Forming a company just became easier - Company Formation - UK Registration Services

The process of company registration is now straightforward and inexpensive thanks to new technology, but – explains Howard Graham FCA of Companies Made Simple – make sure you get the right deal from the right provider

Posted: 2004-10-06

Howard GrahamThe company formation process once seemed to take weeks and was a complicated task. Often accompanied by boxes of bound books, company seals and other assorted paraphernalia. Because of this, it was the sole preserve of lawyers and accountants in stuffy offices.

Even though there really was not much to company formation, the mystique surrounding the issue often meant a price tag of several hundred pounds.

Complication seems to have fallen away thanks to modern day living. The explosion of the internet and the opening of records and systems to the general public by Companies House has subsequently opened up the doors to companies wanting to take advantage of this modern technology - offering online company formation to anyone who is interested, regardless of their location.

Company formation services have swarmed the current market. Most having tools such as, online name checking - making the process of formation seem like a couple of minutes, but in reality, it is really an hour or two.

Prices have dropped radically, like air fares, making it possible for the 'easyjets' of the company formation world to sell companies for as little as £24.99 plus VAT. Of course, the quality of the product is equally comparable with the no-frills airlines. : -


  • The error rate can increase due to the lack of professionals checking the application. Choosing a reputable formation company minimises this.

  • Adoption of Table A in the Articles of Association seems to be common by formation companies. This is not really appropriate for private companies. So you may need to check the fine print.
Start quote

Ensuring a good provider of online company formation who can offer a low price is critical as there a number of areas to take into consideration.
End quote

  • Getting money back after upfront payment due to the rejection of a name may prove to be a difficult task. Names causing a problem include International, global, Queen etc.

  • Formation of a company over the weekend could also pose a problem. It has happened where companies have paid upfront for a formation only to find that their chosen name already exists.


71 per cent of all current formations are being carried out electronically. This sends out a clear message - lower prices and new technology are there to be taken advantage of, but choose your provider carefully. Choosing a provider linked to firms of accountants is probably the best solution.

Research on a company formation site is critical. Decide whether or not the offering is suitable, and if they have provided you with plenty of information about companies, problems that may occur and also how they operate.


After all – forming your company online should be a simple process.

Howard Graham FCA is a Partner at Westbury Chartered Accountants www.westbury.co.uk and owners of Companies Made Simple, one of the leading online formation agents - Tel: 020 7253 7272.


Source: Companies Made Simple










Further News and Articles

1. Forming A Company Just Became Easier


2. Statutory Requirements For New Companies



3. Non Profit Organisations



4. Company Directors and Secretaries



5. Annual Returns



6. Accounts and Accounting Reference Dates



7. Company Auditors



8. Share Capital and Prospectuses



9. Late Filing Penalties



10. The Costs and Benefits of Company Registration

 Click here to form your company