Requirements

Company Name
Cannot be the same as an existing company (Check availability of name). There are certain sensitive words which need clarification in order to be acceptable to Companies House. We will check your chosen name on receipt of order and contact you immediately if any clarification is needed.

Company Officers
The company must have at least one officer. The company must have at least one director. A director can also be a company secretary, the appointment of a company secretary is now optional.

Company Directors
Are responsible for the day to day management and control of the company. There must be minimum of one director, there is no maximum. The minimum age for a director is 16.  Directors have a personal responsibility under law to ensure that all Companies House filings are up to date and that company law is adhered to at all times. Directors do not have to be UK nationals or resident in the UK. Under new regulations directors must now provide their home address which is not added to the public record and a service address which is shown on the record and becomes the point of contact for that director. This can be the directors home address or company registered office or can be a professional service address. We can provide this address for any director. This can be ordered with a new company or for an existing company through our sister site at www.directoraddress.com.

Company Secretary
The secretary is responsible for the administrative matters of the company. The secretary is answerable to the directors and is responsible for the upkeep of company registers and minutes. A nominee secretary can be provided by OCS if required and our annual compliance scheme is designed to relieve you of the burden of statutory paperwork. To order these services simply tick the boxes on the company order form as required.

Authorised Capital
Under the new Companies Act 2006 which came into force in October 2009 there is now no set authorised capital requirments for new companies.

Shareholders
There must be at least one shareholder as a company cannot exist without a share capital. Broadly speaking shareholders are the owners of the company in relation to the amount of shares held. If the company is to be wholly owned by yourself then you only need to hold one share in your name. Alternatively should you wish to allocate shares to other people any number of shares can be issued. For example a split of 100 shares between four or five people will easily indicate relative percentage shareholdings held by each individual.

Registered Office
Must be located within England and Wales (or Scotland for Scottish Company). The address will appear on the public record and is used by Companies House, Inland Revenue and authorities for contacting the company. O.C.S. can provide registered office facilities where required for a fee of £89 inc VAT (see order form).