It is an attractive headline. £100 is a real cost. If someone offers to absorb it, that is worth knowing about.

But the offer is not always what it first appears. Two providers – Tide and 1st Formations – are currently running versions of this campaign. Both absorb the £100 Companies House fee in certain circumstances. Both have conditions that are worth reading before you decide.

This post explains both offers plainly, so you can make an informed choice.

What the £100 Companies House Fee Actually Is

When you register a limited company in the UK, Companies House charges a statutory filing fee. As of 1 February 2026, that fee is £100 for digital incorporation. It is a government fee, not an agent fee – every company registered in the UK pays it, regardless of who processes the application.

Some formation agents include this fee in their headline price. Others charge it separately. Either way, it is the same £100 going to the same place.

When a provider says they will “absorb” or “pay” this fee, they are not eliminating a cost – they are subsidising it from somewhere else in their business model. The question worth asking is: where is that subsidy coming from, and what does it mean for you?

Tide: £14.99 All-In – Subsidised by Their Banking Business

Tide is a digital banking platform. They offer company formation at £14.99 all-in – a price that absorbs most of the £100 Companies House fee on the customer’s behalf.

This is a genuine offer. The formation is processed, the company is registered, and the price is £14.99.

Why Tide can offer this price

Tide subsidises formation because it is a customer acquisition tool for their banking business. When you form a company through Tide, you open a Tide business bank account as part of the process. The formation fee is not where Tide makes money. The banking relationship is.

This is not a hidden agenda – it is openly how Tide’s business model works. For founders who want a Tide account anyway, the alignment is fine. For founders who want to choose their bank independently, or who may outgrow Tide’s banking features over time, it is worth understanding what you are signing up for.

The structural limitations

Beyond the banking lock-in, Tide’s formation service has structural restrictions that many founders only discover after starting the process:

• Single director and single shareholder only. If you have a co-founder – or any other person holding shares – Tide cannot form your company. This is not a tier limitation. It applies to all Tide formation packages without exception.
• UK residents only. Founders based outside the UK cannot register a company through Tide.
• LTD companies only. Tide does not support LLPs, companies limited by guarantee, charities, or bespoke articles of association.

For a solo UK founder who wants a Tide account, the £14.99 offer delivers what it promises. For anyone else, the £14.99 is not available regardless.

1st Formations: £1 Formation – If You Subscribe to Their Accounting Service

1st Formations is an established company formation agent. Their standard packages range from £102.99 to £139.99, with the £100 Companies House fee included in those prices – no unusual conditions attached.

They also offer a fourth option: “All Inclusive with Accounting” – £1.00.

At £1.00, 1st Formations will form your company and cover the £100 Companies House fee themselves. It is, on the surface, the most dramatic offer in the market.

What the £1 offer actually involves

The £1 formation price is conditional on subscribing to 1st Formations’ accounting service, which starts at £49 + VAT per month – £58.80 per month including VAT.

The accounting service itself includes year-end accounts, Corporation Tax returns, Xero accounting software, VAT registration and returns, PAYE registration, and self assessment for one director. It is a real service with real value, offered on a rolling monthly basis with no long-term contract.

But the maths are worth doing clearly:

The £1 offer is not a cheaper way to form a company. It is a bundled formation and accounting subscription. Whether it represents good value depends entirely on whether you need the accounting service – and whether £49+VAT/month is competitive for what you need.

If you were planning to pay for accounting anyway, the offer is worth evaluating seriously. If you were not, the £1 headline price understates the real cost significantly.

What Mint Does Differently

Mint Formations does not run “Don’t pay the £100 fee” campaigns. Our pricing is straightforward: formation starts from £4.99, and the £100 Companies House fee is listed separately and clearly. You pay both. There is no subsidy, no conditional offer, and no product attached.

We think this is the right approach – not because we cannot compete on price, but because we believe founders deserve to know exactly what they are paying and exactly what they are getting.

A few things that are included with Mint formation at no extra condition:

Free Application Assistant. Every Mint customer gets a named person guiding them through the formation process – from the initial application through to the certificate and any questions that arise. This was previously a paid £19 add-on. It is now included free for everyone.

WhatsApp support. Founders can reach us on WhatsApp throughout their formation journey. No other formation agent or banking entrant currently offers this.

Real people dealing with Companies House and HMRC. Our team calls Companies House and HMRC on behalf of clients – handling queries, resolving issues, and navigating compliance by phone. This is not software. It is qualified people who know how these organisations work.

Free accountant consultation. Every Mint customer receives a free consultation covering use of home as office, directors allowances, allowable business expenses, and any early-stage tax question.

Free Signal Biz Hub enrolment. Every Mint client is enrolled into Signal Biz Hub – a business support network with training, tips, and community networking for new founders.

Your choice of bank. Mint works with over ten banking partners – including Tide, ANNA Money, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Monzo, Cashplus, Zempler, and Countingup. We fast-track bank account applications with all of them. We have no banking product of our own and no financial incentive to push any particular bank. The choice is entirely yours.

The Right Question to Ask

When you see a “Don’t pay the £100 fee” headline, the question is not whether the offer is genuine – in most cases, it is. The question is what sits behind it:

• Are you being acquired as a banking customer?
• Are you signing up for a monthly service to unlock the discount?
• Does the offer apply to your situation at all?

Company formation is a one-time event. The choices you make during it – your bank, your accountant, your agent – often last longer than the registration itself. Evaluating those choices based on the headline price alone is worth resisting.

Mint’s formation fee starts at £4.99. The £100 Companies House fee is on top, as it is everywhere. What you get for that £4.99 is a named specialist, a human review of your application before it reaches Companies House, WhatsApp support, a free accountant consultation, and a team that will still be answering your questions in year three.

If that sounds like what you need, [compare our formation packages →].

Mint Formations is an authorised Companies House formation agent (ACSP). Pricing information for Tide and 1st Formations is based on publicly available information from their websites and is accurate at the time of writing. If anything has changed, please let us know.

The post Don’t Pay the £100 Companies House Fee – But Read What Comes With It appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

Forming a UK limited company is completed via Companies House, but most founders use an agent to save time and avoid costly mistakes — especially once you factor in registered office addresses, ID verification, HMRC registrations, and ongoing filings.

One important change for 2026: Companies House increased the digital incorporation fee to £100 from 1 February 2026.

The market has also shifted significantly. Digital banks — including Tide and ANNA Money — now offer company formation as part of opening a business account, often at heavily subsidised prices. Understanding what these services include, and what they structurally cannot offer, is now one of the most important things to know before choosing where to register.

Mint Formations is an authorised Companies House formation agent (ACSP) with 40,000+ companies formed over 15 years. Rankings and competitor information are based on publicly available data at time of writing and reflect our perspective as formation specialists. Last updated 2026.

