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Are you thinking about expanding your business into the UK? Do you already have a presence in the country or are you just getting started? Registering a company in the United Kingdom can be a daunting and complex task, but with the right advice, it doesn’t have to be.
The United Kingdom is known for its open and competitive business environment, offering plenty of opportunities for businesses seeking to take advantage of its advantages – like access to markets, simplified corporate structure, low taxation and more. Businesses however need to make sure that they are set up correctly for success within this environment.
To do so, navigating through UK laws around company registration is crucial. This article will provide an in-depth guide on how one can properly register a company in the UK and make sure they successfully establish their business presence there.
Choose the Right Business Structure 
The UK offers several different business structures for companies to choose from. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to pick one that works best for you.
Register Your Company with Companies House
After deciding on a business structure, the next step is to register your company with Companies House. This is a government agency responsible for registering and regulating companies in the United Kingdom. To do this, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate forms, pay the registration fee and provide information about your company’s directors and shareholders.
Appoint Directors
Once your company is registered with Companies House, you must appoint at least one director of your company. The director will be responsible for making sure your company complies with UK law and takes care of the necessary paperwork.
Obtain a Unique Tax Reference Number
You must also obtain a unique tax reference number (UTR) from HMRC, the UK’s tax authority. This is used to identify your company when filing taxes or dealing with other government departments.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Finally, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account to manage your business finances. Most banks in the UK offer corporate accounts and it’s important to shop around to find the best deal for your particular needs.
Register for Value Added Tax (VAT)
If your company is expected to have a turnover of more than £85,000 in any 12 months, you’ll need to register for VAT. This involves filling out the appropriate forms and paying the registration fee.
Register for Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
If you plan to hire employees, then you must register for PAYE. This involves setting up a payroll system and deducting income tax and National Insurance contributions from your employees’ salaries.
Comply with Other Regulatory Requirements
Depending on the type of business you are running, there may be other regulatory requirements that you need to comply with. For example, companies in certain industries may need to obtain licenses or permits before they can operate legally.
Keep Track of Your Finances
You must keep track of your company’s finances to ensure compliance with UK laws and regulations. This includes filing annual accounts and tax returns at Companies House and HMRC. The government also offers various software solutions that can help you manage your finances efficiently.
Join a Professional Association
Depending on your industry, there may be professional associations that you can join to network with other businesses and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your sector. Joining an association can also provide access to valuable resources such as business advice and training opportunities.
Consider Professional Services
If you’re not sure how to go about setting up your company or managing its finances, then it might be worth considering professional services. Companies such as accountants and lawyers can provide invaluable help when it comes to registering and running a business in the UK.
Register with GPAS
You must also register with the Government Procurement and Supplier System (GPAS). This is an online platform that allows you to bid for government contracts. Once you’ve registered, you can start searching for opportunities to win business from the public sector.
The Bottom Line.
By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your business is set up correctly and compliant with UK laws and regulations. It’s important to remember that setting up a company in the UK involves more than just registering at Companies House. You must also obtain a UTR number, open a corporate bank account, register for VAT and PAYE, comply with other regulatory requirements, keep track of your finances, join a professional association, consider professional services and register with GPAs. All of these steps will help ensure that you have everything in place to run a successful business in the UK.
