Hassle-free help from the UK's best Small Business solicitors.
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
It shouldn’t take a law degree to find the right legal service for you. With Lawhive, you can get legal help in just a couple of steps.
Answer a few questions on our site and instantly speak to a member of our team for a quote or request a callback at a time you choose.
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Our lawyers are carefully selected for their expertise and experience, so you’re always in safe hands.
01 overview
Company registration is one of the first and most critical steps in starting your own business. From choosing the right structure to understanding regulatory obligations, the process can be complex and time-consuming.
If you find yourself in this position, you might be wondering whether you should register as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company. Or perhaps you’re looking to understand your legal obligations from day one, so you can focus on growing your business.
Whatever the circumstances, at Lawhive we provide you with the legal support you need at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street law firms. What’s more, our streamlined, tech-powered platform makes company registration straightforward and accessible.
Our network of experienced small business lawyers is on hand to provide personalised advice and handle all aspects of your company registration from choosing the right company structure to filing documents for an affordable fixed fee.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist lawyer to get started on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence and ease.
Registering a company is the legal process of establishing your business as a distinct legal entity. Registration defines the company’s structure, including its legal form, shareholders, directors, and operating rules as outlined in its memorandum and articles of association.
Registering your company as a limited liability entity separates your personal assets from the company’s liabilities. This means that if the business incurs debts or faces legal action, your personal assets are generally protected.
Being a registered company can build confidence with clients, suppliers, and investors, making it easier to establish trust and secure business opportunities.
Registered companies may benefit from more favourable tax treatment compared to sole traders, like being able to pay corporation tax on profits and claim tax-deductible expenses.
Registered companies can more easily raise capital to expand operations, develop new products, or enter new markets by issuing shares or getting loans from investors or banks.
Unlike sole proprietorship, registered companies continue to exist even if ownership or management changes. Shares in a company can also be transferred or sold, facilitating smoother transitions in ownership and management.
Different business structures can affect a company's legal standing, tax obligations, and operational flexibility. Below is an overview of the main types of business structures available:
| Business Structure | Definition |
| Sole Trader | A sole trader is an individual who owns and operates a business alone. |
| Partnership | A partnership involves two or more partners who share ownership and management of a business. There are different types of partnerships including limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships (LLP). |
| Private Limited Company (Ltd) | A private limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders) and is managed by directors. |
| Public Limited Company (PLC) | A public limited company is a type of limited company that can sell shares to the public. |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | A limited liability partnership combines the benefits of a partnership with the limited liability of a company. |
You need to register a company if:
At Lawhive, our network of expert small business lawyers can help you with every aspect of company registration. Schedule a free case evaluation today to get started.
To register a company in the UK, you should:
When you register a company, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which includes the company’s registration number, date of incorporation, and the company name.
After incorporation, you’ll also need to register for various taxes with HMRC such as corporation tax, PAY (if you plan to hire employees), and VAT (if your company’s annual turnover exceeds the VAT threshold).
There are various costs involved in registering a company that depends on the method of registration, the type of company being formed, and whether you use additional services.
Below is a breakdown of the potential costs involved:
| Fee | Cost |
| Companies House Registration | £12 for online registration or £40 for postal registration |
| Name Reservation | £10 for a paper application or £8 for an online application |
| Certified Certificate of Incorporation | £15 - £50 |
| Solicitor or Accountant Services | £100 - £5,000 |
This list is not exhaustive but should give you an idea of the kind of costs you may encounter when registering a company to help you better prepare for the financial aspects of the process.
Registering your company online through the Companies House Web Incorporation Service is the fastest method. Once the application is submitted and payment is processed, the company is usually incorporated within one business day.
If you choose to register by post, it can take between 8 to 10 days due to the time taken for delivery and processing.
Companies House also offers same-day registration which is completed on the same day if received by 3pm.
The two most common business structures in the UK are sole trader and limited company.
As a sole trader, you and your business are legally considered the same, which means you are personally responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. You also have complete control over all business decisions and operations
A limited company, however, is legally distinct from its owners. It can own assets, incur liabilities, and enter contracts in its own name. Further, it is managed by its directors and shareholders influence decisions through voting rights.
Once a company is registered, there are several ongoing compliance requirements to ensure it remains in good standing and follows legal and regulatory obligations. Key responsibilities for a registered company in the UK include:
At Lawhive, our network of small business lawyers is on hand to help you manage compliance requirements efficiently. Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more.
You can change your company’s name or structure after registration either through a special resolution or by a directors’ decision.
It is also possible to change a company’s legal structure by incorporating the new entity, transferring business assets, liabilities, and operations to the new entity, and formally closing the old entity.
Companies House is the UK’s official registrar of companies. It is responsible for incorporating new companies and issuing Certificates of Incorporation, as well as processing applications for changing company names, structures, and key details.
Non-UK residents can register a company in the UK, provided they meet certain criteria and comply with legal requirements. That being said, registering a company in the UK doesn’t automatically grant you the right to live or work in the UK.
If you plan to move to the UK to run your business, you will need to get the appropriate visa, such as the Innovator Founder Visa. You also must have a UK-registered office address for official correspondence.
If you operate a business without registering as a company, you are classified as a sole trader by default. This means you won’t benefit from the protections and advantages of limited liability offered by a registered company.
You may also find it difficult to enter into legally binding contracts with suppliers, customers, or partners. Or, depending on your industry, not registering your business could mean failing to meet specific regulatory requirements, such as licensing and permits, which can result in fines, penalties, or being shut down.
There are different options available for running multiple businesses under one company using:
At Lawhive, our network of small business lawyers can help you choose and implement the best structure for running multiple businesses. Contact us today for expert advice and support.
You can register a dormant company (one that is legally incorporated but has no significant accounting transitions during a financial period) in the UK.
You do this in the same way as registering any other company. However, once registered, you must tell HMRC that the company is dormant and make sure no significant accounting transactions occur that would classify the company as active.
The key documents you need to register a company include:
You can register a company on behalf of someone else if you have written consent from the person or entity you are registering the company form.
This is a common practice where professionals, such as solicitors, handle the company registration for their clients.
You don’t legally need a solicitor to register a company in the UK. Many entrepreneurs successfully register their companies themselves using the Companies House online service.
However, while you can go it alone, there are significant benefits to engaging a solicitor, especially if you want to be sure everything is done correctly from the outset.
The main benefit of DIY company registration is that you save on solicitor fees. However, the company registration process involves lots of different steps and, without a solicitor, you might miss out on important legal advice that could impact your business.
You might consider hiring a small business solicitor to register your company if:
Registering a company involves several legal, administrative, and procedural steps. Using a solicitor can significantly simplify this process and ensure you comply with all legal requirements.
A solicitor can help you:
Registering a company is a fundamental step in launching your business which involves choosing the right structure and ensuring compliance from the get-go. This process, while important, can be daunting and time-consuming.
At Lawhive, we simplify company registration, making it straightforward, efficient, and accessible.
When you partner with us, you gain access to a network of experienced small business lawyers well-versed in company registration, ready to provide tailored advice and handle every aspect of the registration process for transparent, affordable, fixed fees. What’s more, through our online platform, company registration is quick and hassle-free, saving you time and reducing costs compared to traditional high-street firms.
Starting your business should be an exciting journey, not a legal headache. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation and receive a no-obligation quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
