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Guides for UK company owners
Plain-English guides on forming a company, staying compliant with Companies House and getting the deadlines right.
4 tips to boost your business brand
Four practical ways for a small UK business to build a stronger brand: a clear promise, consistent identity, customer experience and a protected name.
3 min readStarting a company6 essential strategies for a strong business foundation
Six practical steps to build a solid foundation for a new UK business: the right structure, clean finances, compliance, contracts, protection and planning.
6 min readBusiness ideas and growth6 tips for building a solid business foundation
Six practical steps to give a new UK business a solid foundation: the right structure, clear finances, compliance, protection, a simple plan and good records.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growth6 tips for setting up an eBay business account
How to set up an eBay business account in the UK: what details you need, sole trader vs company, business address, payments, tax and getting your shop ready.
4 min readTaxA business owner's guide to HMRC
What HMRC does, which taxes a UK company deals with, how to register, the main deadlines and how to avoid penalties. A plain-English guide for owners.
3 min readRunning a companyA complete guide to limited company shares
How shares in a UK limited company work: share capital, nominal value, share classes, issuing and transferring shares, stamp duty and the records to keep.
4 min readRunning a companyHow to add or remove a shareholder in a UK company
Adding a shareholder by issuing or transferring shares, and removing one by share transfer or buyback. The steps, forms, stamp duty and records involved.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthA guide to business financing and loans in the UK
The main ways to fund a UK small business: savings, Start Up Loans, bank lending, overdrafts, asset finance, grants and equity investment, with pros and cons.
7 min readCharities and not-for-profitsHow to form your own charity in the UK
How to set up a charity in Scotland or England and Wales: trustees, charitable purposes, legal structures, governing documents and registering with OSCR.
4 min readRunning a companyA guide to limited company officers
Directors, company secretaries and PSCs: who the officers of a UK limited company are, what each role must do, and how to appoint or remove them.
4 min readComplianceA guide to maintaining your limited company registers
Which statutory registers a UK limited company must keep after the November 2025 changes, where to keep them, and how to keep them up to date.
6 min readStarting a companyA guide to Form My Company formation packages
Compare Form My Company formation packages from £290 to £2,400: what each includes, who it suits and how to choose the right one for your new UK company.
3 min readStarting a companyLimited company or self-employed: which suits you?
Limited company or sole trader? Compare liability, tax, paperwork, privacy and credibility to decide which structure suits your UK business in 2026-27.
3 min readRunning a companyHow to choose a business bank account in the UK
What to compare when choosing a UK business bank account: fees, features, FSCS protection, opening requirements, and options for non-resident directors.
3 min readStarting a companyWhat is a business bank account and do you need one?
What a business bank account is, whether your UK company or sole trader business needs one, what banks ask for, and tips for opening one quickly.
4 min readStarting a companyBusiness licence guide for the UK
Do you need a business licence in the UK? Which activities need one, who issues licences in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and how to apply.
3 min readRunning a companyHow to change your limited company's articles of association
How to change a UK limited company's articles of association: the resolution you need, what to send Companies House within 15 days, and mistakes to avoid.
6 min readTaxCheck your Corporation Tax deadlines
Key Corporation Tax deadlines for UK limited companies: registering, paying 9 months and 1 day after year end, filing within 12 months, and late penalties.
6 min readComplianceCompanies House identity verification: a practical guide
Who must verify their identity with Companies House, when, and how: GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP, your personal code, deadlines for directors and PSCs.
3 min readComplianceCompanies House rules for a registered office address
What Companies House requires of a registered office: an appropriate address, no PO boxes, the right UK nation, and what happens if yours fails the test.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthCould networking help the self-employed with mental health?
Working alone can be isolating. How networking, peer groups and simple routines can support the wellbeing of UK founders, and where to get help.
5 min readRunning a companyDo I need business insurance? A quick UK checklist
A quick checklist to work out whether your UK business needs insurance: what the law requires, what clients expect, and the covers worth considering.
5 min readStarting a companyDoes my business need a licence? A UK guide
How to find out if your UK business needs a licence, permit or registration: common examples, who issues them, and the free GOV.UK licence finder.
5 min readBusiness ideas and growthEasy, no-frills digital tips for small business owners
Practical, low-cost digital steps for a new UK small business: a domain and email, a basic website, online listings, security, backups and simple tools.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthEasy small businesses to start and run on your own in the UK
Practical one-person business ideas for the UK, from consulting and bookkeeping to cleaning and online shops, plus the setup and rules to check first.
