• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Heighten Accountants

Heighten Accountants

020 3900 2424
  • Our Services
    • Business Accounting
    • Tax Accounting
    • Business Advisory
    • Business Support
  • Who We Help
    • Limited Companies
    • Sole Traders
    • Partnerships
    • Small Businesses
    • Startups
    • CIS Contractors
    • Landlords and Property Investors
  • Schedule a Call

Setting up a private limited company – Advantages and Disadvantages

October 27, 2023 by Nadeem Iqbal

A private limited company, often referred to as a “Ltd” in the United Kingdom, is a popular business structure known for its unique legal and financial characteristics. In this context, the term “private” denotes that the company’s shares are not publicly traded on stock exchanges; instead, they are privately owned by a select group of individuals or entities.

One of the primary advantages of establishing a private limited company in the UK is the limited liability it affords to its shareholders. 

However, this legal structure comes with its own set of disadvantages. The regulations and compliance requirements for private limited companies can be complex, involving detailed financial reporting, corporate governance, and taxation considerations. 

Furthermore, the restrictions on selling shares can limit the ability to raise capital compared to publicly traded companies.

In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of setting up a private limited company in the UK, helping you make an informed decision about the most suitable business structure for your entrepreneurial endeavours.

How to set up a private limited company

Setting up a private limited company involves several steps and legal requirements. Here’s an overview:

  • Company Name: Choose a distinctive and legally acceptable company name. Ensure it is not already in use and follows naming regulations specified by Companies House.
  • Registered Office: Designate a registered office address within the UK where official documents, including legal and tax correspondence, will be sent. This must be a physical address, not a P.O. Box.
  • Directors & Shareholders: Appoint at least one director who will oversee the company’s operations. Directors can also be shareholders. Shareholders are the company’s owners and invest in the business. There’s no strict limit on the number of shareholders, and they can be individuals or corporate entities.
  • Articles & Memorandum: Prepare these internal documents. The memorandum states the shareholders’ intention to establish the company, and the articles outline the company’s internal rules and management structure.
  • Company Secretary: While it’s no longer mandatory for private limited companies, you can appoint a company secretary to handle administrative tasks and assist with compliance.
  • Share Capital: Declare the initial share capital, which is the total value of the company’s shares. It can be as low as £1, and each share can have a nominal value (e.g., £0.01 per share).
  • Register with Companies House: Complete the company registration process with Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies. This can be done online, and it’s a crucial step to make your company legally recognised.
  • Taxation: Register for Corporation Tax with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Depending on your business activities, you may need to register for other taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Pay As You Earn (PAYE) if you have employees.
  • Bank Account: Open a dedicated business bank account in the company’s name. This account will be used for managing financial transactions, including receiving payments and making payments for business expenses.
  • Compliance: Be prepared for ongoing compliance responsibilities, including annual filings, financial reporting, and adhering to various regulations applicable to your business activities. Ensure you meet all statutory obligations to maintain your company’s legal status.

This detailed breakdown of the ten key steps provides a clearer understanding of the essential requirements and processes involved in establishing a private limited company in the UK. 

It’s important to consult with professionals or refer to official resources for specific guidance and to stay up to date with any legal or regulatory changes.

Private limited company

How to register a limited company 

To register a limited company in the UK, you can choose between online registration and postal submission using the IN01 form. If your company name doesn’t include ‘limited,’ postal registration is mandatory. The method you choose has a significant impact on the registration timeline.

Opting for online registration is the faster route. Companies House typically processes online applications within 24 hours of receipt, making it the preferred choice for those looking to kickstart their business promptly.

On the other hand, postal registrations take longer to process, often up to 10 days. This method may be suitable, especially if your company name excludes ‘limited.’ However, it’s essential to factor in the extended registration time when planning your business activities.

After successfully registering your company, you’ll receive a ten-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) at your registered address within a few days. This UTR is crucial for tax-related purposes and should be securely retained.

Additionally, you’ll be issued a ‘certificate of incorporation,’ confirming your company’s legal existence. This certificate includes vital details such as the company number and the formation date, making it a critical document for various business transactions. Ensure that it is safely stored for future reference.

Companies House Authentication Code: 

Companies House send this code in post to the registered office address. The Companies House authentication code is a critical security measure that ensures the integrity of the information filed with Companies House. It plays a vital role in maintaining accurate company records, complying with legal requirements, and safeguarding against unauthorised access or changes.

