Company Formation– Private Limited Company (LTD) Registration
Starting a business in the United Kingdom is an exciting step. EVLAteam is here to make the company formation process simple, fast, and thorough. We specialize in Private Limited Company (LTD) formations for small businesses. Our professional team of accountants will handle all the paperwork and compliance, so you can focus on your business. All our packages include Companies House fees and VAT – no hidden charges – what you see is what you pay.
Our sister company, Evlacorp LTD, is a company formation agent registered at Companies House, so we can help you through every step.
Why Form a Limited Company?
A Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the most popular business structure in the UK. It creates a separate legal entity for your business, which means:
Limited Liability: Your personal assets are protected from business debts. Shareholders only risk what they invest in the company.
Tax Efficiency: An Ltd can be more tax-efficient than sole trader status, as you can take income as both salary and dividends.
Professional Image: Operating as a limited company can enhance your credibility with clients and partners. It signals a level of permanence and professionalism, and your company name is protected once registered.
In short, an Ltd structure offers safety and legitimacy for your venture. EVLAteam will guide you through setting up your limited company and ensure you reap these benefits from day one.
UK Company Formation Process – Step by Step
Forming a company with EVLAteam is straightforward. Here are the key steps in the UK company formation process:
- 01 - Choose a Company Name
Decide on a unique company name and we’ll check its availability with Companies House. The name cannot be identical to an existing company’s name and must meet UK naming rules (no offensive words, proper use of “Ltd”, etc.). We perform a thorough name availability search as part of our service.
- 02 - Decide on Registered Office Address
Every UK company must have an official registered office address in the UK (England/Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland) where official communications are sent. If you don’t have a UK address or prefer privacy, EVLAteam provides a registered office service at our prestigious Uckfield, UK address for your company. (Using our address keeps your home address off the public record – a big plus for privacy and compliance.)
- 03 - Appoint Directors and Shareholders
You need at least one director and one shareholder to form an LTD (one person can act as both sole director and sole shareholder). We’ll collect necessary details such as full name, date of birth, service address, and nationality for each person involved. Additionally, we'll conduct a short video call to verify the identity of each director and shareholder, ensuring compliance with UK regulations. (Don’t worry – one person alone can form a company.)
- 04 - Prepare Company Documents
We handle the preparation of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are the constitutional documents of your company, as well as the initial company registers. These documents outline the company’s structure and rules. You won’t have to draft anything yourself – our experts use standard compliant templates and tailor them to your company.
- 05 - Online Application & Submission
EVLAteam will submit your incorporation application electronically to Companies House. The online form is straightforward and we’ll assist you in providing all required information (company name, registered office, director(s) details, shareholder(s) details, and the statement of capital/shareholdings). Our team ensures everything is in order before submission. The form typically takes only 15–20 minutes of your time to fill out with our guidance, and once submitted, Companies House usually processes a new company within 48 hours. (In many cases, approval is granted even on the same business day.)
- 06 - Company Registered – Documents Issued
When Companies House approves the incorporation, your company is officially formed! You can start trading as soon as the company is registered. You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which is the “birth certificate” of your company, confirming the company number and formation date. You also receive the Memorandum & Articles of Association and share certificates for the initial shareholders. EVLAteam provides you with these documents in digital PDF format (for all packages), and in printed form for certain packages (see our package details below). We will also provide the Companies House WebFiling Authentication Code – a special code you’ll use to log into the government system to file future documents (we keep it safe for you as well).
- 07- Steps After Company Formation
After formation, there are a few more things to do before you can fully operate:
HMRC Registration: Register your company with HMRC for Corporation Tax (within 3 months). EVLAteam handles this in selected packages. Directors' Self Assessment registration is also available. Business Bank Account: We recommend opening a dedicated business bank account. We’ll guide you through suitable options and provide the required documents. Apostilled documents for international accounts are available in our Full package. VAT & PAYE (if needed): If your turnover exceeds £90,000 annually or you employ staff, VAT and PAYE registration is required. EVLAteam can handle these registrations for you, either immediately or later as needed. - 08 - Ongoing Compliance
Running a company involves some ongoing annual filings – notably the Confirmation Statement and Annual Accounts. A Confirmation Statement is a brief report to Companies House each year to confirm your company’s details are up to date (it’s a legal requirement to file this annually). In our comprehensive packages, we include the preparation and filing of your first year’s Confirmation Statement so you don’t have to worry about it. (See package details below.) Accounts will need to be filed with HMRC and Companies House after your company’s financial year, and EVLAteam’s accounting services can assist with that separately.