The post Top UK Company Formation Agents for 2026 appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

Tide is one of the UK’s most recognised digital banking platforms, with over 1.5 million business account holders. In recent years, Tide has added company formation to its offering — at a price point that undercuts every traditional formation agent in the market.

If you are considering Tide for your company registration, this review covers the complete picture: what their formation service includes, what it genuinely does well, a critical limitation that eliminates Tide for a large proportion of founders, and who the service is actually built for.

Read the limitation section before you go any further. It will save you time.

What Is Tide?

Tide is a digital business finance platform, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority as an electronic money institution. It is not a traditional bank — funds are held by ClearBank, which provides FSCS protection up to £120,000 for eligible deposits.

Company formation is a feature Tide added to support its core banking business. When a founder registers a company through Tide, the intended outcome is that they open a Tide business account and become a long-term banking customer. It explains why the formation price is set where it is — and it is relevant context when deciding who you want to register your company.

Tide is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), meaning they are authorised to submit formation applications directly.

Tide’s Company Formation: What It Includes

Tide offers a single formation package, currently priced at £14.99 — the lowest all-in formation price available in the UK market. This includes the £100 Companies House fee, which Tide absorbs as part of its customer acquisition model.

Included with formation:

• Limited company registration submitted to Companies House
• Certificate of incorporation, company number, and share documents by email
• Free Tide business current account (basic plan, no monthly fee)
• Access to Tide’s app: invoicing, expense tracking, and Making Tax Digital tools
• Registration within one working day in most cases

Optional paid add-ons:

• Virtual office address: from £22.99/month (Central London, mail scanning via third party)
• Confirmation statement filing
• Company secretary service
• Payroll software
• Tide Accounting (from £13.99 + VAT/month on lower tiers)

The Limitation You Need to Know Before Anything Else

Tide only supports companies with a single director and a single shareholder.

If you are starting a business with a co-founder — even one other person — Tide cannot form your company. You must look elsewhere.

This is not buried in Tide’s small print, but it is not prominently communicated either. Many founders only discover it mid-way through the registration journey, after they have already invested time in the process.

To be clear about what this means in practice:

• Two co-founders splitting a business equally? Tide cannot form your company.
• A family business with a spouse as co-director? Tide cannot form your company.
• An investment structure with a silent shareholder? Tide cannot form your company.
• Any company where more than one person holds shares? Tide cannot form your company.

A significant proportion of UK limited companies are formed by more than one person. For all of them, Tide’s formation service is simply not available — regardless of which plan they choose or how attractive the £14.99 price is.

If you have a co-founder or any other shareholder, stop here and look at a specialist formation agent. Tide is not an option for your situation.

Where Else Does Tide Reach Its Limits

UK residents only

Tide’s company formation service is restricted to UK residents. If you are based outside the UK — whether you are an international entrepreneur, an expatriate, or a foreign national — Tide cannot register your company.

Non-UK residents can open a Tide business account, but they cannot use Tide to form the company in the first place.

LTD companies only

Tide supports private limited companies limited by shares, and only this structure. The following cannot be formed through Tide:

• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) — the standard structure for solicitors, accountants, architects, and professional partnerships
• Companies Limited by Guarantee (LBG) — used by non-profits, charities, community organisations, and clubs
• Flat management companies — used by leaseholders managing residential buildings
• Any company requiring bespoke articles of association — investor-backed businesses, companies with multiple share classes

No human review before submission

Tide’s formation process is automated. Applications go to Companies House without a qualified person reviewing them first. Errors in SIC codes, director details, or articles of association are identified only after submission, which can create delays or rejected applications.

No phone support for formation

Tide provides customer support through in-app chat. There is no phone number for formation queries and no named formation specialist available before, during, or after your registration.

Formation ends with the certificate

Once your company is registered, Tide’s role in your company administration is essentially limited to confirmation statement filing (as an add-on). The Companies House and HMRC services that every business needs as it grows — director appointments, share transfers, company name changes, VAT registration, PAYE registration, and company dissolution — are not part of what Tide offers.

No accountancy service

Tide does not offer an accountancy service. If you need year-end accounts prepared and filed by a qualified accountant, you will need to find one separately. Tide’s accounting tools — available on paid plans — are software for bookkeeping and tax tracking, not a replacement for a professional accountant.

What Tide Does Well

For the right founder, Tide’s formation offer is genuinely strong.

Price: £14.99 all-in, including the £100 Companies House fee, is the most competitive formation price in the UK market. For a solo founder, the savings over direct Companies House registration are real.

Speed: Formation within one working day is standard, and Tide’s process is reliable for straightforward applications.

Banking integration: The connection between formation and banking is seamless. Once your company is registered, your Tide account is immediately active. If Tide is the right bank for your business, this is a convenient single journey.

MTD-ready tools: Tide’s app includes Making Tax Digital tools, invoicing, and expense management. For a sole director running a simple business, these cover day-to-day admin without needing additional software.

FSCS protection: Eligible funds in Tide accounts (via ClearBank) are FSCS-protected up to £120,000 — meaningful reassurance for founders managing business cash.

What You Get (and Don’t Get) With Tide

The Banking Question: What Forming Through Tide Actually Means

Tide’s formation journey is designed to culminate in you becoming a Tide banking customer. The two steps — formation and account opening — happen together, and separating them is not straightforward.

This is fine if Tide is the right bank for your business. It is worth considering whether it might not be.

Different businesses suit different banks. A founder who trades internationally may need multi-currency capabilities that Tide does not fully offer. A business that handles cash regularly may prefer a bank with more flexible cash deposit options. A growing company may eventually need credit products, merchant services, or banking features beyond Tide’s core offering.

None of this is a problem you need to solve on day one. But choosing a bank at the moment of formation — when you know least about what your business will need — is a decision worth making consciously rather than by default.

Formation agents who are not banking businesses can introduce an honest review of Tide’s company formation service for 2026. Packages, pricing, the single-shareholder limitation, and who it actually suits — written by UK formation specialists with 15 years of experience.

We connect you to multiple banks and help you choose the right one. Mint works with Tide and nine other banking partners, and our introduction is based on what suits your business — not which account we want you to open.

What the Reviews Actually Tell You

Tide has substantial review volume on Trustpilot. These reviews are genuine — but they are overwhelmingly written by banking customers commenting on the app experience, the debit card, the speed of account opening, and Tide’s customer service as a banking platform.

They are not formation reviews. They do not reflect whether applications were checked before submission, whether a formation specialist was available when something went wrong, or whether Tide provided support six months after the certificate arrived.

When comparing review scores between banking platforms and specialist formation agents, it is worth understanding what the reviewers are actually measuring.

