START YOUR BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE AND STAY COMPLIANT FROM DAY ONE
Company Formation and Secretarial Services in the UK
Starting a business should feel exciting not overwhelming. At Shreem Accountants, our company formation and secretarial services are designed to take the complexity out of registering a UK limited company — so you can focus on building the business behind it. We understand that forming a company is not just about submitting documents to Companies House. Starting a company is one of the most significant decisions a person makes. Not just financially, personally. It is the moment when an idea stops being something you talk about and becomes something that exists in the world, with a name, a legal identity, and a set of responsibilities attached to it. It is about helping a client take an important step with clarity and confidence. That is why we take a personal, structured, and supportive approach from the very beginning.
Here we discuss about that moment, what it involves, what it requires, what it means for the years that follow, and how we help make sure it happens in a way that gives the business the best possible start.
THE MOMENT BEFORE EVERYTHING BEGINS
Why choosing the right business structure matters
Every business starts with a story.
- Sometimes it is a sole trader ready to move to a limited company.
- Sometimes it is two business partners launching a new venture together.
- Sometimes it is a first-time entrepreneur with a strong idea but no clear understanding of what needs to happen next.
Before we begin any company formation work, we first take the time to understand the client and the business behind the application.
We want to know:
- What the business will do
- What the client is trying to achieve
- Whether the business will be operated alone or with partners
- What the expected income and growth plans may look like
- Which structure may be most suitable, whether that is a limited company, a partnership, or a sole trader setup
This first step matters because good advice starts with proper understanding. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service, we aim to recommend the structure and route that best align with the client’s commercial objectives.
Our onboarding process: professional, compliant, and straightforward
We know that the word onboarding can sound technical, but for us it simply means creating a smooth, secure, and transparent start to the relationship.
As a regulated accountancy firm, we must carry out certain checks before we can act. These are important legal and professional requirements, but that does not mean the process has to feel cold or complicated.
Identity and AML checks
The first stage is verifying the client’s identity in line with anti-money laundering regulations.
This typically includes:
- Proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence
- Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement
- Electronic verification through our digital checking process
AML checks for UK Accountants are an essential part of working responsibly and protecting all parties involved. We explain clearly what is needed, why it is needed, and how the client can complete it with minimum inconvenience.
Risk assessment
Once identification is underway, we carry out an internal risk assessment. This helps us understand the nature of the business and the wider context in which it will operate.
We may consider matters such as:
- The type of business activity
- Source of income or funds
- Expected transaction patterns
- Any international or geographic factors
This is not about creating obstacles. It is about ensuring that the business relationship starts on a strong and compliant footing.
Engagement letter
Before any work begins, we issue an engagement letter setting out the scope of our services, the responsibilities of both parties, and the fee basis.
This is an important part of the process because it creates transparency from day one. The client knows exactly what we will do, how we will support them, and what to expect moving forward.
Simple digital approval through IRIS OpenSpace
We then send the engagement documents securely through IRIS OpenSpace, allowing the client to review and approve them digitally.
This means:
- No printing
- No unnecessary paperwork
- No confusion about where documents are stored
Clients can access, review, and approve documents securely and conveniently, making the onboarding experience quicker and more efficient.
A Typical Client Journey
Imagine a new client who has never run a company before.
They have an idea, perhaps a service business they want to launch, but they are unsure where to begin. They have heard terms like share capital, PSC, registered office, confirmation statement, and PAYE, but none of it feels clear.
This is often where we come in.
We start with a conversation. We listen to what the client is trying to achieve. We explain the structure options in plain English. We guide them through the documents we need. We carry out the onboarding checks professionally and efficiently. Then, once everything is ready, we move forward with the incorporation in a way that feels organised and manageable.
For the client, what initially felt confusing becomes a clear step-by-step journey.
That is the value of having the right accountant involved from the outset—and that’s the value we aim to deliver.
Our Company Formation Service: What We Do For You
Setting up a company properly is one of the most important early decisions a business owner will make. A well-structured start can help avoid future legal, tax, and administrative problems.
At Shreem Accountants, we handle the company formation process with care and attention to detail, so the client can move forward with confidence.
Our company formation support includes:
Company name review
We check the proposed company name and help ensure it is suitable and available.
Registered office support
Where needed, we can assist with a UK-registered office address service.
Director and shareholder details
We gather and verify the relevant information for directors and shareholders as part of the incorporation process.
Share structure guidance
We help establish the initial share setup, including:
- Number of shares
- Share value
- Ownership percentages
- Shareholder details
Memorandum and Articles of Association
We ensure the legal formation documents are prepared as part of the incorporation process.
Companies House submission
We manage the online submission so that, once approved, the company receives its certificate of incorporation and is officially formed.
Our goal is not simply to register a company. Our goal is to help create the right foundation for the business behind it.
Ongoing company secretarial services — staying compliant after incorporation
Forming a company is only the beginning.
Once a company is incorporated, there are continuing statutory obligations that must be managed properly. Many business owners are surprised to learn how much compliance work sits behind the scenes of a limited company.
That is why our support does not stop at incorporation.
We provide ongoing company secretarial services to help businesses stay organised, compliant, and up to date with their filing responsibilities.
Our support includes:
If the company will employ staff or pay a salary to a director, we can assist with PAYE registration and the related setup process.
Where registration is required or commercially beneficial, we can manage the VAT registration process and guide the client through the next steps.
We assist with the annual confirmation statement process by reviewing company details, discussing any required changes, and handling the filing efficiently.
