Set up a limited company

To set up a private limited company you need to register with Companies House. This is known as 'incorporation'.

You'll need:

• a suitable company name
• an address for the company
• at least one director
• details of the company's shares - you need at least one shareholder
• to check what your SIC code is - this identifies what your company does

You'll also need:

• shareholders to agree to create the company and the written rules (known as 'memorandum and articles of association')
• details of people with significant control over your company, for example anyone with more than 25 per cent shares or voting rights