3 min readComplianceEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 explained
What the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 means for UK companies: identity checks, registered email, new Companies House powers and more.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthEffective strategies to engage valuable B2B prospects
Practical ways for UK small businesses to find and engage B2B prospects: ideal customers, useful content, LinkedIn, referrals and follow-up.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthHow to sell products online: a practical UK guide
How to start selling products online in the UK: choosing what to sell, your own website vs marketplaces, payments, delivery, consumer law and tax.
4 min readStarting a companyEssential tips for building a strong business foundation
Practical first steps for a new UK business: a clear plan, the right structure, separate finances, tax registrations, good records, contracts and protection.
4 min readRunning a companyDirector service address: what it is and why it matters
What a director service address is, why it appears on the public register, what counts as a valid one, and how to keep your home address private.
4 min readRunning a companyHow to find information about a director on Companies House
How to look up a UK company director for free on Companies House: what you can see, what stays private, and how to check disqualified directors.
5 min readBusiness ideas and growthHow to find your perfect small business niche
How to find a profitable small business niche in the UK: match your skills to a real problem, check demand and competitors, and test before you commit.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthFive small business ideas you can launch this year
Five practical small business ideas for the UK in 2026, what each needs to get started, the rules to check, and how to tell if an idea can make money.
6 min readBusiness ideas and growthFive small business ideas you can start in the UK this year
Five practical small business ideas you can start in the UK this year, with what each involves, start-up costs to consider and the rules to check first.
3 min readTaxThe Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) explained
How CIS works for UK contractors and subcontractors: who must register, the 20%, 30% and 0% deduction rates, monthly returns and gross payment status.
4 min readComplianceGOV.UK One Login explained for company directors
What GOV.UK One Login is, why you need it for Companies House, how to verify your identity and get a personal code, and what to do if you get stuck.
6 min readCharities and not-for-profitsGuide to a company limited by guarantee
What a company limited by guarantee is, who uses it, how members' liability works, how it differs from a company limited by shares, and how to set one up.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthGuide to starting an online business in the UK
A practical guide to starting an online business in the UK: choosing a structure, registering with HMRC, selling rules, data protection and getting paid.
3 min readTaxHow do company directors get paid? Salary, dividends and more
Salary, dividends, expenses and director's loans: how UK limited company directors take money out, with 2026-27 tax and National Insurance figures.
4 min readCharities and not-for-profitsSocial enterprise in the UK: how to start one
What a social enterprise is, the legal structures you can use in the UK, how a community interest company (CIC) works, and the steps to set one up.
3 min readRunning a companyHow to appoint a new director of a UK limited company
How to appoint a new director of a UK limited company in 2026: board approval, identity verification, filing with Companies House and updating registers.
4 min readStarting a companyHow to check UK company name availability, step by step
Check your company name is free before you register. A step-by-step guide to the Companies House name rules, similar names, sensitive words and trade marks.
3 min readComplianceHow to close or dissolve a limited company in the UK
Your options to close a UK limited company: voluntary strike-off with form DS01, liquidation, or going dormant. Conditions, steps, costs and common mistakes.
4 min readNon-residentsHow to work out your UK tax residence with the SRT
How the Statutory Residence Test decides if you are UK tax resident: the automatic overseas tests, automatic UK tests, sufficient ties and day counting.
5 min readNon-residentsHow to form a UK company from abroad: easy, safe options
Non-residents can own and run a UK limited company. What you need: a UK registered office, identity verification, a bank account plan and tax registration.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthHow to get funding for your small business in the UK
A practical guide to UK small business funding: savings, Start Up Loans, bank loans, grants, investors, crowdfunding, and what lenders want to see first.
4 min readRunning a companyHow to set up best practice guidelines for your company
How to write simple best practice guidelines and policies for a small UK company: what to cover, which policies the law expects, and how to keep them working.
3 min readStarting a companyHow to start a business in the UK: the basics
The basic steps to start a UK business: test your idea, choose a structure, register with HMRC or Companies House, and set up your money and tax.
4 min readRunning a companyHow to transfer shares in a UK limited company
How to transfer shares in a UK limited company: check the articles, complete a stock transfer form, pay any Stamp Duty and update the register of members.
3 min readRunning a companyHow to use Companies House search data
Search the Companies House register for free: check a company, its directors, accounts and filing history, and what the data cannot tell you.
