We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Choosing a legal structure when you're starting a business: the differences between being a sole trader and a limited company, including legal risk, registration and taxes.
The Business List contains three separate sub-lists: business financial services regulatory and pensions business. Business We deal with a wide range business disputes, often with an international dimension. Frequently these concern a business structure (company, LLP, LP, partnership etc) including:...
Incorporate a private limited company - register it with Companies House and rules on directors, shares, articles of association and telling HMRC about the company
A limited company is legally separate from the people who own it. A…
You must choose a name for your business if you’re setting up a private…
You must provide a registered office address and email address when you…
Your company must have at least one director. Directors are legally…
Most limited companies are ‘limited by shares’. This means they’re owned…
When you register your company you need: a ‘memorandum of association’ - a…
Use this service to register your company with Companies House. You will…
You can add Corporation Tax services to your business tax account if you…
Tools and guidance for businesses
Business plans - download free templates and get help writing a business plan
Get company information including registered address, previous company names, directors' details, accounts, annual returns and company reports, if it's been dissolved
Steps to help grow your business - finding finance, mentors, increasing sales and developing products and services
Get business support and advice over the phone and online - setting up and running a business.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).