By following these steps with EVLAteam’s help, you can have a fully legal UK company ready to do business in as little as one working day from application. We pride ourselves on making the process fast and hassle-free for our clients.
Our Company Formation Packages
To accommodate different needs and budgets, EVLAteam offers five company formation packages. Each package builds on the previous one – from a basic incorporation service to a full-service formation including all registrations and extras. Below is a comparison of our LTD formation packages and what they include:
BASIC
Simple online company formation for clients with their own UK registered office.- Online company formation
- Preparation of incorporation documents
- Incorporation documents sent via email (PDF format)
- Companies House registration fee included
- Company name availability check
- Companies House WebFiling authentication code
Basic Package Highlights
Provides all the essentials to form an LTD company and secure your company name. This budget package is perfect for reserving a name or setting up a dormant company that will not trade immediately. We handle the company formation and give you the digital documents.
Note: This package does not include HMRC registrations or address services, so if you plan to start trading right away, be prepared to handle those or consider a higher package.
BASIC+
Simple online company formation with registered office service for clients without their own UK address.- Registered office service for 1 year in central Uckfield
- Free initial consultation
- Online company formation
- Preparation of incorporation documents
- Incorporation documents sent via email (PDF format)
- Companies House registration fee included
- Company name availability check
- Companies House WebFiling authentication code
Basic+ Package Highlights
Includes everything in Basic plus a Registered Office Address service for 1 year at our Uckfield, UK address (with free forwarding of official government mail). This keeps your personal address off public records and fulfills the legal requirement for a UK address. We also include a 1-hour consultation with our accountants to answer any initial questions.
Ideal for those who want to lock in a company name and need a UK address for compliance, but who are comfortable taking care of tax registrations on their own when they start trading. (If you intend to actively trade immediately and prefer us to handle HMRC paperwork, look at the Mini package or above.)
MINI
Ideal for businesses with annual turnover below £90,000 and no employees.- HMRC Corporation Tax registration
- Printed incorporation documents
- Printed share certificates
- HMRC director registration for Self Assessment (personal income tax)
- Registered office service for 1 year in central Uckfield
- Free initial consultation
- Online company formation
- Preparation of incorporation documents
- Incorporation documents sent via email (PDF format)
- Companies House registration fee included
- Company name availability check
- Companies House WebFiling authentication code
Mini Package Highlights
A comprehensive package for new business owners who don’t have a UK-registered office address and want the fundamental compliance tasks done. It includes Registered Office service (1 year), official mail forwarding, HMRC registration for Corporation Tax, and even registration of directors for Self-Assessment (so company directors get properly registered with HMRC for personal tax obligations). We also provide hard copies of your company’s founding documents (Certificate of Incorporation and Share Certificates) – often required when opening a business bank account.
With Mini, as soon as your company is formed, all basic legal obligations are taken care of: your company is registered with Companies House and HMRC. This package is perfect for entrepreneurs ready to start trading and who want peace of mind that initial HMRC notifications are handled.
NORMAL
Designed for businesses expecting turnover above £90,000 and planning to employ staff.- HMRC VAT registration
- HMRC PAYE registration as an employer
- First-year Confirmation Statement filing
- HMRC Corporation Tax registration
- Printed incorporation documents
- Printed share certificates
- HMRC director registration for Self Assessment (personal income tax)
- Registered office service for 1 year in central Uckfield
- Free initial consultation
- Online company formation
- Preparation of incorporation documents
- Incorporation documents sent via email (PDF format)
- Companies House registration fee included
- Company name availability check
- Companies House WebFiling authentication code
Normal Package Highlights
Our most popular full-featured formation package for actively trading businesses. It includes everything in the Mini package, plus additional crucial services if your business needs them. We will take care of VAT registration (if your company needs to be VAT-registered now or soon) and PAYE employer registration (if you plan to pay yourself a salary or hire employees). Even if you’re not sure you need these immediately, we’ve got you covered – we’ll discuss your plans during the consultation and handle the registrations whenever you’re ready. The Normal package also includes preparation and filing of your first Confirmation Statement with Companies House, due around 12 months after incorporation (so you won’t need to worry about your first annual return filing at all).
In short, Normal gives you a turn-key company with all mandatory first-year filings and registrations done. This is ideal for a small business that wants to start strong and remain fully compliant from day one.
