English company register: how to set up and maintain a UK company in 2026

Key Takeaways

• The English company register is the public register of companies maintained by Companies House for England and Wales. Companies House manages the English company register for the UK, incorporating and dissolving limited companies and recording key company information such as directors, shareholders, and registered office addresses.

• Most businesses in England operate as either a sole trader or a limited company. Only limited companies need to appear on the official company register. Sole traders register with HMRC instead and do not incur registration costs with Companies House.

• You can register your company directly with Companies House or via a trusted company formation agent. Registering a limited company online costs £50 under the previous fee structure, though the standard electronic registration fee is now £100 as of February 2026.

• After incorporation, you must meet ongoing compliance duties including filing an annual confirmation statement, submitting annual accounts, and maintaining statutory registers to keep your company on the English company register in good standing.

• Setting up a dedicated business bank account is strongly recommended to separate personal and company finances and protect limited liability in practice, even though it is not always a strict legal requirement.

Introduction: what is the English company register?

If you are starting a business in England or Wales and considering a formal company structure, you will need to understand the English company register. This is the public register of companies maintained by Companies House, the official UK government registrar responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies. Companies House maintains transparent public records under company law, making key details about every registered company available for anyone to search.

The register covers companies incorporated in England and Wales, with separate registers for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Private limited companies account for over 95% of UK companies, and the vast majority of new company registrations appear in the England and Wales section. Whether you are forming a small consultancy or a larger trading operation, this register is where your company's legal structure begins its public life.

This article walks you through everything you need to know: choosing between sole trader and limited company status, how to register your company with Companies House, what company information you must provide, how the company formation process works in 2026, and your ongoing legal responsibilities once you are on the register. Most applications are filed online and processed within one working day, making it realistic to form a new company and open a business bank account in under a week if you prepare properly.

Is a limited company on the English register right for your business?

Before jumping into the registration process, it is worth stepping back and asking whether a limited company is the right business structure for you. The answer depends on your risk profile, income level, and growth ambitions.

A limited company is a separate legal entity with limited liability for its shareholders. This means that if the company runs into debt or legal trouble, your personal assets are generally protected. By contrast, a sole trader is personally liable for all business debts, and their details do not appear on the Companies House register.

Forming a limited company is usually appropriate if you are:

• Taking on investors or needing to issue shares

• Hiring staff and building a team with more than one director

• Bidding for larger contracts where clients require a formal corporate body

• Wanting your business details to be searchable on the public company with Companies House database for credibility

If you are a low-risk freelancer or a very small trader earning modest income, you may not need to register a company at all. Instead, you can register with HMRC for self assessment as a sole trader and begin trading under your own name without appearing on the register.

Your choice of company's legal structure affects several important things:

• Tax obligations (corporation tax vs income tax and national insurance)

• Privacy (public disclosure of company directors and shareholder details)

• Long-term exit options, such as selling shares or bringing in new investors

Weigh these factors carefully before starting the registration process.

Choosing a business structure: sole trader vs limited company

In England, most small businesses choose either to register as a sole trader with HMRC or incorporate a limited company with Companies House. Understanding the key differences will save you time, money, and headaches.

Sole trader: An individual who runs a business personally, registers for self assessment with HMRC if earning over £1,000 in a tax year, and does not appear on the English company register. You keep all profits after paying income tax and national insurance. Sole traders do not incur registration costs with Companies House.

Limited company: A company limited by shares or guarantee, created via a registration process with Companies House, with its own company name, company number, and official presence on the public register. A company limited by shares is the most common UK structure for trading businesses. Limited by guarantee companies are for non-profit enterprises such as charities and community organisations. A limited liability partnership, or LLP, suits professional partnerships like law or accountancy firms.

Partnership registration costs £50 online and £71 by post, sitting between the two structures in complexity.

Many businesses start as a sole trader and later transfer into a limited company once turnover, risk, or growth ambitions increase. This progression is common in the UK between years one and three of trading.

Preparing to register your company with Companies House

Think of this section as your practical checklist. Get these decisions and details nailed down before you touch the simple online application form.

Choose the right company type. For most commercial trading, a private company limited by shares is the standard choice. Private limited companies account for over 95% of UK registrations. If you are setting up a non-profit or members' club, consider a company limited by guarantee instead.

Select a compliant company name. You must choose a unique company name during registration. Your preferred company name must be unique on the English company register, include "Limited" or "Ltd" for most private companies, and avoid sensitive or restricted words (like "bank" or "insurance") without special permission. Use the Companies House name availability checker before submitting.

Prepare a registered office address. You need a registered office address for company registration, and it must be located in England or Wales. This official address appears publicly and is where Companies House, HMRC, and other agencies will send correspondence. You can use your home address, a business address service, or your accountant's office.

Gather personal details for officers and owners. You must appoint at least one director to register a company. You also need at least one shareholder. Prepare full legal names, service addresses, dates of birth, nationalities, and occupations for all company directors. Collect shareholder details including names, addresses, number and class of shares, and the nominal value of each share. A limited company must issue at least one share.

Identify People with Significant Control (PSC). Companies must register people with significant control who hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights. Prepare their details and be clear about the nature of their control.

