Company Formation

Why choose Talbots Law for company formation matters?

Our company formation lawyers make the process of setting up a company simple and straightforward for you. They will explain the process and procedure in plain, simple, business-like language, so you understand matters fully, such as directors’ duties, share capital and persons of significant control.

Here’s why you should choose Talbots Law’s company formation solicitors:

• End-to-end support – From registering your business to drafting articles of association, our solicitors guide you through every stage of setting up a company.
• Recognised for quality – As one of the first law firms in the area to earn the Lexcel quality mark, we promise expert guidance in a way that’s easy to understand.
• Trusted by clients – Rated 5 stars on Trustpilot by over 600 happy clients, we’re proud to help entrepreneurs and business owners get their ventures off to the right start.
• Employee-owned and client-focused – With almost 500 staff across our offices, our team is passionate about helping you resolve your legal matters efficiently.
• Jargon-free advice – We explain directors’ duties, shareholder structures, and company law in plain English so you can make informed decisions.
• Fast and responsive service – We know that speed matters when setting up a business, so we work quickly to get your company incorporated without unnecessary delays.

The basics of company formation

The law of company formation does not need to be complex.  For your benefit, below is a brief outline of the basics of incorporating a company.

A company is a separate legal entity, distinct from its members. It is owned by its members and it is managed by its directors. It is regulated by the Companies Act 2006.

One of the key reasons for choosing to incorporate a company as a form of business vehicle (as opposed to a sole trader, a partnership) is that it is a separate legal entity which can enter contracts in its own name and is responsible for its own debts and liabilities. One of its key attractions is that its shareholders benefit from limited liability. The perceived main disadvantage of carrying on business using a company limited by shares is the level of public disclosure such companies are required to make through filings at Companies House.

All companies must have articles of association. The articles of association set out the company’s internal rules, including:

• the rights attaching to shares and details of any different share classes
• how shares can be transferred
• how directors can be appointed or removed and if they must retire by rotation
• how shareholder meetings are held, and
• how meetings of the directors are held

For more information regarding incorporating a company, speak to our Corporate & Commercial Team at Talbots Law today on 0800 118 1500 or fill out our online form.

Company formation FAQs

What are the rules around choosing a company name?

The name you choose for your company must be unique (ie not used by any other organisation).   Furthermore, there are a large number of words considered to be ‘sensitive names’ which require specific consent from various regulatory organisations before they can be used. This list is extensive but includes words such as ‘European’, ‘British’, ‘charity’, and ‘authority’.

Do my details have to be available to the public?

The UK Companies House keeps records of all details for UK limited companies. It makes certain information available to the public including names and addresses of directors and the company secretary, the shareholders of the company, and the company’s articles of association. The record also includes a confirmation statement showing a summary of these details plus annual financial statements. Any changes of details such as addresses or ownership of shares must be filed at Companies House on official forms together with any changes to the articles of association.

What information do I need to set up a company?

To register a company, you’ll need to provide a unique company name, a registered office address, details of the directors and shareholders, and information about the share structure. Our solicitors will guide you through each step to ensure all documents are accurate and compliant with Companies House requirements.

Do I need bespoke articles of association?

While standard ‘model’ articles of association can be used, many businesses benefit from bespoke articles that reflect their unique needs, such as different share classes, voting rights, or director responsibilities. Our company formation solicitors can draft tailored articles to give you the flexibility and protection your business requires.