Starting a limited company the right way
Registering a company at Companies House only takes a short time. Getting the structure right takes a little more thought. The choices you make at the start, such as who the shareholders are, which share classes you issue and when your financial year ends, affect how you pay yourself, how much tax you pay and how much admin you face for years to come.
Our team helps sole traders moving into a company, new founders and people setting up a second business to get everything in place before the first invoice goes out.
What our company formation service covers
- Is a company right for you? We look at your expected profits and plans and compare trading as a company with staying self-employed.
- Incorporation at Companies House, including the company name, registered office, SIC code, articles of association and share structure.
- Directors, shareholders and people with significant control, and what each role means in practice.
- Identity verification. Directors and people with significant control must now verify their identity with Companies House, and new incorporations need each person's personal code. We explain the process and what you need ready.
- Corporation Tax registration. HMRC must be told within 3 months of the company starting its tax accounting period, so we make sure this is done on time.
- Choosing a year end that suits your trading pattern and keeps deadlines manageable.
- VAT and PAYE, where needed, so you are registered for the right things at the right time.
How we help you get set up
- A short conversation about your business, who is involved and how you plan to take money out.
- We prepare and file the incorporation, or review a company you have already formed.
- We register the company for Corporation Tax and, if appropriate, for VAT registration and returns and directors' payroll.
- We help you set up a business bank account and cloud software so your day-to-day bookkeeping starts on a clean footing.
- We give you a simple calendar of your filing and payment dates, so the first year-end company accounts hold no surprises.
What we'll need from you
Proposed company names, the home and service addresses of each director and shareholder, how shares will be split, a short description of what the company will do, and confirmation of each person's Companies House identity verification. If you are transferring an existing sole trade, we will also ask for your latest accounts so we can plan the changeover date. You can read the official overview in the GOV.UK guide to setting up a private limited company.
New companies across Kent
We work with founders all over Kent, from tradespeople in Medway to consultants and online businesses in Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells, and we can do everything remotely if that suits you better. If you are weighing up whether to incorporate an existing business, our restructuring advice covers the move from sole trader to company in more detail. Send us a message and tell us what you are planning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to verify my identity before forming a company?
Yes. Identity verification became a legal requirement at Companies House on 18 November 2025. Directors and people with significant control can verify through GOV.UK One Login or through an authorised corporate service provider, and a new incorporation needs each person's personal code. We will tell you exactly what is needed before we file.
When does a new company need to register for Corporation Tax?
HMRC must be told within 3 months of the company starting its tax accounting period, which usually begins when it starts trading or receiving income. Registration is easy to forget in the rush of starting up, so we handle it as part of the formation and confirm the details back to you.
Can I choose my company's year end?
Companies House sets an initial accounting reference date based on the month of incorporation, but it can usually be changed. Some owners align it with the tax year, others with a quieter trading period. We talk through the effect on your first accounts and tax deadlines before recommending a date.
Should I move my sole trader business into a company?
It depends on your profits, how you want to draw income, the admin you are happy with and any assets you would transfer. A company is not always cheaper. We run through the figures with you and explain the practical steps before you commit either way.
Company Formation across Kent
We help clients throughout the county, including: