Registering with Companies House

[Raith]

My wife and I set up a business 8 weeks ago and have been trading as a partnership since then. Our intention was to set up as a Ltd company after 6/12 months once we were established.

Business is going reasonably well and we wondered whether we could register our name with companies house prior to going Ltd? We want to protect our business name however we're a little unsure of best method to do this.

Any help/advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Just register the company and keep it dormant until you are ready. But do involve your accountant once you are ready to trade.

You could use an online registration service, this forum was founded by the owner of Quick Formations.

Be aware that even dormant companies have annual filing responsibilities.

 

[efficiencycoach]

Many people go the limited route as they think this is the most efficient tax way for them - and in your case this may be true. However, don't rush into a decision until you are sure that Ltd is the best route for you. DO take advice from an accountant before you take this decision.

This is an article about Ltd written by Elaine Clark of Cheap Accounting that will give you the full low down of responsibilities that you have taken on by forming a Ltd company.

If you want to protect your company name, how about trademarking it? You can then delay the decision to form a limited company until you are fully ready to take this step?