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Support and FAQs

We've compiled a comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions that covers all aspects of Abell Company Registration and much more.

Company Information

  • What is Companies House?

    Companies House is a company solely responsible for the registration of businesses in the UK. It is mandatory that companies register with Companies House and any subsequent changes should be recorded there.

  • What types of companies are in UK?

    1. Private company limited by shares: This company has a share capital, and the liability of each member is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on their shares. A private company cannot offer its shares for sale to the public. (LTD and Limited)
    2. Private company limited by guarantee: This company does not have a share capital and its members are guarantors rather than shareholders. The members’ liability is limited to the amount they agree to contribute to the company’s assets if it is wound up.
    3. Private unlimited company: An unlimited company may or may not have a share capital but there is no limit to the members’ liability.
    4. Public limited company: A public company has a share capital and limits the liability of each member to the amount unpaid on their shares. It may offer its shares for sale to the public and may be quoted on the stock exchange (PLC).

  • Which types of companies can be registered on your website?

    You are able to register only Limited Liability Companies (LTD) using the Abell Company Registration website.

  • What is the Certificate of Incorporation?

    A Certificate of Incorporation is the legal document proving a business exists and has been registered in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. It includes the organisation's name and choice, incorporation date, whether it is a restricted or unrestricted business, and the location of the registered office of the organisation (England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland).

  • Which company names are suitable?

    When forming a company, the majority of names are acceptable to Companies House with a few exceptions:
    The company name cannot be the same or very similar to a name already registered.
    The company name cannot be viewed as offensive.
    The words "limited" or "unlimited" cannot be utilised unless toward the end of the company name.
    We suggest you use names with English letters and number only to simplify registration process.

  • LTD or Limited?

    The suffix’s limited or LTD must come after the company name for all registered companies limited by shares, both have the exact same meaning, so choose the one you prefer. Every registered company (LTD or limited) that is listed at company's house is required to include Limited or LTD after the company name.

Company Officials

  • What is a company director?

    The term “director” includes any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called. For example, in some companies, management may be entrusted to “General Manager” or “Entrepreneur”, but they will be treated as directors for company law purposes.

  • Who can be a company director?

    Just about anybody can be a director of a UK registered company, if they meet the following criteria;
    They are 16 years of age or older
    They have not been proclaimed bankrupt
    They are not lawfully excluded from being a director.

  • What number of directors do I need to start an organization?

    The Companies Act 2006 obliges at least 1 executive for restricted organizations. There is no restriction to the number of directors allowed.

  • Do I need to reside in the UK to be a director?

    You do not need to be a UK resident to be a director of a limited company.

  • Can another company be a director?

    A corporate body or organisation can be a director of a company; however, it can't be the main executive – there must be no less than one other director who is an individual.

  • Should a director have to be a shareholder in the company?

    Directors are permitted but not required to have any shares in the company they are in charge of. Furthermore, although it is not required, a shareholder may serve as an executive of a company.

  • What are a director's primary responsibilities and duties?

    A company's directors are responsible for ensuring that it is operated lawfully and in an efficient manner. They must adhere to company standards, make decisions that will benefit the company, maintain accurate records, and submit tax return on time.
    Director’s Duties.
    Act within their powers.
    Promote the success of the company.
    Exercise independent judgement.
    Exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence.
    Avoid conflicts of interests.
    Not to accept benefits from third parties.
    Declare interests in transactions or arrangements.

  • Could I choose a new director once a company is being formed?

    A company director can be appointed during company formation and at any time thereafter following agreement from Shareholders.

  • Could a director be fired from my company?

    Generally, a director may be removed by the shareholders majority votes if there is a “just and reasonable cause”, or by court order. Regardless of the specific process it is important to make sure that all legal requirements are met before proceeding.

  • Who are Company Secretaries?

    A company secretary can be appointed to handle a portion of the official's responsibilities, such as maintaining and preserving legal registers and organisational documents.

  • Who can work as a Company Secretary?

    Any person or entity can work as a business secretary, and these secretaries of privately held companies are not required to have any formal skills. However, neither the corporation inspector nor an "undischarged bankrupt" may serve as the secretary.

  • Do I need a Company Secretary to register a company?

    Since April 6, 2008, a business secretary is no longer a legal requirement unless the organisation's terms of membership expressly require it.

  • Can a director also serve as the Company Secretary?

    The business secretary may also be an executive, like the director. The Companies Act of 2006, which went into effect on October 1, 2009, allows a single person to occupy the three offices of executive, stockholder, and company secretary without the requirement for a second person.

  • Why do I need a Company Secretary?

    A company secretary could reduce the leaders' burden.

  • What are the responsibilities and duties of a company secretary?

