What Is a Limited Company—and Why Choose One?
A limited company is a legal structure where your business is treated as a separate entity. This means that:
- Your personal assets are protected if the business runs into debt
- You pay Corporation Tax on profits, which can be more efficient than Income Tax in many cases
- Your company can build its own credit history, own property, and enter into contracts
It also gives your business more credibility in the eyes of clients, investors, and suppliers—especially when operating internationally.
Step-by-Step: Registering Your UK Limited Company
1. Choose Your Company Name
This is your brand, your first impression, and it must be:
- Unique (check against the Companies House database)
- Free of restricted words (like “bank” or “royal”)
- Not infringing on any trademarks
2. Decide on a Company Structure
Most people opt for a Private Company Limited by Shares (Ltd), which means:
- You’ll issue shares to shareholders (even if it’s just you)
- You’ll have at least one director (again, it can be you)
Other options include:
- Limited by Guarantee (ideal for non-profits)
- LLP (for professional partnerships)
Not sure which suits your case? We’ll advise you based on your business model.
3. Provide Company Details
You’ll need to decide on:
- A registered office address (this will appear on public record — use ours to protect your privacy)
- A service address for directors (again, we offer this if needed)
- The company’s SIC code (a number that describes your business activity)
- The company’s share structure: how many shares and at what value?
Dragonfly Associates helps you fill out all this quickly via our online portal.
4. Appoint Directors and Shareholders
You need:
- At least one director (18+, no criminal or bankruptcy restrictions)
- At least one shareholder (can be the same as the director)
We’ll draft your Memorandum and Articles of Association and ensure you comply with all legal duties.
5. Submit to Companies House
Once everything is complete, we file the application electronically.
Turnaround: 3 to 6 working hours is typical.
You’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation and all core documents in your secure client area.
What Documents Will You Get?
After formation, Dragonfly Associates provides:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Share Certificates
- Company Register (digital or print)
- Your unique company number and registration confirmation
These documents are essential for opening a business bank account and dealing with HMRC.
Our Services: Everything Under One Roof
Dragonfly Associates isn’t just a formation agent—we’re your long-term partner in compliance and growth. Our Company Formation packages include:
- Name checking and legal setup
- Registered office and service address
- Share issuance and PSC register creation
- Filing of your first confirmation statement
- Ongoing reminders for compliance deadlines
- VAT and PAYE registration on request
We also offer tailored packages for non-UK residents—including mail handling, tax guidance, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UK address to open a company?
No. We provide a London-registered address as part of your package. Your actual location can be anywhere in the world.
Can I run the business alone?
Yes. You can be the sole director and sole shareholder. Many UK businesses start this way.
Will I need an accountant right away?
Not necessarily. Dragonfly Associates offers light-touch compliance for startups, with options to add bookkeeping and tax support as you grow.
Final Thoughts: Is a Limited Company Right for You?
If you want to grow your business beyond a side hustle—or protect your personal assets—a limited company is a smart move. It signals professionalism, builds trust, and opens doors to better funding, clients, and long-term planning.
Let’s Build Your Business
Dragonfly Associates can register your company today. We’ll handle the admin, guide you through the legal bits, and ensure everything is done correctly—first time.
Get started with your Company Formation now
Talk to our team for tailored advice