Who Tide Company Formation Is Right For

Tide is a good option if every one of the following applies:

• You are a UK resident
• You are forming a standard private limited company
• You are the sole director and sole shareholder — no co-founders, no other shareholders
• You want to open a Tide business account and are happy with Tide as your bank
• You are comfortable with app-based chat support rather than phone access
• Your company structure is straightforward — no complex share arrangements or bespoke articles
• You do not anticipate needing ongoing Companies House or HMRC services
• Low upfront cost is a priority

If all of these are true, Tide delivers exactly what it promises at a price no traditional formation agent can match.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Tide is not the right choice if any of the following apply:

• You have a co-founder, multiple directors, or multiple shareholders — Tide cannot form your company
• You are not a UK resident — Tide cannot form your company
• You need an LLP, LBG, charity, or any structure other than a basic LTD — Tide does not support these
• You want a human to check your application before it goes to Companies House
• You want to choose your own bank rather than defaulting to one during the formation process
• You anticipate needing Companies House or HMRC support as your business grows
• You want a qualified accountant rather than accounting software
• You want phone access to a formation specialist

The Verdict

Tide’s formation offer is genuinely competitive for a narrow but real segment of founders: UK-resident solo entrepreneurs forming a basic limited company who want their banking sorted at the same time and are happy with Tide as their provider.

For that founder, the £14.99 price is hard to argue with, and the experience is fast and functional.

For anyone outside that profile — founders with co-founders, international founders, those needing anything other than a basic LTD, or those who want ongoing support, a real accountant, or the freedom to choose their bank — Tide’s formation service has structural limitations that matter more than the headline price.

Company formation establishes the legal foundation of your business. It is worth choosing who does it based on what your business actually needs — not just what costs the least on day one.

The post Tide Company Formation Review: An Honest Assessment for 2026 appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

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ANNA Money has become one of the more visible names in UK company formation over the past few years. Their low headline price, aggressive content marketing, and banking integration have made them a genuine contender in a market that was previously dominated by traditional formation agents.

If you are researching ANNA for your company registration, this review covers everything you need to make an informed decision: what their packages include, what they genuinely do well, where they reach their limits, and who they are – and are not – the right fit for.

What Is ANNA Money?

ANNA (Absolutely No Nonsense Admin) is primarily a digital banking platform, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company formation is a service they added to their offering – not as a core business, but as a customer acquisition channel. When you form a company through ANNA, the goal is for you to open an ANNA business account and remain a long-term banking customer.

It explains why the pricing is structured the way it is – and it is relevant context when deciding who you want to register your company.

ANNA is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), which means they are authorised to submit formation applications directly – the same status held by Mint Formations and other professional agents.

ANNA’s Company Formation Packages

ANNA currently offers four formation packages:

At £19 for basic formation, ANNA offers the lowest advertised price in the UK market. This is made possible by subsidising the £100 Companies House fee – a commercial decision that makes sense when each formation converts to a banking customer.

The Total Support package at £399 per year is positioned as an all-in-one solution for growing businesses. What it actually includes is important to understand clearly, and we cover this in detail below.

What ANNA Does Well

Price

For a sole founder forming a simple limited company, £19 is genuinely competitive. No other mainstream formation agent comes close at this entry point.

Speed

ANNA registers companies within one working day in most cases. The process is streamlined and, for straightforward applications, reliable.

Banking integration

If you want your company formed and a business bank account opened in a single journey, ANNA delivers this seamlessly. Formation and banking are connected – you do not need to apply separately for an account once your company is registered.

App-based tools

ANNA’s mobile platform includes invoicing, receipt capture, expense tracking, and confirmation statement reminders. For founders who want basic admin tools in one app, it covers the essentials.

Same-day formation option

ANNA offers same-day incorporation if documents are submitted before 3 pm – useful when speed is a priority.

Where ANNA Reaches Its Limits

1. LTD companies only

ANNA registers private limited companies limited by shares. That is the only structure it supports.

If you need any of the following, ANNA cannot form your company:

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – the standard structure for solicitors, accountants, architects, and professional services partnerships
• Company Limited by Guarantee (LBG) – used by non-profits, community organisations, clubs, and associations
• Limited by Guarantee with charity articles – for organisations applying for charitable status
• Flat management companies – used by leaseholders managing residential buildings
• Bespoke articles of association – for companies with investor requirements, complex share classes, or non-standard governance

This is not a minor limitation. A significant proportion of UK companies – particularly those in professional services, the voluntary sector, or any situation involving investor equity – require structures that ANNA does not support.

Before proceeding with ANNA, confirm your intended company type is supported.

2. UK residents only

ANNA’s company formation service is available to UK residents only. Non-UK residents cannot form a company through ANNA.

Note: Non-UK residents can open an ANNA business account, but they cannot use ANNA to register their company in the first place. If you are based outside the UK, ANNA is not an option for formation regardless of which package you choose.

3. A maximum of four directors or shareholders

ANNA supports up to four directors or shareholders during the formation process. For most simple setups, this is sufficient, but if your company has a more complex ownership structure, you may need to look elsewhere or contact ANNA directly.

4. No human pre-submission review

When you submit through ANNA, the application goes to Companies House without a qualified person checking it first. Errors in SIC codes, director details, share structures, or articles of association are only identified after submission – potentially causing delays, corrections, or rejected applications.

This is worth understanding if your situation involves anything beyond a standard one-director, straightforward LTD.

5. Support via in-app chat only

ANNA’s formation support is delivered through in-app chat. There is no phone number for formation queries, and no named formation specialist is assigned to your company. For founders who are comfortable with digital-only support and have straightforward setups, this is fine. For those who want to speak to someone – particularly if complications arise – it is a genuine constraint.

6. A virtual office is provided by a third party

ANNA’s virtual office address is provided through a partner, Hoxton Mix, based in Shoreditch, London. This is not ANNA’s own address service. Mail handling and scanning are managed by Hoxton Mix on ANNA’s behalf. This is worth knowing if address continuity or control matters to your business.

The Total Support Package: What £399 Per Year Actually Includes

This is the most important thing to understand before choosing ANNA’s top-tier package.

ANNA’s Total Support plan is priced at £399 per year plus VAT and includes what they describe as “year-end taxes, Corporation Tax and Payroll.” The marketing presents it as a comprehensive accounting solution.

What it actually delivers is Auto Accountant – ANNA’s AI-powered accounting software platform.

Auto Accountant connects to your bank account, categorises transactions automatically, calculates VAT and Corporation Tax, and files returns. ANNA’s own description of it: *”AI-based, HMRC-compliant.”*

There is no human accountant included in this package. There is no qualified professional reviewing your year-end accounts. There is no one with professional accountability for the accuracy of your filings. There is no one to call HMRC on your behalf if a return is queried.