Step-by-step: company formation process for the English register in 2026

Here is the typical company formation process broken into clear steps. If you have all your information ready, you can register a company online in about 20 minutes.

Step 1: Create your account or engage an agent. Create or sign into a Companies House account via GOV.UK One Login. Alternatively, work through a company formation agent who can submit on your behalf and handle identity checks.

Step 2: Search your company name. Run a company name search using the free Companies House name availability checker. Double-check immediately before submission, because a preferred company name can be taken at any time.

Step 3: Complete the application. Fill in the digital IN01 application form (or equivalent online screens), providing your registered office address, at least one SIC code describing what your company does, details for all directors, shareholders, and PSCs, and your intended share structure. Identification verification may be required for directors and PSCs during registration, so have valid photo ID ready.

Step 4: Adopt your articles of association. Limited companies must adopt articles of association. For most small private companies, the standard model articles are suitable. You will also need an incorporation memorandum, which records the first entries of shareholders agreeing to form the company. Ensure you have share certificates ready for issue after incorporation.

Step 5: Pay the incorporation fee. The standard electronic registration fee is £100 for online filing as of February 2026. Same-day digital incorporation costs £156. Registering a company by post costs £124. These fees are paid directly to Companies House at the point of submission.

Step 6: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation. A Certificate of Incorporation is issued upon successful company registration, confirming that your unique company now appears on the English company register with its own company number.

Information and documents you will need to provide

Accurate company information reduces the risk of delays or rejection by Companies House when you try to register your company. Here is what you must supply:

• Your company name, company type (limited by shares or guarantee), and jurisdiction (England and Wales) for the public register

• Full details for each director: full legal name (no initials), residential and service address, date of birth, nationality, and occupation

• Shareholder information: names, service addresses, number and class of shares, statements of capital reflecting ownership percentages, and the nominal value of each share

• People with significant control details, including their names, addresses, and the nature of their control over the company

• Applications must include at least one SIC code to identify business activities; you can choose more than one if your company operates in multiple sectors

• The following documents: your articles of association (model or bespoke), your incorporation memorandum signed by all initial shareholders, and a statement of capital

Ensure spellings are consistent across all documents. Even small discrepancies in names or addresses can trigger rejection.

Timescales: how long English company registration takes

Timing depends on whether you file online or by post, and whether you use a company formation agent or apply directly.

• Completing the simple online application form typically takes 20–30 minutes if you have all information ready. Companies House allows you to save and resume your progress.

• Company registration usually takes one working day for online applications. Many are approved within a few hours during normal office hours (Monday to Friday). Company formation typically takes about one working day when submitted digitally.

• Postal applications using form IN01 are significantly slower. Postal registration takes 8 to 10 days and costs £124.

• Allow extra time if your company name contains sensitive words, if you are a non-UK resident, or if identity verification checks raise queries that must be resolved before registration.

• Same-day digital incorporation (£156) expedites the process but does not guarantee same-hour approval.

Registering through a company formation agent

Many entrepreneurs prefer using a company formation agent to navigate the English company register smoothly and avoid common errors. Company formation agents simplify the registration process, especially for first-time founders.

A trusted company formation agent typically:

• Prepares and submits your application to Companies House on your behalf

• Provides standard articles of association and an incorporation memorandum

• Handles identity verification as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) - a company formation agent can handle identity verification for clients

• Offers bundled formation packages including extras like a registered office service, digital company registers with first entries, a confirmation statement service, and a hassle free compliance service for ongoing obligations

Agents can also provide guidance on share structure design, PSC reporting, and company name issues such as sensitive words or near-matches on the register. For example, if you are unsure whether your preferred company name could conflict with existing companies, an agent can run thorough checks and suggest alternatives.

While you pay more than the bare Companies House fee, the savings in time and reduced risk of rejection or non-compliance can be worthwhile. Basic formation agent packages typically cost the statutory fee plus a service charge ranging from around £3 to £40 depending on the package.

Opening a business bank account after registration

Once your company appears on the English company register and you receive your Certificate of Incorporation, most banks will accept this as part of their account opening checks.

While a separate business bank account is not always a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended. Mixing personal and business finances can undermine the practical benefits of limited liability and make business accounts far harder to maintain at year-end.

To open a business bank account for a new limited company, you typically need:

• Certificate of Incorporation and company number

• Proof of identity and address for directors and PSCs

• Sometimes a basic business plan or revenue forecast

Many formation services now include referrals to UK banks and digital business banking providers to simplify account setup. Approval times vary from same-day for digital accounts to several weeks for traditional banks. Plan your cash flow accordingly while your account is being set up.

Compliance after you are on the English company register

Incorporation is only the first step. Remaining on the English company register in good standing requires regular filings and careful record-keeping.

Annual confirmation statement. Every limited company must file an annual confirmation statement to keep Companies House updated about directors, shareholders, PSCs, and the registered office address. The digital filing fee is £50; paper filing costs £110. You can file directly or use a confirmation statement service.

Statutory registers. Companies must maintain a directors register, a secretaries register (if a company secretary is appointed), a members register, and a PSC register. These can be held at the registered office or at a Single Alternative Inspection Location.

