Setting Up Your Limited Company with SBX Accountants: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're launching a new business or switching from sole trader to limited company, setting up your limited company is a major milestone. It’s exciting, but understandably, you want everything to be handled efficiently and correctly from day one.

At SBX Accountants, we guide you through the process step by step, making sure your company is registered properly and compliant from day one — all while laying the groundwork for tax efficiency and financial success.

What Is a Limited Company?

A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners. This structure brings several benefits, especially for small business owners, contractors, and the self-employed.

Key advantages include:

• Limited liability: Your personal assets are protected if the company runs into financial issues.
• Tax efficiency: You can pay yourself a mix of salary and dividends. Dividends are taxed at lower rates and aren’t subject to National Insurance contributions.
• Professional image: Operating as a limited company can improve your credibility with clients, suppliers, and lenders.

How Long Does It Take to Set Up?

The good news is — forming a limited company in the UK can be done very quickly, often within hours if everything’s ready. Here's what to expect:

• Online applications: Most are processed within 24 hours by Companies House, sometimes the same day.
• Same-day incorporation: If you're in a hurry, Companies House offers a fast-track service for £50.
• Postal applications: These are slower — generally several days — and rarely necessary these days.

At SBX, we handle the entire process for you, making sure all forms are accurate and submitted correctly. This avoids delays and gets you trading faster.

What Do You Need to Register?

To set up your limited company, we’ll need a few details from you:

• Company name: Must be unique and comply with Companies House rules.
• Registered office address: A UK address for official correspondence. We can help arrange this if needed.
• Director(s): At least one is required. We can advise if you’re unsure.
• Shareholder(s): You need at least one, who can also be the director.
• Share capital: We'll outline your share structure (e.g. one share at £1).
• SIC code: This identifies your business activity type.
• Articles and Memorandum of Association: We’ll provide and submit standard versions unless you need something bespoke.

Once we have this information, we can form your company quickly and hassle-free.

You can also Set Up a Limited Company yourself. Though, SBX Accountants can do this for you free-of-charge.

What Happens After Your Company Is Registered?

After incorporation, you’ll receive your official Certificate of Incorporation and Company Number. But this is just the beginning — there are a few important next steps:

• Register for Corporation Tax with HMRC within 3 months of starting to trade.
• Open a business bank account in your company’s name.
• Maintain statutory registers, including shareholders and directors.
• File annual accounts and Confirmation Statement with Companies House.
• Meet ongoing tax and compliance obligations, including payroll (if applicable), VAT registration (if needed), and accurate bookkeeping.

We help with all of this — including reminders and full management of deadlines — so nothing gets missed.

Why Choose SBX Accountants?

We specialise in helping small businesses, tradespeople, and startups get set up properly — and stay compliant and tax-efficient going forward.

Here’s what you get with us:

✅ Fast Company Formation

We can form your company the same day in most cases, ensuring accuracy and compliance from the outset.

✅ Expert Accounting Support

Once you’re set up, we offer complete support - from bookkeeping and VAT returns to payroll and year-end accounts.

✅ Software Included

We provide MTD-compliant QuickBooks Online software to all clients at no extra cost. We’re also proficient with Xero, Sage and FreeAgent, but most of our clients use QuickBooks for its simplicity and powerful features.

✅ Personal, Responsive Service

You’ll always get same-day replies to your questions. You’ll deal directly with experienced accountants who know your business, not generic support staff.

✅ Proactive Tax Advice

From the best salary-dividend split to tax-saving opportunities, we help you plan smartly and legally to retain more of your income.

Ready to Get Started?

Setting up a limited company doesn’t need to be complicated. With SBX Accountants, you’ll get everything sorted quickly and professionally — and with ongoing support you can rely on.

✅ We’ll form your company
✅ Set you up with QuickBooks
✅ Register you for tax
✅ And handle everything from payroll to your first set of accounts.

Request a callback or get an instant quote to see how we can help you get started today.