1. Choose a Company Name That Complies with UK Law
The company name you choose must:
- Be unique and not the same (or too similar) to any existing UK company
- Avoid restricted or sensitive words like “Royal” or “Bank”
- Not contain offensive or misleading language
- Not infringe on trademarks
You can check for name availability on the Companies House website—or let Dragonfly Associates assist with availability searches and guidance as part of your formation package.
2. Appoint at Least One Director
By law, every UK limited company must have at least one director who is:
- A natural person (not just a company)
- At least 16 years old
- Not currently disqualified from acting as a director
- Not bankrupt (unless with court permission)
Directors are legally responsible for ensuring the company complies with accounting, tax, and reporting requirements. Dragonfly Associates provides director briefings and support on responsibilities where applicable.
3. Provide a Registered Office Address
Your registered office:
- Must be a physical location in the UK
- Will appear on the public record
- Is where Companies House and HMRC send legal notices
If privacy is a concern, you can use a third-party address provider. Dragonfly Associates offers registered office and service address options, subject to agreement, to protect your residential address.
4. Define Shareholders and Share Structure
You must have:
- At least one shareholder (can be the same person as the director)
- An initial share structure (number of shares, value, and allocation)
- A record of ownership (Persons of Significant Control register)
The initial shareholder(s) and share capital are documented in the company’s incorporation forms. Dragonfly Associates assists in defining and documenting these details during setup.
5. Create a Memorandum and Articles of Association
These documents form your company’s constitutional foundation. They include:
- The Memorandum: a statement from the initial shareholders agreeing to form the company
- The Articles of Association: rules for running the company (e.g., decision-making, issuing shares)
Companies House provides model articles, but these can be customised. Dragonfly Associates provides standard or tailored documents, depending on the scope of service agreed upon.
6. Assign a SIC Code
You are required to choose a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that best describes your business activity. You can select more than one if needed.
It’s important to select the correct code for statistical and regulatory purposes. We advise clients on code selection during the company formation process, where this support is included in their plan.
7. File the Incorporation with Companies House
You must submit Form IN01 electronically or by post. It includes:
- Company name
- Registered address
- Director and shareholder details
- Share structure
- SIC code
Dragonfly Associates files electronic incorporations for most clients, allowing registration to be completed in as little as 3–6 hours. This service is included in our formation packages, subject to agreement.
8. Register for Corporation Tax
Every new company must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of beginning trading (not necessarily from incorporation). You’ll need:
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Your SIC code
- Contact details of the company
Dragonfly Associates offers Corporation Tax registration services as part of its accounting and compliance support, depending on your selected plan.
9. Maintain Statutory Registers
From the date of incorporation, a company must keep updated records of:
- Directors
- Shareholders
- Persons of Significant Control (PSC)
- Share allotments and transfers
These must be available for inspection upon request. We assist clients with maintaining these registers where agreed in their compliance package.
Why Legal Accuracy Matters
Incorporation is not just paperwork—it’s a legal milestone. Errors or omissions can lead to:
- Fines or penalties from Companies House
- Delays in opening bank accounts
- Tax filing issues
- Liability concerns for directors
Dragonfly Associates ensures your incorporation is complete, compliant, and supported by experienced professionals—based on the scope and terms of our service agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be both director and shareholder?
Yes, most single-person startups are formed this way.
Can I use my home address?
Yes, but it will be publicly visible. Most clients choose to use a professional address through their provider.
Can Dragonfly Associates handle all legal steps?
Yes, we offer full incorporation support, including documents, filings, and compliance guidance, depending on the plan or service package chosen.
Final Thoughts
Meeting the legal requirements of UK company formation isn’t difficult—but getting it right is critical. It affects your credibility, compliance, and ability to scale.
At Dragonfly Associates, we simplify the process by providing expert-led, contract-backed company formation services that ensure everything is in place from day one.
To learn more or get a quote for your incorporation, contact our team today.