FULL
Ideal for international clients forming a UK company who need apostilled documents and mail forwarding.- Comprehensive mail forwarding service for 1 year
- Apostilled (legalised) company extract document
- HMRC VAT registration
- HMRC PAYE registration as an employer
- First-year Confirmation Statement filing
- HMRC Corporation Tax registration
- Printed incorporation documents
- Printed share certificates
- HMRC director registration for Self Assessment (personal income tax)
- Registered office service for 1 year in central Uckfield
- Free initial consultation
- Online company formation
- Preparation of incorporation documents
- Incorporation documents sent via email (PDF format)
- Companies House registration fee included
- Company name availability check
- Companies House WebFiling authentication code
Full Package Highlights
True to its name, this is an all-inclusive formation package covering every aspect of starting your company. It includes all services from the Normal package, and adds premium extras for convenience and international business needs. You get full mail forwarding for 1 year – not just official government mail, but all your business correspondence can be sent to our address and we’ll forward it to you (no more junk mail or privacy concerns at your home/office). This means you can confidently use our prestigious address on your website, business cards, and with clients.
We also provide an Apostilled company document (a certified company registration document) which is often required to open a corporate bank account in another country or to prove your company’s status abroad. This is extremely useful if you as the owner reside outside the UK or plan to do business internationally. Of course, Full includes the 1-hour consultation and unlimited support as well.
The Full package is the ultimate peace-of-mind option – your company will be formed and set up with every possible registration and document you might need. This is especially popular with non-UK residents who want to ensure their UK company meets all local requirements and can operate smoothly from abroad.
Compare Table - Company Formation Packages
Not sure which package to choose? Contact our friendly team for guidance – we’ll help you select the package that best fits your situation. Remember, you can always start with a lower package and request additional services later as you grow. We aim to provide a flexible, cost-effective solution for your company formation.
Why Choose EVLAteam?
EVLAteam is not just a formation agency – we are a full-service accountancy firm with years of experience supporting small businesses. Here are a few reasons to let us handle your company formation:
Expert Guidance: Professional accountants offer tailored advice on best practices, tax registrations, VAT, and director remuneration, ensuring your company has a strong start.
Comprehensive Service: Our packages cover essential HMRC registrations and annual filings, saving you time and preventing costly errors.
Address & Mail Services: Registered UK office address and mail forwarding service included, protecting your privacy and ensuring compliance without extra costs.
Transparent Pricing: Clear, all-inclusive pricing starting at £120 (inc. VAT), with no hidden fees, offering excellent value.
Fast and Efficient: Quick electronic filing means your company can typically be registered within one working day.
Ongoing Support: Continued accounting, payroll, and tax support after incorporation, providing seamless assistance as your business grows.
Bilingual Support: Clear and straightforward communication ensures you fully understand your company’s obligations and compliance requirements.
Choosing EVLAteam means choosing peace of mind. You get the friendly service of a small firm with the expertise of seasoned professionals. We take care of the red tape so you can concentrate on building your business.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bookkeeping
We understand you might have some questions. Here are answers to a few common questions we hear from freelancers and small business owners regarding payroll:
What information and documents do I need to provide to form a company?
You will need to provide some basic details about your new company and the people involved. This includes: a company name, the registered office address in the UK (you can use our address if you purchase that service), details for at least one director (full name, date of birth, service address, nationality, occupation), details for at least one shareholder (name and address – often the director and shareholder are the same person in a small company), and a brief description of the company’s business activities (you’ll choose a SIC code – a standard industry classification).
You do not need to draft any complex documents yourself – we will generate the Memorandum and Articles of Association for you based on your info. If you use our service, we’ll guide you through every required detail in a simple questionnaire. In summary, as long as you have a company name in mind, an address (yours or ours) and your personal details, we can form your company.
How long does it take to register a company in the UK?
The company formation process is very quick. Once we have your details and the ID verification is completed, the online application to Companies House typically takes only minutes to complete. After submission, Companies House usually approves a new incorporation within one working day.
In many cases, we’ve seen companies formed on the same day. We’ll send you your company’s Certificate of Incorporation by email as soon as it’s ready. (If there are any issues or delays, we will inform you right away, but delays are rare.) Overall, you can expect your company to be officially registered in 48 hours or less in most instances.
Can I set up a company on my own (only one person)?
Yes – you only need one person to form a UK limited company. It’s perfectly legal to have a company where you are the sole director and sole shareholder. Thousands of UK businesses are started by solo entrepreneurs this way. In the formation form, you will simply list yourself as director and also as the shareholder owning 100% of the shares. Our team will help you fill in these details correctly.
Do note that even as a one-person company, you must still follow all the compliance requirements (filing accounts, etc.), but EVLAteam can assist with those obligations. Being a one-person company does not limit your ability to grow – you can always appoint additional directors or issue shares to new partners later as your business expands.
Do I need a UK address to form a UK company?
