Registering my business = how to?

hollisterbay

[FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica]Hi guys, I do freelance web graphic design - been doing for last 3 years now and now I want to register myself officially as a company

How do I do this?

How much will it cost me and how long does it take?

On Google, are these type of websites bogus? -

http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=register+my+company&meta=&btnG=Google+Search
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fengirl_2

My first question is why? Are you employing staff or taking on the lease of a building? If not, I am not sure a Limited company is right for you. Go and see an accountant - you should be able to get half an hour of free advice.

hollisterbay

No I'm not doing any of that stuff...I just want to register myself as a company

hollisterbay

register myself as a company is what i want to do

vivatifosi

Hi hollisterbay,

First, go onto Companies House and see if your name is taken. You can go to their webcheck section to do this. Don't just check current companies, check proposed names (so you know what's taken) and former names (so you can see if your name was previously used by a company that's gone under - generally not good).

The easiest and quickest way is to buy an off the shelf company and change the name. There are plenty of companies that do this and its worth shopping around to find the best value. I haven't set up a company for four years, so I'm not sure who the best is at the moment.

Also, if you haven't already got a website (which given your line of business I suspect you have), check that the web address that you want isn't already taken. It took me to my fourth best option to get the combo of company name/web address together.

And finally, make sure that you are familiar with the rules of running a company. There can be benefits, but its best to be aware of what the rules are too (eg having an annual meeting, filling out returns etc). Business Link often offers advice on this and may also offer you a free session to discuss setting up a company, so could be well worth a call.

Edit: no, those companies aren't bogus. Jordans is a huge and reputable company, though probably not the cheapest. It's a lot easier (although a bit more expensive) if you get them to do most of the set up, including the Mem & arts for you. I used Stanley Davis for mine.

hollisterbay

Thanks Viva -

I currently do freelance.

I just want to register myself as a company...

What is the best formation? I'm a single guy, I do it on my own - my annual income isn't great, I do it on the side but I need to register myself as a company.

fengirl_2

I still don't understand why you want to do this. It will cost money and involve you in legal responsibilities you don't have at the moment.

hollisterbay

"If you register yourself as a company in England ( in the US, you have to register yourself even if you work freelance), then I can make a contract with you as a deal between an American company and an English company. You can then get a business Visa on your terms to come to the US. You will not be limited by H1 restrictions."

vivatifosi

If you want to do it the easy way, just go to someone like Stanley Davis and get them to do it all for you. Costs a bit more, but so much less stressful (and we're still only talking about £100-120 max).

If you are freelance, please also go to Business Link and get the advice. The thing I find scary when acting as a business is that not knowing is no excuse, so it really is worth making sure you know how to run a company, not just that you want to do it. Sorry if I'm preaching a bit, but it can be hair-raising at time if you accidentally do something that you don't know you shouldn't (eg not have an annual meeting)...

who_me_2-2

I agree that you have to be sure you want to commit to incorporation, especially as any money made belongs to the company and not you and there is a lot more expense and red tape.... however you sound committed J

you can go to any company formations company, I’ve used Brighton Formations but they all seem much of a much-ness, choose a package, (the different packages are just usually extra whistles and bell so up to you, but even the most basic will get the job done). Then let the inland revenue know.

hollisterbay

What happens if I formed a company,,,,but then I just left it and never actually did any business?