep your residential address private.
When you register a business with Companies House as a limited company, you are creating a separate legal entity.
This means that your company can enter contracts, own assets, and incur liabilities independently of its shareholders.
Your company name must be unique and compliant with the UK’s naming rules, which excludes the use of sensitive words or names too similar to well-known brands.
Once registered, your company’s name is protected, and no other business can use it.
Your registered office must be a physical address in the UK. It doesn’t have to be your trading address, but it must be a location where official documents and notices can be sent.
You can incorporate with a registered office to keep your residential address private.
When you register a business with Companies House as a limited company, you are creating a separate legal entity.
This means that your company can enter contracts, own assets, and incur liabilities independently of its shareholders.
Through our company name check and registration service, we make the process of registering a business in the UK quick and easy to navigate. Our company registration is designed specifically with small and micro businesses in mind to become legally recognised and ready to operate.
We also provide ongoing support for businesses who register with us in the customer portal, where users can access their company details, check filing dates and request additional business services.