For very simple businesses with straightforward income and expenses – a single-director consultancy with clean bank transactions and no complexity – automated accounting software may be adequate.

For businesses with employees, VAT complexity, property income, director’s loans, international transactions, pension contributions, or any situation that does not fit a standard template, the difference between AI software and a qualified human accountant is significant – and can be costly if something goes wrong.

If full accountancy support is a deciding factor, ensure you understand exactly what you are getting before committing to Total Support.

ANNA’s Reviews: What They Reflect

ANNA displays a strong rating on Trustpilot. These reviews are genuine – but reviewing them reveals an important pattern.

The overwhelming majority are written by banking customers commenting on ANNA’s app, their debit card, the speed of account opening, customer service for banking queries, and the general experience of the platform as a business bank. These are legitimate opinions about a legitimate banking product.

They are not reviews of company formation quality, pre-submission accuracy, whether errors were caught before filing, or what happened when a founder needed help six months after their certificate arrived.

When evaluating any formation agent’s review score, it is worth understanding what the reviewers are actually reviewing. A 4.9 from banking customers is not the same as a 4.9 from founders specifically describing their formation experience and ongoing support.

Who ANNA Company Formation Is Right For

ANNA is a genuinely good option if:

• You are a UK resident forming a simple private limited company
• You are the sole director and sole shareholder – no co-founders, no complex equity
• You want company formation and a business bank account in a single journey
• A Tide business account – or in this case, an ANNA account – suits your banking needs
• You are comfortable with app-based chat support and do not anticipate needing phone access
• You do not need ongoing Companies House services such as director changes, share transfers, or company name changes
• You are satisfied with AI-automated accounting rather than a qualified human accountant

For this profile of a founder, ANNA delivers on its promise. The price is real, the process is fast, and the banking integration is genuinely convenient.

What to Consider If ANNA Does Not Fit Your Situation

If any of the following apply, ANNA’s formation service has structural limitations that are worth factoring in before you start:

• You have a co-founder – ANNA supports up to four, but if your structure involves complex equity splits, seek specialist advice firstYou are not a UK resident – ANNA cannot form your company
• You need an LLP, LBG, charity, or any structure other than a standard LTD – ANNA does not support these
• You want a human to check your application before it reaches Companies House
• You need ongoing Companies House services – director appointments, share transfers, company name changes, dissolution
• You want a real accountant rather than automated software for your year-end accounts
• You want the freedom to choose your bank rather than having the formation journey default you into one

In these cases, a specialist formation agent with a broader service range is likely a better fit for your long-term needs.

The Verdict

ANNA Money has built a compelling proposition for a specific type of founder: a UK-resident solo entrepreneur forming a basic limited company who wants banking integrated from day one and is comfortable with a fully digital, app-based experience.

For that founder, ANNA is competitive – the price is hard to beat, the speed is reliable, and the platform is well-designed.

For founders outside that profile – those with co-founders, international founders, those needing LLPs or more complex structures, those who want a real accountant rather than AI software, or those who anticipate needing Companies House and HMRC support as their business grows – ANNA’s formation service has real limitations that are worth understanding before committing.

Company formation is not a decision to make purely on headline price. The structure of your company, the quality of the initial filing, and the availability of support in the months and years that follow all matter more than the upfront cost. Choose accordingly.

The post ANNA Money Company Formation Review: An Honest Assessment for 2026 appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

It’s a fair question. And the honest answer is: you don’t have to use an agent. Companies House will take your £100, process your application, and send you a certificate. That’s exactly what they’re there to do.

But that’s also where they stop.

We’ve been helping founders navigate this decision for over ten years, as an authorised Companies House agent with more than 30,000 companies formed. Here’s what most people get wrong.

What Companies House gives you — and what it doesn’t

Companies House is the UK’s official company registry. When you register directly, you complete an online form, pay £100, and your company is typically incorporated within 24 hours. That part is genuinely straightforward.

What Companies House doesn’t give you is anyone to ask. There’s no one to check whether your application is set up correctly before it goes in. No one to advise on share structure, director responsibilities, or what your PSC details should look like. No one to call when HMRC writes to you six months later with a letter you don’t understand. No privacy protection for your home address. And no ongoing support once the certificate has been issued.

The registration itself is the easy part. Everything around it is where people run into trouble.

Who the direct registration is really built for

Direct registration through Companies House is designed for accountants, solicitors, and company secretaries who file on behalf of clients and do this day in, day out. Even then, a significant number of them use Mint — because the compliance support, address services, and ongoing relationship we offer saves them time and reduces their liability too.

For a first-time business owner doing this once, going it alone means navigating a process built for professionals — without any of the experience or safety net that comes with it. The form isn’t the problem. The decisions behind the form are.

The questions nobody warns you about before you start

Before you even reach the registration form, some decisions will shape your company for years. Most first-time founders don’t know these questions exist until they’re already midway through — or until a problem surfaces much later.

During registration, the questions founders typically face

“How should I divide the shares between myself and my business partner — and does the split matter?”

“Do I need a company secretary, and what does that role actually mean?”

“Who counts as a Person with Significant Control (PSC), and how do I record them correctly?”

“Which SIC code applies to my type of business — and what happens if I pick the wrong one?”

“Can I use a PO box or postbox number as my registered office address?”

“What are Articles of Association — do I use the standard ones or do I need bespoke ones?”

These aren’t complicated questions in the hands of someone who has done this before. But for a first-time founder, they’re easy to get wrong — and the consequences often don’t surface until much later. We regularly hear from business owners who only discover an issue when they’re trying to sell their company, bring in investors, or when their solicitor flags something during due diligence. By that point, fixing it is far harder and more expensive than getting it right at the start.

The address question — more important than most people realise

When you register a company, a registered office address must be provided by law — and that address goes on the public record at Companies House, visible to anyone who searches for your company.

If you use your home address, it stays there permanently. Many founders only realise this after registration, when unsolicited mail starts arriving, or a business contact looks up their company and finds where they live. Removing it later requires a registered office service anyway — you just end up paying after the fact rather than before it.

Our Privacy Package, from just £19, includes a professional London registered office address and director’s service address for a full year — keeping your home address completely off the public register from day one. For £19, it’s the simplest decision you can make at registration.

What changes when you register with Mint

When you register with Mint, a real person checks your application before it goes to Companies House. Share structure, PSC details, SIC code, registered address, articles of association — we make sure everything is correct and appropriate for your situation. We ask the questions you might not know to ask.

And once your certificate arrives, we don’t disappear. The questions that come after registration are just as important as the ones before it.

After registration, the questions founders typically call us about

“HMRC has sent me a letter I don’t understand — what does it mean?”

“When do I need to file my confirmation statement, and what happens if I miss the deadline?”

