If you’ve decided to start a business, congratulations! That’s the hardest part done.

But before you hit “register,” it helps to know exactly what you’ll need.

Registering a company in the UK is more straightforward than most people think.

You just need a few key details ready and a clear idea of how your business will run.

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started, explained in plain English.

‍

1. Choose your business structure

The first step is deciding how you’ll trade.

In the UK, there are a few common options:

• Sole trader: simple and quick to set up, but you’re personally responsible for any debts.
  
  
• Private limited company (Ltd): a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets.

If you’re planning to grow, bring on investors, or separate your personal finances from your business, a limited company is usually the best fit.

Foundrs focuses on helping founders set up limited companies, quickly, correctly, and with no jargon.

‍

2. Pick a company name

Your name is your first impression, but it also needs to follow a few legal rules.

It must:

✅ Be unique (not already taken on Companies House)

✅ Avoid restricted or misleading words (like “Royal” or “Bank”)

✅ End with “Limited” or “Ltd” if you’re forming a company

💡 Foundrs tip: Our setup automatically checks your company name as you go, so you’ll know instantly if it’s available and compliant.

If your first choice is taken, try a small tweak, like adding your location or service. “Bright Consulting Ltd” could become “Bright London Consulting Ltd.”

‍

3. Have a UK registered address

Every limited company needs a registered office address in the UK.

This is where legal and official mail is sent, it doesn’t need to be your trading location.

You can use your home, an accountant’s office, or a registered address service.

If you want to keep your home address private, using a service is often the easiest option.

‍

4. Choose at least one director

A company must have at least one director, the person legally responsible for running it.

They handle decisions, filings, and compliance.

If you’re setting up the company on your own, you’ll be both the director and the shareholder (the owner).

Foundrs makes this easy, our guided setup explains the difference as you go, so you know exactly what each role means.

‍

5. Decide who owns the company

You’ll need to record shareholder details, the people who own part of the company.

This can be one person or several.

If you’re the only founder, you’ll typically issue one share worth £1, meaning you own 100% of the company.

If there are others involved, decide how you’ll split ownership now. It’s much easier to set expectations before money or time is invested.

‍

6. Choose your SIC code

A SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification) describes what your business does.

You’ll choose one or more codes from a pre-set list when you register.

You don’t need to memorise or guess, Foundrs helps you pick the right one based on how you describe your business.

It’s a small but important step for Companies House and HMRC.

‍

7. Prepare your ID verification

When you register your company, you’ll need to verify your identity.

This is a legal requirement under the UK’s anti-money laundering rules.

You’ll need:

• A valid photo ID (like a passport or driving licence)
  
  
• Proof of address (like a utility bill or bank statement)

‍

8. Create your key company documents

Every limited company needs two standard legal documents:

• Memorandum of Association – confirms you’re forming the company
  
  
• Articles of Association – the internal rules for how it will be run

You don’t have to write these yourself.

Foundrs automatically generates the standard templates, saving you time and confusion.

‍

9. Pay the registration fee

Once submitted, approval usually takes a few hours (sometimes up to two working days).

When your company is registered, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, your proof that your business officially exists.

‍

10. Stay organised after registration

Once your company is live, you’ll have a few ongoing responsibilities, like filing a confirmation statement and keeping your details up to date.

That’s where Foundrs helps you stay on track.

Your dashboard keeps everything in one place: company details, reminders, and documents, so you stay compliant without chasing paperwork.

In Summary

To register your business in the UK, you’ll need:

• A company name
  
  
• A UK address
  
  
• At least one director
  
  
• Shareholder details
  
  
• A SIC code
  
  
• ID verification

That’s it. Once you have those ready, you can register your company in minutes.

Foundrs guides you through every step, checking your details, verifying your ID, and setting up your dashboard automatically.

No government portals. No confusing forms. No wasted time.

FAQs

1. What information do I need to register a business?

You’ll need a company name, a UK registered address, at least one director, details of any shareholders, a SIC code (what your business does), and verified ID. Foundrs helps you gather everything and check it’s compliant before you submit.

2. Do I need a business address to register a company?

Yes every UK company must have a registered office address. It’s where official mail from Companies House and HMRC is sent. You can use your home, an accountant’s office, or a registered address service if you want privacy.

3. Can I register a company without a business bank account?

Yes. You can register first and open a business bank account afterwards. In fact, Foundrs can recommend trusted partners once your company is set up, helping you open an account smoothly.

4. Do I need to register for VAT when I start my business?

Not always. You only need to register for VAT if your business turnover is expected to exceed £90,000 in a 12-month period. Many small businesses start without VAT and register later when they grow.

5. What documents are needed to register a company?

You’ll need a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, the legal documents that define how your company operates. 

6. How long does it take to register a company in the UK?

If you register online, most applications are approved within a few hours, though it can take up to two working days. 

7. Do I need an accountant to register a company?

No, you can register without one. But once your company is set up, an accountant can help you manage taxes, bookkeeping, and compliance. Foundrs can connect you with trusted accounting partners when you’re ready.

8. Can I be the only director and shareholder?

Yes many founders start as both the director (who runs the company) and the shareholder (who owns it). You can add more directors or shareholders later as your business grows.

9. What is a SIC code and why do I need one?

A SIC code (Standard Industrial Classification) describes what your business does. It helps Companies House and HMRC categorise your company correctly. Foundrs helps you pick the right code automatically during setup.

10. How does Foundrs help with registering a company?

Foundrs guides you through registration step by step, checking your company name, verifying ID, filing details with Companies House, and creating your dashboard. It’s company formation made simple, with no government portals or jargon.

‍