3 min readRunning a companyHow to value shares in a private company
Why private company shares need valuing, the main valuation methods, discounts for minority stakes, and when HMRC may need to agree the value.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthHow to value your small business in the UK
The main ways to value a UK small business – earnings multiples, assets and discounted cash flow – what affects the price, and how to prepare for a sale.
7 min readComplianceHow to verify your identity and get your Companies House code
How directors and PSCs verify their identity with Companies House, using GOV.UK One Login or an agent, and how to get and use your personal code.
3 min readTaxIncome tax for contractors working for one company (2026-27)
Self-employed, limited company or employee? How UK contractors working for one client are taxed in 2026-27, plus employment status and the IR35 rules.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthLow-cost business start-up ideas for the UK
Practical low-cost business ideas you can start in the UK with little money, plus how to test an idea, keep costs down and set up properly from day one.
6 min readBusiness ideas and growthMake your business stand out through branding
How a small UK business can stand out with branding: find your difference, choose a good name, tell your story, build a visual identity and stay consistent.
3 min readTaxMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax and VAT: what to know
Who must follow Making Tax Digital for VAT and Income Tax, the £50,000, £30,000 and £20,000 start thresholds, quarterly update dates and how to get ready.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthGetting a better return from Facebook ads for small businesses
How small UK businesses can get a better return from Facebook and Instagram ads: clear goals, the right audience, simple tests, tracking and sensible budgets.
3 min readTaxPersonal tax allowance and income tax bands for 2026/27
The 2026/27 Personal Allowance is £12,570. See income tax bands for England, Wales, NI and Scotland, the £100,000 taper and what it means for directors.
3 min readRunning a companyHow to bill customers: invoicing for new UK businesses
What a UK invoice must include, how to set payment terms, how to get paid on time, and your rights if a business customer pays late. A guide for new firms.
4 min readRunning a companyNon-executive directors: role, duties and pay explained
What a non-executive director (NED) does in a UK company, their legal duties, how they are appointed, and how NED pay is usually set and taxed.
3 min readNon-residentsNon-resident guide to registering a UK limited company
Can non-residents form a UK company? Yes. Learn the requirements, UK address rules, ID verification, banking and tax points for founders living abroad.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthSetting up a successful team for your company
How to build the right team for a small UK company: co-founders, directors, first hires, freelancers and advisers, plus the legal basics of employing people.
4 min readRunning a companyShare certificates explained
What a UK share certificate is, what it must show, when a company has to issue one, and what to do when shares are transferred or a certificate is lost.
4 min readStarting a companyStarting a UK company after Brexit: what changed and what didn't
Brexit changed trade with the EU, not how you form a UK company. See what stays the same, what changed for EU trade, customs and staff, and how to prepare.
3 min readStarting a companyStep-by-step guide to planning your new business
A practical step-by-step plan for a new UK business: your idea, customers, pricing, costs, cash flow, legal structure, registration and a simple launch plan.
3 min readStarting a companyService address vs registered office address: the difference
A registered office belongs to the company; a service address belongs to each director. Learn the rules for each and when one address can do both jobs.
4 min readStarting a companyThe documents and details you need to form a limited company
What you need to register a UK limited company: name, addresses, director and shareholder details, ID verification, SIC code, articles and share capital.
3 min readStarting a companyThe main advantages of forming a limited company
Why many UK founders choose a limited company: limited liability, tax options, credibility, name protection and easier investment, plus the trade-offs.
6 min readCharities and not-for-profitsHow to set up a charity in the UK: a practical guide
Setting up a UK charity: charitable purposes, trustees, choosing a structure, the governing document, and registering with OSCR or the Charity Commission.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthHow to start a house sitting business in the UK
A practical guide to starting a UK house sitting business: services, pricing, insurance, trust and safety, contracts, licences for pet care, and structure.
4 min readRunning a companyWhy written resolutions matter for your company
A written resolution lets shareholders make decisions without a meeting. Learn how it works, the majorities needed, what it can't do and what to file.
3 min readStarting a companyTop tips for starting your own limited company
Practical tips for starting a UK limited company: name, addresses, shares, ID verification, tax registration, banking and your first deadlines.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthTop tips for trading on Amazon and eBay in the UK
Practical tips for UK sellers on Amazon and eBay: choosing products, fees, listings, customer service, tax, VAT and when to trade as a limited company.