Advantages of setting up a private limited company 

Here are the advantages of setting up a private limited company in the UK:

  • Limited Liability: Limited liability protection is one of the primary advantages. Shareholders’ personal assets are generally safeguarded, and their liability is limited to the value of their shares. This separation of personal and business assets offers financial security to the owners.
  • Credibility and Trust: Private limited companies often carry a higher level of credibility and trust in business dealings. Suppliers, clients, and partners may prefer to work with registered companies, as they signify a formal and regulated structure.
  • Tax Efficiency: Private limited companies can benefit from tax efficiency. They have more flexibility in managing their tax affairs, including options for tax planning, dividend payments, and deductions, potentially reducing their overall tax liability.
  • Access to Funding: Private limited companies have multiple avenues for raising capital. They can issue shares, secure loans, or seek investment from venture capitalists or angel investors, making it easier to access financial resources for business growth.
  • Business Continuity: The structure of a private limited company ensures continuity of the business, even in the event of changes in ownership or management. The company can continue to exist and operate smoothly without significant disruption.
  • Ownership Control: Shareholders retain control over the company. The ability to issue different classes of shares allows for the distribution of voting rights and dividends as per the company’s policies and the shareholders’ agreements.
  • Transferability of Shares: The shares of a private limited company are often transferable, making it relatively easy to bring in new investors, transfer ownership, or sell the business. This flexibility can enhance the company’s marketability.
  • Limited Formality: While there are legal obligations, private limited companies have fewer formalities compared to public companies. This can reduce administrative burdens and allow the company to focus on its core operations.
  • Asset Protection: Assets held by the company are protected. In case of financial troubles or legal issues, creditors generally cannot access the personal assets of shareholders. This protection provides a safety net for business owners.

In summary, setting up a private limited company in the UK offers numerous advantages, including limited liability, tax efficiency, credibility, access to capital, and control over ownership. 

These benefits make it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking a structured and secure business framework. 

Disadvantages of setting up a private limited company 

Here are the disadvantages of setting up a private limited company in the UK:

  • Compliance and Regulation: Private limited companies must adhere to complex regulatory and compliance requirements, including annual filings, financial reporting, and corporate governance, which can be time-consuming and costly.
  • Administrative Burden: Managing a private limited company entails considerable administrative tasks, including maintaining company records, filing annual returns, and adhering to tax deadlines.
  • Cost of Formation: The initial setup costs, including registration fees, legal and accounting fees, and the requirement to have a registered office address, can be relatively high.
  • Ownership and Control: The control over the company can become fragmented if there are numerous shareholders with differing views and interests, potentially leading to conflicts.

It’s important to consider these disadvantages alongside the advantages when deciding on the most appropriate business structure, as they can impact the operational and financial aspects of a private limited company.

How can Heighten Accountants help you with you private limited company

At Heighten Accountants, we offer assistance in selecting an appropriate business structure, taking into account factors such as tax implications, liability, and operational needs. Additionally, we can aid with paperwork, guiding you through the preparation and submission of essential documents for company registration, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards.

Following a successful company formation, our services go beyond compliance, encompassing essential tasks such as bookkeeping, statutory accounts, payroll, VAT return, payment run, and purchase ledger. Beyond meeting legal and regulatory obligations, we also provide strategic financial guidance that plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall success and financial well-being of your private limited company.

FAQs for setting up a private limited company

What are the advantages of a private company compared to a public company?

The advantages of a private company lie in greater control, flexibility, privacy, and reduced compliance costs, while public companies have advantages in terms of access to capital and liquidity. The decision between private and public status depends on the specific goals and circumstances of the business.

What are the four 4 differences between private and public companies?

Four key differences between private and public companies include Ownership, Disclosure Requirements, Access to Capital and Regulatory Oversight.

These differences impact various aspects of the companies, including their governance structure, operational flexibility, funding options, and level of transparency. The decision to remain private or go public depends on factors such as the company’s growth stage, capital needs, and strategic objectives.

Is a private ltd company better than a public ltd company?

The superiority of a private limited company over a public limited company, or vice versa, depends on the specific goals, circumstances, and preferences of the business and its owners. Both types of companies have their advantages and disadvantages.

Please fill out the form below so our team can contact you to schedule your call:

"*" indicates required fields

Untitled

Filed Under: Business Advisory

Nadeem Iqbal

About Nadeem Iqbal

As CEO, Nadeem’s goal is to inspire others to create a business that gives them the freedom to put their life and family first, and to make a positive difference in the world. This is what Heighten was built for.