Annual accounts and tax returns. Companies must file annual accounts with Companies House and a corporation tax return with HMRC and Companies House, even if the company is dormant. You must also register for VAT registration if turnover exceeds the threshold, and set up PAYE if you hire staff or pay tax on director salaries above certain levels.

Reporting changes. Companies must report changes to their structure to Companies House. This includes changes to directors, shareholders, registered office, or share capital.

Missing filing deadlines can lead to late filing penalties, warnings, and eventually the company being struck off the register.

A hassle free compliance service offered by some providers can bundle reminders, filing of the confirmation statement, and other routine paperwork to reduce the risk of penalties.

Typical costs of getting onto the English company register

Costs depend on your chosen method and any extra services you add. Here is a realistic breakdown for 2026:

Note that registering a limited company previously cost £50 online before the February 2026 fee increase to £100. Postal registration for a limited company costs £71 for certain entity types such as partnerships, while postal applications for limited companies now cost £124.

Formation agents usually charge package prices that include the Companies House fee plus services such as digital documents, business bank account referrals, and initial compliance support. Expect to pay between £103 and £140 for a basic agent-assisted formation.

Additional recurring costs to budget for:

• Annual confirmation statement filing fee (£50 digital)

• Registered office or service address fees if you do not use your own home address

• Accountancy fees for preparing annual accounts and corporation tax returns (typically £800–£2,500+ per year for small companies)

• Optional services like GDPR packages or document template libraries

Budget for professional accountancy help as soon as you start trading, particularly to handle corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE obligations correctly from the first tax year.

Key things to check before submitting your application

Use this as a pre-submission checklist to reduce the chance of your incorporation being rejected or delayed:

• Confirm that your company name is available and consistent across all documents. Check it does not contain sensitive words without the necessary supporting permissions.

• Check that the incorporation memorandum is correctly completed, signed, and dated. Verify that the articles of association you intend to use are appropriate for a small private company.

• Verify that all personal details (full names, nationalities, dates of birth, and addresses) for directors, shareholders, and PSCs are complete and correctly spelled.

• Ensure share allocations and PSC details are logical. Ownership percentages and control rights should be clear and add up correctly. Each share must have a stated nominal value and every shareholder must hold at least one share.

• Double-check your SIC code selection and registered office address before hitting submit.

Key steps after incorporation: tax, records, and operational setup

Once your company appears on the English company register, you still must complete several immediate tasks before you begin trading fully.

Register for tax. You must register for corporation tax within three months of starting any trading activity. Depending on turnover and hiring plans, you may also need to register for VAT registration and PAYE. HMRC is a separate registration from Companies House, and both must be completed.

Set up bookkeeping. Establish proper accounting systems from day one. Keep all invoices, receipts, and bank statements separate from personal finances. This makes preparing your business accounts and annual accounts far easier and protects your limited liability position.

Governance documents. If there are multiple shareholders, draft a shareholders' agreement to cover decision-making, share transfers, and dispute resolution. Even for a sole-director company, maintain minutes and resolutions as required.

Operational setup. Secure a business bank account, arrange insurance appropriate to the sector (employer's liability if hiring, professional indemnity if advising), and register for any required industry licences before you start trading under the new company name.

Frequently Asked Questions about the English company register

Do I need to be a UK resident to appear on the English company register?

No. Non-UK residents can form and own an English uk limited company, and can serve as directors and shareholders, provided they complete Companies House identity checks and any anti-money-laundering requirements. Non-resident founders often use a dedicated formation package designed for international applicants and may choose banking providers that support overseas owners. The registered office must still be located in England or Wales, even if all directors live abroad.

Can I trade before my company is on the English register?

You cannot legally trade as a limited company until Companies House has incorporated it and issued a company number. However, you can trade as a sole trader in the meantime if you register with HMRC. Any contracts or invoices raised before incorporation are technically made in your own name, not the company's, unless clearly novated after the company is formed. If timing is tight, complete the online application process a few days before you intend to begin trading under the new company name.

How can I check if a company is already on the English company register?

You can use the free Companies House online search service to look up any company by name or number. The search returns basic information such as status, registered office, directors, and filing history. This is also useful when choosing a company name, because you can spot near-matches among existing companies that might cause confusion or rejection. The register is updated frequently, usually within minutes of digital filings being accepted.

What happens if I miss my confirmation statement filing deadline?

Failing to file a confirmation statement on time can lead to warnings, late filing penalties, and eventually the company being struck off the English company register. If a company is struck off while still trading, its assets can pass to the Crown under bona vacantia rules, and restoring the company through administrative restoration is slow and expensive (currently £341). Set up digital reminders and consider using a confirmation statement service or hassle free compliance service to avoid missing deadlines.

Can I change my company name after it is on the register?

Yes. You can change a company name after incorporation by passing the appropriate shareholder resolution and filing the correct form with Companies House, together with a fee (£20 online, £30 by paper). The new name must still comply with all naming rules and availability checks for the English company register, just like a new incorporation. Once approved, Companies House will update the public record and issue a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, which you will need for banks, suppliers, and contracts.