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Registering Your New Company

The next stage is to choose your company name and register your company with Companies House once you have decided on which business structure is right for you.

Form a Limited Company with theses Simple Steps

Choose a Company Name

It is usually a good idea to have taken some time to choose your Company Name. A company name is what potential buyers will notice first and getting the right tone with your business' name will be important.

This first step in registering your company with Companies House is to register your company name. Whether registering with Companies House Direct or using a company formation agent, use the name search facility to check that your company name is still available.

� Your company name must be unique. Companies House do not allow duplicate company names on the register. � All company names must feature the word 'Limited' or 'ltd' at the end. � The name must not be too similar to an existing company name. Words such as 'services' or 'company' do not differentiate a company name. � Using the word 'agency' will imply a governmental connection. Confirmation will be required by a relevant body. � Certain professional terms such as dietician are protected titles.

These will also require prior approval. Companies House has a list of sensitive words and expressions that must meet certain criteria.

Quick tips to choosing a company name.

� What do I want my company name to achieve � Does the name make sense for my business? � Is the name easy to remember? � Is the name easy for people to spell? � Does the name sound good and is it easy to pronounce? � Is your name meaningful only to yourself? � Is the name visually appealing? � Have I conducted a proper trademark search?

Choosing A Registered Office Address

Your registered office address will appear on the Companies House Register and will be available to the public. This will also be the address that any official mail from Companies House and HMRC will be sent to. Many businesses choose to have an external registered office service rather than their residential address. This can stop any unwanted mail going home as well as providing a much better impression of your business, particularly if you can get one with a prestigious London address.

Appointing your Directors

You must appoint at least one company director. Requirements to be a company director include � Minimum 16 years of age � They have not been declared bankrupt � They have not been banned legally by court from being a company director

Personal details required

� Full name � Occupation. � Date of birth,. � Nationality. � Country of residence. � Home address.

Provide Shareholder Details.

A new company must have a minimum of 1 shareholder. Company Shareholders can be directors. Shares can also be held by other companies. Details required for each shareholder includes. � Full name. � Home address. � Share currency (GBP, EUR or USD). � Number of shares. � Value per share. Useful Links. Register a Company Yourself - http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk. Registering a Company Name and Address. Companies House Register.

It is usually a good idea to have taken some time to choose your Company Name. Your company name will give your business its identity. A company name is what potential buyers will notice first and getting the right tone with your business' name will be important. Successful companies will also develop a brand around a good name

Your registered office address will appear on the Companies House Register and will be available to the public after limited company formation