He is passionate about bringing innovation to the accounting profession, and it means the world to him when clients put their life balance first – so they can spend time with their family. In fact, in-house clients are not called ‘clients’ – they are affectionately known as the Heighten Family.

Footer

Schedule a Call to discuss how you can grow your business while working as much – or as little – as you want.

Schedule a Call

Download our free guide 7 steps to grow a successful business and achieve happiness

Download the pdf
logo
  • icon
  • icon
  • icon

TOOLS & RESOURCES

  • Blogs
  • Heighten Mobile App
  • Free Guides
  • Tax Cards
  • Calculators & Forms
  • Join Heighten Team
  • Cookies & Privacy Policy

Who we help

  • Limited Companies
  • Sole Traders
  • Partnerships
  • Small Businesses
  • Startups
  • CIS Contractors
  • Landlords and Property Investors
  • Care Homes

OUR SERVICES

  • Business Accounting
  • Tax Accounting
  • Business Advisory
  • Business Support
  • Accounting Systemisation
    • Expense Manager

ABOUT

  • About Us
  • How you Grow
  • How We Work
  • Our Impact
  • Meet the Team
  • Contact Us
  • Refer A Friend

Copyright © 2023 Heighten

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics6 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional6 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary6 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others6 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance6 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy6 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
seven step guide image

Please Enter Your Details Below to Download the Guide

Heighten Accountants
Join Our Newsletter
Please correct the marked field(s) below.
1,true,6,Contact Email,2 1,false,1,First Name,2 1,false,1,Last Name,2
  Thank you for Signing Up
Please Enter Your Details Below to Download the Guide

Guide checkbox

1 / 65
File_009
2 / 65
File_026
3 / 65
File_024
4 / 65
File_018
5 / 65
File_017
6 / 65
File_016
7 / 65
File_015
8 / 65
File_013
9 / 65
File_010
10 / 65
File_027
11 / 65
File_008
12 / 65
File_006
13 / 65
File_005
14 / 65
File_005(1)
15 / 65
File_004
16 / 65
File_004(1)
17 / 65
File_003
18 / 65
File_003(1)
19 / 65
File_028
20 / 65
File_030
21 / 65
File_031
22 / 65
File_032
23 / 65
File_033
24 / 65
IMG_7589
25 / 65
IMG_9468-smaller
26 / 65
IMG_9479-smaller
27 / 65
IMG_9471-smaller
28 / 65
IMG_9464.-smaller
29 / 65
IMG_9492-smaller
30 / 65
IMG_9487-smaller
31 / 65
CEO Award Trophy
32 / 65
CEO Award Cert
33 / 65
IMG_9464.-smaller
34 / 65
902a59af-0e73-4d36-b18a-b72b97296fb3
35 / 65
Group 51@2x
36 / 65
Group 61@2x
37 / 65
Group 57@2x
38 / 65
Group 59@2x
39 / 65
Group 55@2x
40 / 65
IMG_7593
41 / 65
IMG_8161 1
42 / 65
IMG_8166 1
43 / 65
IMG_8168 1
44 / 65
0fc3f521-9fda-42ee-a905-6f7a6ef8b003
45 / 65
3e348a0f-e74a-4ed7-9cdc-3fed724cb3df
46 / 65
5e696a0b-7561-4a56-a12d-3f1bd4008a45
47 / 65
6b149919-4f3c-4691-9d85-bf19200d2cbd
48 / 65
54a6a00f-88b9-4fac-8413-19684b48bc9b
49 / 65
191bb487-3c1f-479c-a6db-0787edebb1a5
50 / 65
Group 49@2x
51 / 65
75953e82-7d2a-435a-8fa4-01f458720eb7
52 / 65
c3cf280d-8f7a-4af8-b3e4-e8771bb05169
53 / 65
c55884d4-855f-4aa0-882f-a7560e94c636
54 / 65
d56af6ca-35a8-4459-8f97-2e1ce12527d1
55 / 65
dd975ec0-ae78-48ed-acb2-d562a2725d2c
56 / 65
e444c284-2cb8-4a0b-9536-9b8669f9454d
57 / 65
f5a3f0d5-ca5f-46f9-b3e3-1eb74706a1d6
58 / 65
f53a7464-bdeb-44d1-947f-c60aeb685381
59 / 65
fffc8e91-f642-4207-bdd7-6b13b47e9df9
60 / 65
File_000(1)
61 / 65
File_000
62 / 65
File_001(1)
63 / 65
File_001
64 / 65
File_002(1)
65 / 65
File_002
❮ ❯

Please Enter Your Details Below to Subscribe