    In the UK, a company secretary is an officer of a company who is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with all its legal and regulatory obligations. The specific duties of a company secretary may vary depending on the size and type of company, but some general duties may include:

    · Maintaining the company's statutory registers: The company secretary is responsible for maintaining the company's statutory registers, including the register of members, directors, and secretaries.
    · Filing company documents: The company secretary is responsible for filing company documents with Companies House, including the annual confirmation statement, annual accounts, and any other required filings
    · Ensuring compliance with company law: The company secretary must ensure that the company complies with all relevant company law requirements, such as holding annual general meetings and filing accounts on time.
    · Managing board meetings: The company secretary is responsible for managing board meetings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and ensuring that all board members are aware of their responsibilities.
    · Advising on corporate governance: The company secretary may provide advice to the board on matters of corporate governance, including best practices and legal requirements.
    · Acting as a point of contact for shareholders: The company secretary may act as a point of contact for shareholders, answering questions and providing information about the company.


    Overall, the company secretary plays an important role in ensuring that a company operates in compliance with the law and best practices and can provide valuable advice to the board on matters of corporate governance.

  • Could I choose or dismiss a Company Secretary following appointment?

    A Company Secretary may be added or removed at any time, but these changes must be reported to Companies House. Any time after joining the company, alterations to the business secretary role can be made through our client administrator entrance.

  • What is an investor?

    Owner of a company with restricted shares is an investor. If there are multiple investors, everyone has a stake in the company and a voice in how the company is run by its managers. Investors are eligible to receive a portion of any kind of business profits.

  • Who can be an investor?

    Anyone, including a separate business or organisation, can be a business investor.

  • The number of investors needed to develop a business?

    To create a business limited by shares, at least one investor is required.

  • What is the distinction between an investor and a director?

    Investors own the business and have a propensity to only take part in big, infrequently occurring decisions. The company is managed and governed by the directors, who take care of daily tasks and decision-making.

  • Can a director also be an investor?

    There are no restrictions preventing someone from occupying both parts.

  • Who is Person of a Significant Control (PSC)?

    The People of Significant Control (PSC) register is a register of beneficial owners of UK companies. It was launched in 2016 following the introduction through the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 which amended the Companies Act 2006.

    A PSC refers to an individual or legal entity that has significant influence or control over a company or organization. The concept of PSCs is used to increase transparency and combat money laundering and other financial crimes. It's important to note that the specific responsibilities and requirements for managing Persons with Significant Control can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the legal framework within which the company operates. It is advisable to consult the relevant laws and regulations in your jurisdiction for more specific guidance.

The Process of Forming a Company

  • What do I need to have to form a limited or LTD company?

    To complete your company's registration, you need to have: Details of proposed registered company headquarters;
    A list of the names of all the directors of the company;
    A Company Secretary, if required;
    An email address to receive your documents when using Abell Company Registrations online service.

  • Enlisted location

    This is the location you want to use for your registered office

  • Do I need to have a registered business address?

    Legally, every limited company must have a permitted place of business. The address details will be published in a public record, and any legal letters will be delivered to this address.

  • How long does the company formation process take?

    Abell Company Registration Ltd. is a Companies House e-filing partner. By using our online company formation services, you can complete your online application in 5 minutes and receive Company Accounts approval for your firm registration within 3 hours.

  • Why is Companies House registration required for my business?

    The registrar of businesses in the UK is called Companies House. All small businesses are required by law to register with Companies House.

  • Can I complete the company formation process remotely?

    Yes, you can complete the entire process online without ever leaving your house or place of employment! On the day of enrolment, you will receive an email with your new company's documents in PDF format.

  • How can I get my new company formation official documents and when?

    You will receive digital copies of your certificate of incorporation, register, memorandum of association and share certificates for all shareholders as soon as Companies House authorises your firm's registration. These will be sent to your correspondence email address. Within two business days, you should receive printed copies of these files directly from Companies House.

  • How much will it cost you to launch a business?

    Registering a new company using the Abell Company Registration service starts a £20 for the bronze service. This includes the £13 declaring fee which Companies House charges. Please see the website for details.

  • What are the Company Articles of Association and Record

    The articles of association describe a company's internal management, rules, and regulations, as well as its duty. These strategies work together to form a solid foundation.

  • Could I provide my personal copy of the Articles of Association and Record of Organisation?

    Many businesses utilise the standard versions of Articles of Association included in our company formation bundles, but if you prefer to create your own Articles of Association and posts, please contact our support team. You will be given access to our construction package showing more complex options that will enable you to create your personal plans and make use of several shared courses.

  • What happens if Companies House rejects my application?