4 min readStarting a companyUK SIC codes explained: how to choose the right one
What a SIC code is, how to choose the right one for your UK company, how many you can have, when to change it and why Companies House now checks it.
3 min readComplianceCompanies House fees from 1 February 2026 explained
The Companies House fees that changed on 1 February 2026: incorporation £100, confirmation statement £50, strike-off £13, and what it means for your company.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthFive smart strategies to grow your small business
Five practical strategies to grow a small UK business: know your numbers, focus on your best customers, build repeat sales, use simple systems and plan cash.
3 min readBusiness ideas and growthUsing affiliate marketing as a side business in the UK
How affiliate marketing works as a UK side business: getting started, ASA labelling rules, tax on your earnings and when a limited company makes sense.
6 min readBusiness ideas and growthValuation multiples explained for UK private companies
How valuation multiples work for UK private companies: EBITDA, revenue and earnings multiples, what pushes a multiple up or down, and when to get a valuation.
3 min readTaxVAT return deadlines, submission and payment explained
When UK VAT returns are due, how to submit them under Making Tax Digital, how and when to pay, and how penalty points and late payment penalties work.
4 min readStarting a companyWhat are the different addresses your business needs?
Registered office, service address, trading address, registered email: what each one is, which are public, and how to keep your home address private.
3 min readRunning a companyWhat business insurance do I need? A guide for UK owners
Which business insurance is a legal requirement in the UK and which covers are optional but common: employers' liability, public liability and more.
6 min readStarting a companyWhat counts as acceptable proof of address in the UK?
Which documents UK banks and company service providers usually accept as proof of address, how recent they must be, and what to do if you live abroad.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthTrading with the EU after Brexit: a guide for small businesses
A practical guide for UK small businesses trading with the EU after Brexit: EORI numbers, customs declarations, VAT, and setting up an EU entity.
4 min readStarting a companyWhat exactly are prescribed particulars?
Prescribed particulars describe the rights attached to each class of share in a UK company. What they include, where they appear and when to update them.
5 min readRunning a companyWhat is a business trading address provider?
A trading address provider gives your business a professional address for customers and post. See how it differs from a registered office and who uses one.
3 min readComplianceWhat is a certificate of good standing for UK companies?
What a UK certificate of good standing shows, why banks and overseas authorities ask for one, how to get it from Companies House and when to apostille it.
5 min readStarting a companyWhat is a limited company? A plain-English guide
A limited company is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders and run by directors. Learn how it works, its pros and cons, and its duties.
3 min readStarting a companyWhat is a private company limited by shares?
The private company limited by shares is the most common UK company type. How it works, limited liability, directors, shareholders and how to form one.
4 min readComplianceWhat is a register of members?
The register of members is the legal record of who owns a UK company's shares. What it must include, where to keep it, and how to keep it up to date.
3 min readRunning a companyWhat is a special resolution in a limited company?
A special resolution needs at least 75% of shareholder votes. Learn when you need one, how to pass it, and how to file it with Companies House within 15 days.
3 min readNon-residentsWhat is a UK apostille and when do you need one?
A UK apostille confirms a signature, seal or stamp on a UK document so it is accepted abroad. Learn when you need one, how it works and how long it takes.
3 min readRunning a companyWhat does Companies House do for limited companies?
What Companies House does: registering and dissolving companies, keeping the public register, checking identities and enforcing filing rules in the UK.
3 min readRunning a companyThe role and legal duties of a UK company director
What a UK company director does and the seven general duties in the Companies Act 2006, plus filing, tax and record-keeping duties every director must meet.
4 min readComplianceWhat records must a limited company keep?
The company and accounting records every UK limited company must keep, how long to keep them, where to keep them and the penalties for poor record keeping.
6 min readStarting a companyWhen does your UK business need a licence? A simple guide
Forming a company is not the same as getting permission to trade. Learn which UK businesses need a licence, registration or permit, and how to check yours.
4 min readBusiness ideas and growthWhy should I start my own business?
The real reasons to start your own business, the risks to weigh up, and simple questions to help you decide whether running a UK company is right for you.
4 min readRunning a companyYou have formed your company. What's next?
Your first steps after forming a UK limited company: bank account, HMRC registration, records, identity verification, key deadlines and staying compliant.
4 min readStart your company today
Check your name, choose a package and pay in minutes. We handle the identity checks, the filing and the paperwork.