Every UK company must have a registered office address in the UK (this is mandated by law). The registered office is a physical location where official notices can be served – it can be in England & Wales, in Scotland, or in Northern Ireland depending on where you incorporate. If you are a UK resident, you can use your home or business address for this purpose but that address will appear on public records.
If you do not have a UK address (for example, if you live abroad) or you prefer not to use your personal address, you can use EVLAteam’s address service. We will provide a legitimate UK address and forward any official mail to you. Additionally, directors of the company must provide a service address (correspondence address) which will be public – this can also be the company’s registered office or another address. Using our address for director service addresses as well helps protect your privacy.
In summary, you don’t need to already have a UK address – we can supply one – but a UK address is required for the company’s registration.
I’m not a UK citizen/resident – can I still register a UK company?
Yes, you can. The UK allows non-UK residents to form and own companies, as long as the company meets the local requirements (like having a UK-registered office). You do not need to be a UK citizen or live in the UK to be a company director or shareholder. EVLAteam has experience forming companies for international clients. We provide the UK address and handle all filings so you don’t need to travel. In fact, we can register companies for customers who are residents in most countries worldwide.
Having a UK company can be beneficial for doing business in Britain or internationally. Just keep in mind that UK companies must comply with UK laws (for example, you must have UK business activity, keep accounting records, and file taxes in the UK), so you will likely need an accountant familiar with UK requirements (which is where we can continue to assist).
What documents will I receive when my company is formed?
You will receive several important documents as proof of your new company’s existence and details. The main documents are:
Certificate of Incorporation – issued by Companies House, this document confirms that the company has been officially formed on a certain date and shows the company number. It’s required for many things like opening a bank account or proving the company’s status.
Memorandum and Articles of Association – the memorandum is a short document confirming the founding shareholders’ intention to form the company, and the articles are the rules governing the company’s operations (like a constitution). We will draft these for you and you’ll receive a copy.
Share Certificates – we provide a share certificate for each shareholder, showing how many shares they own on formation (for example, you owning 1 share if you’re the sole owner). This is your proof of ownership.
Company Registers – internally, a company maintains registers (lists) of its officers, shareholders, etc. We will provide initial statutory registers with the formation details. (These are usually needed to be kept up to date by the company – we’ll give you the starting point.)
Companies House Authentication Code – as mentioned, this is a login code for your company’s online filing at Companies House. Keep it safe (and share it only with trusted persons, like your accountants). We’ll email this to you with your documents.
For Basic packages, all documents are provided as PDF files via email (which is usually sufficient for most purposes). In our higher packages (Mini, Normal, Full), we also send you printed copies of the Certificate of Incorporation, Share Certificates, and Articles bound nicely – useful if you prefer physical records or need to show them to a bank or other institution. If you ever need any replacement copies, just contact us.
What are my obligations after the company is formed?
Once your company is up and running, there are a few key ongoing obligations to keep in mind:
Corporation Tax Registration and Returns: As mentioned, you must register the company with HMRC for corporation tax (we do this in our Mini package and above). Every year, the company must file a corporation tax return and pay any corporation tax due on its profits. The first accounting period usually starts on the day of incorporation and you’ll get a notification from HMRC about your Company UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference). EVLAteam can handle your company’s Annual Accounts and tax return to HMRC.
Confirmation Statement: This is an annual statement to Companies House confirming that your company’s details (directors, shareholders, registered office, etc.) are up to date. Every company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months. It’s a quick filing (much simpler than a tax return) – essentially a check-and-confirm of information. In our Normal and Full packages, we take care of preparing and filing the first confirmation statement for you at the due time. In later years, you can either do it yourself online (it’s easy and the fee is small) or we can do it for you as part of our company secretarial services.
Annual Accounts: Every year, a set of financial accounts must be prepared for the company. Small dormant companies have minimal requirements, but trading companies need to produce at least a profit and loss account, balance sheet, and some notes. These accounts are filed with Companies House (for public record) and a corporation tax return is filed with HMRC. EVLAteam provides accounting services and can help you prepare and file your accounts to meet these deadlines.
Other HMRC obligations: If your company is VAT registered, you’ll need to submit VAT returns (usually quarterly). If it’s an employer (PAYE), you’ll run payroll and submit monthly PAYE reports. Again, our accountants can handle bookkeeping, VAT returns, and payroll for you.
Maintain Statutory Records: You should keep your company’s statutory registers up to date (we can assist with this through our secretarial service if you want). Also notify Companies House of any changes (e.g. change of directors, address, etc. – which we can also handle for you).
