2. Companies House Paul Hughes Event Team

3. Who we are UK Registry of Companies 1844 - Established 1988 - Executive agency of BIS 1991 - Trading fund Funding: 80% registration, 20% search London, Edinburgh, Belfast & Cardiff

4. What we do incorporate and dissolve limited companies examine and store company information delivered under the Companies Act and related legislation make this information available to the public

5. Why go Limited? Your company name is protected You get limited liability But what is limited liability? Legal requirements placed on directors In return the company must send certain information to Companies House for public viewing

6. Company Names Unique and non-offensive Sensitive words: require approval from relevant body Eg: Bank, Insurance, International, University Must not be too similar to names already listed Check name availability FREE on CH Website

7. Incorporation Web Incorporation service via Business Link Simple company structures only £18 fee 5,600 in July 2011 www.businesslink.gov.uk

8. Memorandum & Articles of Association

9. Incorporation Via Formation Agents (using software packages) £14 fee 29,000 companies in July 2011 out of 36,100 in total Competitive prices – shop around list of software suppliers/agents on our website

10. Director’s responsibilities Accounts and Annual Returns are delivered Directors’ and secretaries’ details are kept up to date No under 16’s appointed (except for LLP’s) No upper age limit At least 1 “natural person” appointed (except for LLP’s) Registered office and SAIL address is correct and operational

11. Secretary Duties Every PLC needs one Private companies – it’s optional Usual duties include: Notifying changes Maintaining statutory registers Notifying members and auditor of meetings Providing copies of resolutions and agreements Supplying copies of company accounts

12. Annual Return Over 94% are now filed online Not the financial return All companies have to file one each year Based on your Legal Return Date Snapshot of the Company details at this date Must be filed within 28 days of this date £14 filing fee online (£40 for paper filing)

13. Accounts Some Account types can be filed online Companies have to file accounts each year Whether trading or not Strict filing times laid down by Parliament Based on your accounting reference date Automatic penalties for being late Must be in legible format – black ink please No filing fee

14. Compliance

15. Late Filing Penalties Less than 1 month £150 LTDPLC £750 1 month - 3 months £375£1500 3 months - 6 months £750£3000 More Than 6 months£1,500£7500 Don’t Forget Penalties are doubled for filing late 2 years running

17. Contact Number Local Rate telephone number for all general enquiries is: 0303 1234 500 For general email enquiries:- enquiries@companieshouse.gov.uk

18. Thank you for listening Any feedback? phughes@companieshouse.gov.uk