About Privacy
Launch your company the right way with a service that includes a registered office address, ensuring you meet legal requirements while keeping your personal address private.
What’s the difference between a shareholder and a subscriber?
A shareholder is an individual or entity that owns shares in a limited company. Shareholders collectively own the company and may change over time as shares are transferred or issued.
A subscriber is a person who agreed to become a shareholder at the time the company was incorporated. Although a subscriber does not need to remain a shareholder throughout the life of the company, they will always be recorded as one of the original shareholders in the company’s incorporation documents.
What is a Limited by Shares company?
A company limited by shares is the most common form of limited company. Ownership is held by shareholders, and their liability is limited to the amount unpaid on the shares they hold. These companies are typically run for profit and use Limited or Ltd at the end of their registered company name.
How old do you need to be to own shares in a company?
In principle, a person of any age can be appointed as a shareholder of a company. However, appointing someone under the age of 18 can lead to practical and legal challenges later on, such as restrictions on signing contracts, opening business bank accounts, parental settlement rules, and potential capital gains tax implications.
For these reasons, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified business adviser or accountant before appointing a minor as a shareholder or owner of the business.
How many shares can my company have?
There is no maximum limit on the number of shares a company can issue. However, when forming a company limited by shares, at least one share must be issued at incorporation. When deciding how many shares to issue, factors such as the level of capital you wish to raise, the company’s available funds, and any decision-making rules set out in the Articles of Association should be carefully considered.
By default, companies are incorporated with one share issued at a value of £1, but this can be adjusted to suit the company’s needs.
If you are unsure about the most suitable share structure for your business, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified business adviser.
What information is required to form a company limited by shares?
To register a private limited company by shares in the UK, you’ll need to provide the following details:
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Valid proof of identity and residential address
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Proposed company name, registered office address, and nature of business activity
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Director details and, if applicable, company secretary information
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Share capital structure and shareholder details
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People with Significant Control (PSC) information
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Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&As)
Package Features
Printed Certificate of Incorporation
Receive a printed hard copy of your company’s Certificate of Incorporation, produced on high-quality, Companies House–approved paper. This document serves as the official proof of your company’s formation and is commonly requested by insurers, lenders, and finance providers, such as when applying for business loans or leasing equipment.
Company formation included
Personal verification code (PVC)
UK limited company ready to start trading
Bank account support with up to £55 cashback
Express online incorporation filing
Printed share certificates included
Digital incorporation documents provided
Articles of Association (online copy)
Free consultation with an accountant
HMRC UTR registration included
Web authentication credentials issued
Online portal for company management
Complimentary .co.uk domain name £42.48
Complimentary .co.uk domain name £42.48