“Do I need to register for VAT yet? What’s the threshold?”

“How do I register for Corporation Tax, and when is my first payment due?”

“I want to add a new shareholder — how do I do that properly?”

“My details on Companies House don’t look right — how do I fix them?”

These are the calls we take every day. Real people, on the phone, who know your company and can give you a straight answer. Not a government helpline. Not a FAQ page. Us.

We’ve been an authorised Companies House agent for over ten years. That experience means we’ve seen what happens when these questions go unanswered — and we’re set up specifically to make sure they don’t have to.

Getting it right the first time matters more than most people think

Company registration feels like a one-time task. In reality, the decisions you make when you register stay with your business for its entire life.

We’ve spoken to founders who set up their share structure informally at the start, only to find it caused serious complications when they tried to bring in investors three years later. Founders whose home address appeared on Companies House and couldn’t be removed without cost and effort. Founders whose SIC code was slightly off, leading to unexpected HMRC correspondence, didn’t know how to handle it.

None of these is catastrophic on its own. But they’re all significantly harder to fix after the fact than before it. And they’re exactly the kinds of things we catch before your application goes in.

The cost of getting it wrong rarely shows up immediately. It shows up when you’re selling the business, when your accountant reviews your structure for the first time, or when your solicitor flags something during due diligence. That’s the worst possible moment to discover a problem that could have been avoided on day one.

A quick comparison

The real cost of getting it wrong

On paper, registering directly saves money. In practice, the calculation looks different.

The £100 Companies House fee is identical whether you register yourself or through an agent — it’s a statutory charge that every company pays. What you’re actually deciding is whether to have expert, experienced guidance alongside that filing, or not.

A wrong SIC code means re-filing. A missed confirmation statement deadline means a £150 fine and risk of company strike-off. A home address on the public register is there permanently unless you act. A share structure that wasn’t thought through can derail a funding round years later.

Mint’s Privacy Package starts from £19. Our full formation packages start from £4.99 plus the £100 CH fee. Neither is a premium for something you don’t need. Both are access to people who’ve done this 30,000 times and will still pick up the phone when you need them.

Should I register my UK company directly with Companies House or use a formation agent?

For accountants and solicitors who do this regularly, direct registration is fine. For first-time business owners, using an authorised formation agent like Mint Formations is strongly recommended. An agent checks your application before submission, advises on share structure, PSC registration, SIC codes, and address privacy, and provides support after registration. The £100 Companies House fee is the same either way. The difference is whether you have experienced guidance alongside it.

Will my home address be made public if I register directly with Companies House?

Yes. If you use your home address as your registered office or director’s service address, it will appear on the public Companies House register, visible to anyone who searches your company. Mint Formations’ Privacy Package, from £19, provides a professional London address for both, keeping your home address off the public record from day one.

What is a Person with Significant Control (PSC) and do I need to register one?

A Person with Significant Control is anyone who owns more than 25% of shares, controls more than 25% of voting rights, or has the right to appoint or remove the majority of the board. Every UK company must register its PSC(s) at Companies House. Recording this incorrectly — or failing to register at all — can result in fines and legal complications. Mint Formations guides all customers through PSC registration as part of the formation process.

What SIC code should I use when registering my company?

A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code describes the nature of your business. Choosing the wrong code can delay registration or trigger unexpected HMRC correspondence. Companies House provides a searchable list, but selecting the right one for your specific activity requires judgement. Mint Formations checks and advises on SIC code selection for every registration.

Do I need a company secretary when I register a UK limited company?

Private limited companies are no longer legally required to appoint a company secretary, but many choose to do so. A company secretary handles statutory filings, compliance deadlines, and Companies House correspondence. Mint Formations offers a full company secretary service and can advise whether appointing one is appropriate for your situation.

Can I use a PO box as my registered office address?

No. Companies House does not accept PO box numbers as registered office addresses. You must provide a full physical UK address where official correspondence can be delivered. Mint Formations’ registered office address service provides a compliant professional London address that satisfies this requirement while keeping your personal address private.

What happens after my company is registered?

After registration, your company has ongoing statutory obligations: an annual confirmation statement, annual accounts, Corporation Tax registration within three months of trading, and VAT registration if turnover exceeds the current threshold. Missing these deadlines carries fines and risks of a company strike-off. Mint Formations provides lifetime support to all customers — helping with compliance questions throughout the life of your business, not just at the point of registration.

How long does it take to register a UK company?

Companies House typically processes online registrations within 24 hours. As an authorised Companies House ACSP agent, Mint Formations submits all applications electronically, ensuring fast processing alongside a full pre-submission check.

Is it cheaper to register directly with Companies House?

The £100 Companies House filing fee applies regardless of how you register. Formation agents charge an additional service fee — Mint Formations starts from £4.99. However, the real cost comparison includes the value of a pre-submission check, compliance guidance, address privacy, and lifetime support. Errors made at registration are significantly more expensive to correct later — and some, like the wrong share structure, can create complications that take years to surface.

The bottom line

If you’re an accountant or solicitor who registers companies regularly, direct registration is built for you.

If you’re a business owner forming your first UK company, the most valuable thing you can do is get it right from the start. Not because the process is complicated, but because the decisions you make at registration stay with your business for as long as it exists.

Mint Formations has been an authorised Companies House agent for over ten years. In that time, we’ve helped more than 30,000 founders register their company correctly from day one — from first-time UK business owners to international entrepreneurs. We know what goes wrong when founders go it alone, because we’re often the ones called in to fix it.

Accountants and solicitors refer their clients to us not because we’re the cheapest option, but because we’re the ones still picking up the phone two years later. Lifetime support isn’t a feature we offer. It’s how we’re built.

The post Registering your new UK company directly with Companies House? Read this first. appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

Today, founders have more choices than ever before. Alongside specialist formation agents, several digital banks now include company formation as part of opening a business account, sometimes at a low cost or bundled into a wider offer.

So how do you decide which route is right for you?

The answer usually comes down to what level of support, flexibility, and long-term guidance you want at the very start of your business journey.

Company Formation Is What We Do, Every Day

At Mint Formations, company formation is not an add-on or a feature. It is our core service.

For nearly a decade, we have helped over 30,000 founders register their companies and navigate the early stages of running a business. As accountants working closely with Companies House and HMRC, we deal with the realities of compliance, structure, and administration every day.

That focus shapes how we work with founders: taking time to explain things clearly, spotting issues early, and helping people make informed decisions rather than rushing them through a process.

Support From Real People, When You Need It

For many first-time founders, questions come up quickly. What address should I use? How do shares work? What happens next once the company is live?