When changes arise, we help ensure they are properly recorded. This may include:
- appointment or resignation of directors
- changes in shareholders or shareholdings
- changes to the registered office
- Updates to Persons with Significant Control
- company name changes
- changes to SIC code or nature of business
We also assist with a range of related matters, including:
- maintaining statutory registers
- share allotments and transfers
- dividend documentation
- company strike-off procedures
In short, we help clients manage the ongoing responsibilities that come with running a company, so important deadlines and formalities do not become a distraction from the business itself.
Our approach: supportive, proactive, and built around the client
What makes a real difference is not just the service itself, but how that service is delivered.
Our approach is built around three principles:
- We make the process easier to understand
- We explain things clearly and avoid unnecessary complexity, so clients know what is happening and why.
- We give clients proper attention
- We understand that starting or managing a company is important. Clients should feel they are being looked after, not processed.
- We stay proactive
- We do not just react when a deadline arrives. We aim to stay ahead, guide clients in advance, and help them keep their records and filings in order.
For us, company formation and secretarial work are not just administrative tasks. They are part of helping clients build and run their businesses with confidence.
Why choose Shreem Accountants for company formation?
Whether you are starting your very first company or need support managing the statutory responsibilities of an existing business, we are here to help.
At Shreem Accountants Limited, we combine compliance, structure, and personal support to make the process feel clear, professional, and well-managed from the outset. Because when a client chooses an accountant, they are not only looking for someone to file forms. They are looking for someone they can trust to guide them properly.
And that is exactly the role we aim to play. Whether you are forming your first UK company or need ongoing secretarial support, Shreem Accountants is here to guide you — clearly, professionally, and without the jargon.
Frequently asked questions about company formation in the UK
How long does company formation take in the UK?
Once all the required information is in place, online applications are typically processed by Companies House within 24 hours. Postal applications take considerably longer — usually several working days. Using a professional formation service can help ensure the application is submitted correctly the first time, avoiding unnecessary delays.
How much does it cost to register a limited company?
Companies House charges a registration fee, which varies depending on whether you apply online or by post. The online route is both faster and more cost-effective. If you work with an accountant or formation agent, there may be a professional service fee on top, though this often includes additional support such as document preparation, a registered office address, and ongoing guidance. We recommend speaking to us directly for current fee information before you begin.
What is the difference between a limited company and a sole trader?
A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners. This means your personal finances are protected — if the business faces difficulties, your personal assets are generally not at risk. Shareholders are only liable up to the amount they have invested in the company.
A sole trader, by contrast, has no such legal separation. You and the business are treated as one, which means personal assets could be at risk if the business incurs debts.
Limited companies also tend to offer greater tax planning opportunities, a more professional profile, and better access to funding. However, they come with additional administrative responsibilities, including annual filings and statutory record-keeping. Sole traders have far fewer obligations but also fewer protections.
Choosing the right structure depends on your individual circumstances, and this is something we always discuss with clients before any work begins.
Do I need a company secretary for my UK limited company?
For most private limited companies, appointing a company secretary is not a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2006 — unless the company’s own Articles of Association specifically require one. Public limited companies, however, are still legally obliged to have one.
That said, many private companies choose to appoint a company secretary or outsource the role to their accountant, as it helps reduce the administrative burden on directors and ensures compliance obligations are handled properly. If you would rather focus on running your business than managing statutory filings, this is an arrangement worth considering.
What is a confirmation statement and when does it need filing?
A confirmation statement is an annual filing that every UK limited company must submit to Companies House. It is not a financial document — rather, it is a formal confirmation that the information Companies House holds about your company is accurate and up to date. This includes details of directors, shareholders, the registered office address, and Persons with Significant Control.
It must be filed at least once every 12 months, within 14 days of the end of your review period. Filing late can lead to penalties and, in serious cases, the company being struck off the register. A filing fee is payable to Companies House at the time of submission.
Even if nothing has changed within the company during the year, the confirmation statement must still be filed. We assist all our clients with this process to ensure deadlines are never missed.
Can a non-UK resident register a company in the UK?
Yes. There is no requirement for directors or shareholders of a UK limited company to be UK residents or citizens. Non-residents can register and operate a UK limited company entirely from abroad.
The key requirement is that the company must have a registered office address located in the UK. This can be provided through a professional registered office service if you do not have a physical UK address.
Identity verification requirements for directors have also been introduced as part of ongoing changes to UK company law, so it is important to ensure all compliance steps are completed correctly. We can guide non-resident clients through the full process and ensure everything is handled properly from the outset.
What documents do I need to form a limited company?
To register a limited company in the UK, you will typically need to provide the following:
- Your proposed company name
- A UK registered office address
- Details of all directors, including full name, date of birth, nationality, and residential address
- Details of all shareholders and the proposed share structure
- Details of any Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
- A description of the company’s main business activity
- A Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
The Memorandum of Association confirms the intention to form the company, while the Articles of Association set out the rules under which it will be governed. Standard templates are available, though more complex businesses may require bespoke versions.
We gather and manage all of this information on your behalf as part of our formation service.
What are a director's ongoing legal responsibilities?
Becoming a director of a UK limited company is not simply a title — it carries real and continuing legal obligations. These include:
- Filing annual accounts with Companies House within the required deadlines
- Submitting an annual confirmation statement to keep company records up to date
- Notifying Companies House of any changes to the company, such as new directors, changes in shareholders, or a new registered office address
- Registering for and managing relevant taxes, including Corporation Tax, VAT (where applicable), and PAYE if the company employs staff
- Maintaining accurate financial and statutory records
- Acting in the best interests of the company and its shareholders at all times
Directors are also now required to complete an identity verification process with Companies House as part of changes introduced under recent company law reforms. Failure to meet these obligations can result in penalties, personal liability, or the company being struck off the register.