    This can happen occasionally, and it usually happens because your application was incomplete, or your company name was incorrect. Don't worry; these issues can be easily corrected, and you will certainly be given the option to submit a new online application with the correct information or upload supporting documents. Our customer service team is also available to walk you through this process and provide support.

  • What are company shares?

    Shares are forms of company ownership. The variety of shares offered determines the portion of possession. As an illustration, if a company has 2 shares of equal value, each share represents 50% of the company; 4 shares of equal value, each share represents 25% of the company and so on.

  • The amount of shares a company is permitted to have?

    A business with a share restriction must provide at least one share. The maximum number of shares a corporation may offer is not restricted in any way.

  • What sort of shares can I have?

    Many companies continue to issue regular shares that have equal value and give each investor one vote. Three of the several types (courses) of shares that can be issued are preferred, cumulative, and redeemable.

  • What is the value of a share?

    A share has a nominal value in addition to its real (market) value. The small worth is the amount an investor pays for a share or would be required to pay in the event of a firm liquidation. The actual value might be different from this sum. A share will typically be worth £1 in most cases.

  • What is a registered workplace?

    A registered workplace is a company's primary address, and it must be a physical UK address rather than a PO Box.

  • Why do I require a registered workplace address?

    After company incorporation, all businesses are legally required to have a registered workplace. All legal correspondence from the company must be from the registered workplace. All company correspondence from HMRC, and other legal service notifications that may be provided to a business will be sent to this address.

  • Can I utilise my residence or company address as the registered workplace address?

    Although the registered workplace address will be listed on publicly available documents, you are free to use your home or business address. Many companies decide against using either of those addresses for this reason.

  • Will my registered workplace address be public information?

    Yes, your registered workplace will be public information as it needs to be offered to gain access to. Your registered place of employment must be in the UK. Additionally, it must fall within the same legal jurisdiction as the place where the firm is registered, such as England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

  • Where should a registered workplace address be shown address?

    It must appear on all official business correspondence, including letterheads and invoices. It must also be displayed in electronic documents and on a company's web site.

  • What is the distinction between a licensed workplace and an investing (company) address?

    A business's licenced workplace address, which needs to be in the UK, serves as its primary mailing address for Companies House and HMRC purposes. An investing(company) address, which could be anywhere in the world, is where it conducts business.

  • What addresses do company directors need to supply?

    A director must provide both a service address and a property address.

  • What is a service address?

    Every single company director's service address serves as their primary point of contact for any legal correspondence, announcements, or other business-related correspondence.

  • Do I need to provide an ID?

    Yes, you will be required to present appropriate photo ID and ID with a proof of address. This will be asked for along with instructions for what to do after payment. You can ask customer service for the most recent requirements if you need more information.

  • Can I utilise my domestic address as the service address?

    Yes. Many business owners make available a single address for use as both their home address and service address. There is no need to provide two different addresses, but using your home address for both will certainly rob you of privacy as the business address is published to allow people to contact you for all issues relating to the company.

  • Can the service address be used as the registered workplace address?

    Yes, the same address may be used for both the licenced office and the directors' service address.

  • Can the service address be used as my investing (company) address?

    Yes, provided that it is a legitimate address where Companies House or any other third party could contact you regarding business matters.

  • Does a service address need to be in the UK?

    No, it could be in the UK or abroad.

  • What's the distinction between a service address and a business/trading address?

    A director's main address is listed on the public register as their service address. The business/trading address is typically where a company conducts business and is provided to clients, suppliers and other business contacts.

Companies Limited by Shares

  • What is a company limited by shares?

    Investors own a company that is limited by shares, and their liability is only limited to the value of the shares the company has purchased. As a result, the investors' private properties are protected if the business fails.

  • Who owns a limited by shares business?

    A minimum of one investor and one director are required for the legal services to incorporate a limited by shares company. There is no restriction on the number of investors and director’s a company may have; one person could perform both duties.

  • What are the advantages of a limited liability company over a company limited by shares?

    Investors are responsible for a company limited by shares, guarantors are responsible for a company limited by warranty, and partners are responsible for a limited liability company. The main advantage of a limited company is the constrained liability of its owners, who are free to discuss business profits without being personally liable for the company's debts. Furthermore, a small business and its participants are eligible for a variety of tax benefits.

  • What are the annual commitments of a limited company?

    A limited company must submit returns and accounts to Companies House every year. The Annual Return serves as a snapshot of a company's current state, and yearly accounts include details regarding the company's financial activity. Additionally, a small firm must file an annual income tax return with HMRC.

  • What are the yearly needs of a company limited company by shares?

    Registration with Companies House is required for a personal company limited by shares. Because Abell Company Registration Ltd. is a Companies House e-filing partner, your business could be registered using one of our online business development packages in as little as 3 hours.