With Mint Formations, support is built into the experience:

• Access to real people via phone and chat
• Guidance from start to completion and beyond
• Clear answers from experienced professionals who deal with formations daily
  

Some digital services are designed to be primarily self-serve, which works well for certain users. Others prefer knowing they can speak to someone who understands both the process and the wider implications for their business. Mint is built for the latter.

Flexible Formations for Real-World Businesses

Not every business fits into a simple template.

Mint Formations supports a wide range of company types and scenarios, including:

• Limited companies and LLPs
• Multiple directors and shareholders
• Overseas directors
• Different share structures
• More complex or specialist setups

This flexibility matters for founders who already know their business will evolve, or who want to get the structure right from day one rather than revisiting it later.

Companies House ID Verification, Properly Supported

Companies House identity verification is now a required part of the formation process, and for many founders, it can be unfamiliar and confusing.

We guide founders through this step and manage the process alongside the formation itself, helping avoid unnecessary delays or rejected applications. It is one less thing to worry about at a time when there is already a lot to think about.

Freedom to Choose the Right Business Bank

Opening a business bank account is an important decision, and different banks suit different businesses.

Mint Formations works with a range of established banking partners, including Barclays, Lloyds, Tide, Cashplus, Zemplar, and others. We can introduce founders to options that fit their needs, fast-track applications where possible, and explain the differences in plain language.

The choice always stays with the founder. Our role is to support that decision, not steer it in a particular direction.

Support That Continues After Formation

Registering a company is only the beginning. As businesses grow, founders often need help with:

• VAT and PAYE registration
• Accounting and compliance
• Company changes, such as new directors or share issues
• Ongoing administration and statutory requirements

Mint Formations supports founders beyond the initial setup, providing continuity and a single point of contact as their business develops.

One Relationship, End-to-End Support

Beyond company formation, Mint offers a broad range of services designed to support businesses throughout their lifecycle, including:

• Accounting and company secretarial services
• Compliance and regulatory support
• Director address protection
• Company documentation and changes
• Banking introductions and ongoing guidance
• Additional services to support growth and operations

Many founders value having one trusted partner who understands their business from the start, rather than having to piece things together across multiple providers.

Choosing What’s Right for You

For some founders, a quick, self-serve formation bundled with a bank account is exactly what they need. For others, having experienced support, flexibility, and a long-term partner from day one provides reassurance and saves time later on. Mint Formations is built for founders who want to:

• Get their company structure right the first time
• Have access to real support and guidance
• Keep their options open as the business grows
• Work with specialists who focus on formation and compliance

Ready to Get Started?

If you are thinking about setting up a UK company and would like to talk through your options, we are happy to help. Give us a call on 020 7112 8684 or get in touch for a no-pressure conversation. Even if Mint is not the right fit for you, we will help you understand your next steps.

Starting a business is a big moment. Having the right support at the start can make all the difference.

The post Why should founders choose a specialist over a bank for company formation? appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

That’s our philosophy at Mint Formations. It’s this way of thinking that sets us apart from other company formation agents out there. And as our customer reviews illustrate, it’s an approach that UK business owners seem to really appreciate.

There is no shortage of company formation services to choose from; all of whom will promise to dot the Is, cross the Ts, and get your company set up. These formalities are obviously important (and we certainly ensure everything is covered!). But we also appreciate that getting your new company off to the right start requires more than this.

Looking after your new company as if it was our own. Access to exactly the right kind of support at the right time. Straightforward pricing and no hidden charges. These are just some of the things you can expect.

Here’s a closer look at some of the elements that make us different from other company formation agencies…

Friendly service with a personal touch

With a lot of company formation agencies, the process can sometimes feel like being on a conveyor belt. You sign up, pay your fee, complete the details, get added to “the system” – and that’s pretty much it.

This kind of corporate, highly-standardised approach to company formation works for some, but it’s not really what we’re about. At Mint, we work more like a family-owned company formation service on your high street, offering a professional, reliable service with a personal touch. We take care of registering your company with the same level of care as if we were establishing our very own business.

Real-time support from real people

You just need to double check something in the Articles of Association. You need to make a quick change to the shareholder agreement. You’ve got a question about company trademarks. Or maybe you just want an update on timings so you can plan your diary…

In all of these instances, the last thing you need is having to work your way through a chain of recorded messages, or try to explain things to a robot.

With Mint, real-life expertise is just a phone call – or FaceTime session – away. Our knowledgeable support team is on hand to answer each and every query, big or small. And if it’s a complex query requiring more detailed input, we can put you directly in contact with someone who will deliver exactly the information you need.

A straightforward application process

We can either guide you through the company registration application for you to complete yourself, or we can do it on your behalf: whatever works best for you.

While most other company formation agencies require you to struggle through the terms, rules, and associated jargon, we aim to keep it as simple as possible. The result? Everything is covered, while also ensuring that your new company is set up in such a way as to match your business goals.

A complete solution for your startup

Getting a company registered with Companies House isn’t a standalone process. It’s just one of many things you need to think about as you get your business off the ground or take it to the next growth stage.

Choosing the right company name, protecting your IP, getting tax and accounts in line, securing your first customers, setting up a bank account: it can feel like lots of things are happening all at once. It’s exciting, but often daunting, too.

Mint Formations understands this better than anyone. And we’re proud to be able to support up and coming businesses, right from company formation through to accountancy services, and much more.

Here are some of the areas where we can provide support, either directly or through our network of trusted partners…

• Company formation (naturally!) You can view and compare our complete range of packages here.
• Accountancy Each of our company formation packages includes a free consultation with an accountant, setting you on the right path on tax and accounting obligations. We also offer an all-inclusive core accountancy service, making it as easy as possible to manage your tax and reporting requirements.
• Management portal 100% free access to our easy-to-use company manager portal: the simplest way to keep on top of your Companies House filing obligations.
• Banking We can fast-track your free business bank account through your choice of Lloyds or Barclays
• Registered office and director service address. Give your new company a professional edge, while protecting your privacy.
• Creating and boosting your online presence Covering website design, e-commerce, logo design, SEO, and more, Mint’s partnership with Integra Business Web Services helps you access everything you need to attract new customers online, and gain a competitive edge.
• Professional and operational support For business insurance, phone answering, and virtual assistant services, you can take advantage of our partnership arrangements to get the support you need.

What next?

Explore our company formation packages to get your business off to the right start. Got a query? Message or call Mint Formations direct, and discover for yourself what makes us different.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a UK company formation agency?

We would strongly advise that you avoid company formation agencies that rely on a one-size-fits-all, conveyor belt approach to setting up a company.

Does the agency have an easy-to-understand process for registering companies? Are they open and transparent when it comes to charges? Will I be able to speak to someone if I have a query? Do they offer comprehensive post-formation support? These are some of the questions you should ask.

And most importantly, don’t just take their word for it; check out independent reviews.

