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.
