How to Register a Limited Company | 5 Simple Steps
Fri, 18 Apr 2025
Thinking of registering your business as a limited company? There are multiple advantages that come with taking the plunge. Unlike sole traders or business partnerships, a limited company offers the ability to run your business without any risk to personal wealth or assets.
In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about registering a limited company, from when it may prove worthwhile, to the documents needed to complete the process.
At SME Loans, we’re pleased to offer our customers a range of reliable business loans. From limited company, to self-employed and start-up business loans, we can provide unsecured business funding with no set-up fees.
If you’d like to find out more about our unmatched services, please get in touch. Call us on 0330 127 6997 and speak to one of our knowledgeable advisors today.
If you decide to incorporate as a Ltd company, our sister business SME Formations are a formation agent and can set up your company immediately. Or you can speak with one of the formations agents on 0330 127 7911
How to Register a Limited Company in 5 Simple Steps
Starting a business is exciting — but registering your company might seem overwhelming at first. The good news is, setting up a limited company in the UK is quicker and easier than you might think, especially with the help of SME Formations.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your company up and running — often in just a few hours.
Step 1: Choose a Company Name
Your company name must be unique and not already in use. You can check availability using the Companies House name checker. Make sure the name ends in “Limited” or “Ltd” and doesn’t contain any sensitive or restricted terms (unless you have permission).
Tip: A professional-sounding name can enhance your business credibility.
Step 2: Decide on Your Company Structure
You’ll need at least:
- One director (who is legally responsible for running the company)
- One shareholder (who owns the company — this can be the same person)
If you’re a solo business owner, you can be both director and shareholder. You’ll also need to assign a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that describes your company’s activity.
Step 3: Choose a Registered Office Address
Every UK limited company needs a registered office address where official correspondence can be sent. This address will appear on the public record.
If you don’t want to use your home address, SME Formations offers a privacy package with a London registered office to protect your personal details.
Step 4: Register with Companies House
You can register directly through Companies House or save time by using a formation agent like SME Formations.
Our formation packages start from just £12.99, and include:
- Companies House registration (with the £12 filing fee included)
- Certificate of Incorporation (PDF)
- Free .co.uk or .com domain name
- Online company manager portal
- Free business bank account referral
- Optional privacy protection
You can be officially incorporated in as little as 3 to 6 working hours.
Step 5: Register for Corporation Tax
Once your company is formed, you must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade. You’ll need your company’s Government Gateway ID and Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which will be sent shortly after incorporation.
Bonus: We’ll Handle It All For You
Setting up a company through SME Formations means:
- Fast, compliant company registration
- Business bank account included
- Free domain name
- Expert support if you need it
Plus, if you’re also exploring business funding, our team at SME Loans can help. In many cases, we can pre-approve funding subject to incorporation, making your transition from sole trader to Ltd company seamless.
Ready to register your company? Visit SME Formations and choose the package that suits you best.
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