Which site is best for company registration?

We are obviously slightly biased. That said, there are some very good reasons why Mint Formations attracts such a high volume of 5-star reviews from UK business owners. Fast, efficient service, help on hand when you need it, support for some of the trickiest aspects of getting a business off the ground and keeping it running smoothly: these are just some of the reasons why Mint Formations enjoys such a strong reputation.

The post How is Mint Formations different from other UK formation agencies? appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

Want to turn your business into a separate legal entity? Companies House is the body that creates your new company and adds it to the register. It’s where you submit your annual confirmation statement and information relating to changes to your business. Crucially, Companies House also makes key information accessible to the public, so potential customers can see that your business is genuine.

Here’s a closer look at Companies House and why it’s important – along with answers to some common Companies House-related questions.  

What Is Companies House?

Companies House is the name for the UK’s company registrar, responsible for incorporating and dissolving companies, and for maintaining an up-to-date register of company information. It operates as an executive agency of the Government’s Department for Business and Trade.

Do I need to register with Companies House? 

Every type of public and private company in the UK is required to be registered with Companies House. This includes the following: 

• Private limited companies (the most common type of company)
• Public limited companies (PLCs)
• Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
• Foreign companies with a UK branch, and those which carry out significant business activities in the UK  

Each year, Companies House handles more than 500,000 new company incorporations. Tip: to see why so many business owners decide to ‘go limited’, check out our guide, How to Change from Sole Trader to Limited Company.

What does Companies House do? 

The main functions of Companies House are as follows: 

Incorporation 

Companies House administers registration applications, checking that the details are complete and correct and that applicants are who they say they are, before creating new companies and adding them to the register. For a summary of the information you need before applying to register a company, read our Company Formation Checklist.

Once Companies House has approved your application and added your new company to the register, it issues you with a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your official company number and date of incorporation. 

Record keeping 

Companies House is where you file key information relating to your business: i.e. your annual accounts and confirmation statements, changes to company details (e.g. change of registered address or appointment of a new director), company resolutions, and changes to the articles of association. This information is made accessible to the public via the free Companies House online search service. 

Dissolution 

Directors can apply for voluntary dissolution if they decide that their company is no longer needed. In cases of non-compliance, e.g. where a company fails to submit its annual filings, or where a company appears to be dormant (no longer trading), Companies House will start the process of dissolution; i.e. issuing notices, before striking it from the register. 

Why is Companies House important? 

Companies House performs three important roles at once: a supporter of businesses, an enforcer of the rules relating to setting up and maintaining companies, and a source of reliable information. 

Supporting businesses 

No mountains of paperwork. No long delays. No eye-watering costs. Instead, Companies House aims to deliver a clear and fair framework for getting companies set up and keeping them running. It (mostly!) succeeds with this. 

Thanks to this, setting up a company becomes a viable option for pretty much anyone. Once your company is set up under your unique name of choice, it becomes a legal entity with its own status and rights: no one else can claim the company name as theirs. 

Enforcing the rules 

Companies House monitors whether companies are sticking to the rules. Failure to comply with your filing obligations – notably, timely submission of annual accounts and confirmation statements – can lead to Companies House imposing penalties, fines, and even striking off companies in default. 

This isn’t about trying to catch companies out just for the sake of it. These obligations are designed to encourage good corporate governance practices, weed out sham businesses, and prevent fraud. 

Providing information

Is this business legit? Who’s behind it? Does it seem like a safe pair of hands? 

Through the Companies House search page, anyone can search for and instantly view essential company details, including registered office address, company status, details of directors and persons of significant control, and companies’ filing history. 

Once your business is incorporated, it becomes possible for customers, investors, and suppliers to verify your details via the companies register. Incorporation is therefore a highly useful trust indicator. 

How much does it cost to register a company with Companies House? 

As of 1 May 2024, the Companies House fee for incorporation is £50 if you do it online, or £71 if you submit it by post. A full summary of the latest fees is available here.   

With formation packages starting at just £54.99 inclusive of the Companies House fee, Mint Formations ensures that dealing with Companies House is as straightforward as possible. To select the right level of assistance for getting your new company off to the right start, explore our registration packages.

Frequently asked questions

What does Companies House do? 

Companies House is the UK’s registrar of companies, responsible for incorporating and dissolving companies, receiving, checking, and publishing company information, and ensuring that companies comply with their governance obligations, including the filing of annual accounts and confirmation statements. 

Is Companies House part of HMRC?

No, the Companies House and HMRC are separate government bodies. You deal with Companies House for setting up your company, annual filing obligations, and notifications relating to important changes to your business. You deal with HMRC in relation to business tax, i.e. corporation tax, and VAT (if relevant). 

Once you have registered your company, and assuming that you intend to start trading straight away, you must register with HMRC for corporation tax within three months. For more information about this, see our Guide to Corporation Tax.  

What does it mean to be registered with Companies House? 

Being registered with Companies House means your business has been structured as a distinct legal entity – i.e. a company. After registration, Companies House issues you with a certificate of incorporation, proving the legal status of your business. Information relating to the company is also added to the register of companies.

Do all companies have to be in the Companies House?

All categories of private and public companies need to be registered with Companies House. This includes private limited companies (Ltd), public limited companies (PLCs), and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). 

Can anyone view Companies House? 

Yes. Details of companies – including name, company number, registered office address, directors, and persons of significant control – are publicly accessible via the Companies House search page. 

Can you be a director without being on Companies House? 

Details of each director must be included in your application to register a company, and these details are visible on the register after incorporation. This includes the director’s full name, date of birth and service address where official correspondence can be sent. Worried about privacy? By using a directors service address provider, you can keep your residential address off the public register.

Are self-employed on Companies House?

No. If you operate your business as a sole trader – either on your own or as part of a partnership – there is no legal distinction between you and your business. Your business does not exist as a separate legal entity and is not eligible to be listed on the Companies House Register. 

Do you need to register information with Companies House? From starting a business to dissolving an old one, Mint Formations can help!

The post What is companies house & why is it important? appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

Implications for new company setup

For individuals or entities planning to establish a new company, the fee increase directly impacts the cost of incorporation. Starting from 1st May 2024, the expenses associated with setting up a business will be higher.

Impact on existing companies

Existing company owners will also feel the effects of this fee hike. Filing fees, including the annual fee for submitting a confirmation statement as required by UK law, will increase.

Seeking alternatives

You might be wondering if there are alternatives to mitigate these increased fees. However, it’s important to note that Companies House fees are regulated by law, and all providers and applicants are subject to the same fee structure.

How Mint Formations can help

Incorporate before May 1st

Mint Formations offers a solution to mitigate the impact of the fee increase. By incorporating your company before 1st May 2024, you can lock in the current fee, potentially saving significant expenses.