Don’t be alarmed by the responsibilities – they are very manageable with the right support. Many of our formation clients stay with us for ongoing services precisely so they can remain stress-free about compliance. We will send reminders for any filings due and offer help at each step.
Will I need a business bank account, and can you help with that?
It’s highly recommended for a limited company to have its own business bank account. Even if you are the only owner, the company is a separate legal entity, and its finances should be kept separate from your personal finances. Most banks in the UK offer dedicated business bank accounts. You can choose any bank you prefer – popular options include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Tide (a digital bank), etc. Each has different features (some offer free banking for the first 12-18 months for new startups).
We provide guidance on setting up a bank account and can refer you to providers known for being startup-friendly. In our experience, opening the account is usually straightforward: you’ll need your Certificate of Incorporation and ID documents for the company director(s). If you’re a non-UK resident, some traditional banks might require you to visit the UK for identity verification, but there are also online banking solutions (like Wise, Revolut Business, etc.) that you can open from abroad.
Our Full package includes an apostilled incorporation document, which is often required if you want to open a company bank account in your home country or with certain international banks. This notarized document proves your UK company’s legitimacy overseas. While we don’t directly open a bank account for you (since banks must deal with the account holder), we’ll supply all the documentation and advice you need to get your banking in place quickly. Many clients open their business account within days of incorporation.
What if I also want to register a trademark / get a business license / etc.?
Company formation is just one step in establishing a business. EVLAteam’s focus with the Company Formation service is to register your company and fulfill the core legal requirements of setting up an Ltd. However, depending on your business, you may have other tasks like registering a domain name (website), applying for specific licenses or permits (if your trade is regulated), or registering a trademark for your brand name/logo. These are not part of the company formation itself, but we can certainly advise and assist you in the right direction.
Just let us know your plans, and we’ll do our best to support you or connect you with trusted professionals in our network for services that fall outside of company registration. Our aim is to be a one-stop partner for your new business’s launch.
How does EVLAteam’s service compare to other company formation options?
You might have seen many online services for company registration, some advertising very low prices or instant formations. Here’s how EVLAteam stands out:
Personalized vs. Generic: Many formation websites are self-service – you fill in a form and that’s it. EVLAteam provides a personal touch. We’re available to answer questions, and we actually review your application for accuracy. You’re not alone in the process.
All-in-One Solutions: While some competitors upsell every little add-on (address service, tax registrations, etc.), our packages are all-in-one for what you need. For example, top formation agents offer “all-inclusive” packages similar to our Full, but we include accounting expertise with that. We bundle services in a way that gives you more value and fewer headaches coordinating between providers.
Accounting Expertise: We’ve said it before, but it’s key – our background as accountants means we think beyond just “day one” of your company. We set you up for success and compliance in year one and beyond. Other services might form the company cheaply but then you’re left figuring out what to do next. With EVLAteam, you have a partner to turn to for all your business questions after formation.
Competitive Pricing: Our pricing is transparent and competitive considering the breadth of services. For instance, some well-known formation agents charge around £100 for a full package but may not include things like an hour of tax consultation or they might charge extra for mail forwarding after a certain amount. We encourage you to compare value: EVLAteam’s Normal (£450) and Full (£800) packages include not only the formation but many post-formation services (registrations, filings, support) that would cost quite a bit if purchased separately. Moreover, our Basic (£120) option is still affordable for simple needs, while ensuring you have a knowledgeable human to reach out to (not just a website form).
No Hidden Costs: With some providers, a £15 package could turn into £100+ by checkout once you add a registered office, official mail scanning, etc. EVLAteam quotes already include all necessary items for each package level. We don’t lure you with a super-low price and then force you to buy extras; we simply offer packages that make sense and are fully transparent about what’s included.
Ultimately, by choosing EVLAteam you’re getting peace of mind, expert support, and comprehensive service. We combine the convenience of online formation with the reliability of a professional firm. Our clients’ testimonials speak to the confidence and satisfaction we provide (see our Reviews page for stories of entrepreneurs like you who started their companies with us). We would love to help you launch your business successfully!
Have more questions? Just ask! We’re here to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with how your company formation is handled.
Ready to form your company?
Contact EVLAteam today or select your preferred package above to get started.
If you are considering starting a company and seeking personalized, high-quality service, please reach out to us with confidence. We encourage you to take advantage of our VIP service, which includes a preliminary online consultation. This offers the opportunity to discuss your needs and ideas in detail, ensuring that the company formation process aligns precisely with your vision. We do not rely on automated processes; instead, we pay individual attention to each client to provide the best possible service.
- Phone
01825 222 825
- Email
info@evlateam.co.uk
- Address
1a Falmer Court, London Road, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1HN