Strategic consultation

Our team at Mint Formations is dedicated to helping you navigate through these changes. We provide strategic consultation services to help you manage and mitigate the ongoing impact of fee increases.

Expert accountancy services

We also offer expert accountancy services tailored to your specific needs. Our professionals can assist you in optimising your financial strategies amidst these regulatory changes.

Speak to our expert team

While the full list of fee increases can be found here, what’s crucial is taking proactive steps to safeguard your financial interests. Get in touch with our team of experts at Mint Formations and by your side, we can navigate through these changes with confidence to secure your financial future.

The post Companies House fee increase appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.

And that’s all before you start to think about registering your business with Companies House. 

Company formations can be tricky, especially if you’ve never dealt with HMRC or Companies House. While it’s a simple process, in theory, it’s easy to make a mistake in your application, which can drag out the process and make it more expensive. 

If you’re unsure where to start with your company registration, a company formation agent might be the best option. Company formation agents help new businesses register quickly and correctly. Mint Formations are leading company formation agents. Every year we help thousands of people register their businesses. We’ve put together this complete guide to company formation agents to help you decide if it’s the right route for you. 

What do company formation agents do?

Anybody who wants to set up a company in the UK must register it with Companies House — the UK’s company registrar. As a new business owner, you’ll need to provide certain information to register your company, including: 

• Your company name
• Details of your directors and shareholders
• Details of any other people with significant control
• Your office business address.

Many new business owners choose to register their company directly. While it’s definitely an option, the process can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where company formation agents can help. 

A company formation agent will help you create and register your company quickly and successfully. They will take care of the paperwork and register the company on your behalf. The agent or agency will work with you to:

• Select the right company structure
• Prepare necessary documents
• File the company registration forms.

Most of the time, they’ll also give guidance on other aspects of running a business and ensuring your business is legally compliant. 

Company formation agents can be found around the world. They typically have a thorough understanding of the local business environment and laws. This means they can provide valuable insight and advice on setting up and running a business. While there are costs associated with using a company formation agent, the benefits usually outweigh the expense. 

What services do company formation agents provide?

Most company formation agents offer various services to help you register and run your business. They can help you choose the right business structure, file the necessary paperwork and obtain a UK office address. They can also provide guidance on financial matters, such as bookkeeping and tax compliance. 

Here are some of the most common formation services offered: 

Limited company registration

One of the most popular company formation services is registering a limited company. The main characteristic of a limited company is that it has limited liability. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for debts incurred by the business. Limited companies can be private or public, and they can be any size.

Private limited companies must have at least one director and one shareholder. Public limited companies must have at least two directors. They are also required to file their financial information with the government. Limited companies in the UK are governed by the Companies Act of 2006.

If you plan to open a limited company, a company formation agent or agency will take care of your registration with Companies House. All you’ll need to do is provide your company information, and they will handle the rest. 

Most agencies will offer a variety of formation packages that go beyond registration. These additional services include business bank accounts and a service address for your company.

Sole trader registration

Another popular company formation service is sole trader registration. A sole trader is someone who owns an unincorporated business by themselves. This business structure is the simplest and very common in the UK.

As a sole trader, you’re self-employed and run your business alone. This means you can decide how your business is run, what products or services you sell and how much you charge.

But being a sole trader also means you’re liable for any debts or losses that your business incurs. This includes any money owed to suppliers, HMRC or employees. You’re also responsible for ensuring that your business meets all relevant regulations.

In theory, the sole trader registration process is relatively straightforward. But it can be daunting if you’ve never dealt with HMRC professionally. 

A company formation agent will take care of the application process for you. This includes ensuring your business name follows regulations and filing your HMRC paperwork.

Non-UK resident company formations

There are a lot of benefits for non-UK residents registering a limited company in the UK. These benefits include market access, consumer credibility and security of interests. Plus, by opening a company registered in the UK, businesses can avoid a lot of the red tape of trading as an international company.

Anybody can open a UK company providing the business has a UK registered office address. But if you’re looking to set up a company in the UK and you’re not a resident, it’s not easy to know where to start — especially if English isn’t your first language.

You can take the hassle out of registering a UK business by hiring a company formations expert. Alongside ensuring a successful company registration, a formation agent can also provide:

• A registered UK office address
• VAT and PAYE registration
• Advise on your banking options
• Ongoing support.

The benefits of using company formation agents

Using company formation agents can be a great way to get your business off the ground. By using an agent, you can take advantage of their years of experience and knowledge and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Here are just some of the benefits of using a company formations agent:

Save time and money

When you decide to register your company, you have a few options available: you can choose to register the business yourself, use an accountant or hire a company formations agent.

While these are all legitimate ways to register a business, using a formation agent is usually the quickest and most cost-efficient method. Depending on your formation package, you can register your company for as little as £12.99. If you compare this with the cost of an accountant setting up your business, which is usually between £200 and £300, the savings are apparent.

Legitimate company formation agents are vetted and authorised by Companies House. This means they will usually be able to submit your company documents and have applications approved within a few hours.

Makes registering your business with Companies House easy

If you decide to register your business yourself, you’ll need to complete a fairly lengthy application process through Companies House. Depending on the type of business you’re setting up, this process can be complex and time-consuming.

By hiring a company formation agent, the process is much easier. All you’ll need to do is fill out a straightforward online application form with the basic details of your business, and your agent will handle the rest.

Lower risk of rejection from Companies House

One of the most daunting elements of registering a business is the length and terminology of the application process. If you choose to register your own business, you’ll be required to complete a Companies House form around 35-pages long. 

Even if you have experience registering a previous business, it’s easy to make a simple mistake in your application, resulting in Companies House rejecting your application.

Most quality company formation agents can guarantee companies a successful business registration within hours of submission. Using the information you supply, your agent will complete the application for you and ensure everything is correct. As formations experts, agents know the common mistakes that result in rejection and do everything to ensure your application is successful.

Access to additional services

The services of a reputable company formation agent don’t end with successful company registration. Most agents provide support and additional services to businesses long after registration.

These services include:

• Business bank accounts
• Registered office address
• VAT and PAYE registration
• GDPR and legal compliance
• Business telephone services
• Business address services.

These services can be invaluable to new business owners. They can save you time, money and stress and ensure your business is successful.

Register your company with Mint Formations

Here at Mint Formations, we’re leading company formation agents and help countless companies register every year. Our experienced company formation experts are always available to help new businesses set themselves up for success.

If you’re in the process of opening a business, set up a company today with Mint Formations for as little as £12.99. We have decades of experience registering businesses and will handle every aspect for you. Get in touch if you have any questions about registering your company.

The post What Is a company formation agent? A complete guide for new business owners appeared first on Mint Formations Blog.