Every ambitious entrepreneur dreams of establishing a limited company in the UK since it is a major accomplishment. It offers many sweet advantages, including tax and restricted liability advantages. Isn’t it lovely that, in times of financial difficulty, a limited corporation doesn’t seize the private assets of its shareholders? Despite this, business owners frequently ask, “Why is it difficult to form a limited company in the UK?”
Although forming a limited company in the UK offers many advantages, the process can be challenging. It has many regulatory requirements, a complicated structure, and several shareholder obligations. It’s a lot to handle!
The good news is that this piece has examined the difficulties of creating a limited company and why it can be intimidating. Therefore, sit and learn about these difficulties and how to overcome them.
1. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
When you plan to register a company in the UK, always remember that several legal and regulatory requirements must be fulfilled. Companies House, the official government agency for registering companies and other important groups, set these rules. They comprise different forms and paperwork; sometimes, you must pay a certain fee.
While this may seem simple, it’s hard because you have to appoint people in charge of your company, like shareholders and directors. However, you can’t just appoint anyone to be in those seats; they must understand the job perfectly. If they don’t, your company might be at risk of rejection.
Another thing to remember is that these rules are dynamic, so they often change. You might still find these rules complex even if you have sought professional advice beforehand. But luckily, you can still consult your lawyer(s) to put you through to avoid mistakes.
2. Director and Shareholder Responsibilities
Another reason forming a limited company in the UK is difficult is the responsibilities of the director and shareholders. It’s difficult to appoint these people because these positions are delicate, and a mistake can ruin everything. Directors handle major decision-making in the company, while shareholders own some of the company. Their job is to invest and get a share when the company succeeds.
Your company’s director must understand and follow the law. They must ensure the taxes are paid; there are no missing records, and fair treatment between employees. Also, your director must ensure the company’s funds are not mismanaged.
A shareholder’s job is slightly different. They don’t fully engage in the company’s daily operations but have a say during significant decision-making. They might vote for their preferred directors; sometimes, even directors can be shareholders.
These responsibilities are so big that you must research thoroughly before putting anyone in those seats. Remember, any little mistake can draw you back.
3. Complexity of Company Structure
Choosing the right company structure might be difficult, but it depends on how your company will operate. In the UK, limited companies have several types. In some companies, people own some part of the company called shares, while others are limited by guarantee; the members pledge some money in case the company runs into debt.
Choosing between these two might be overwhelming, but ultimately, it’s about what suits your goals best. Often, non-profit organizations choose the limited-by-guarantee option since the focus is on a social cause. But profit-making businesses often choose the limited-by-share option because people invest money into the company, then get a share of the profits.
Whichever you choose, meet a professional willing to explain the rules and operations so you don’t mix them up.
4. Legal Jargon
Lawyers love to show their expertise when dealing with others. So, you might find a few complex phrases when reading the rules needed to start a company. For instance, you might come across terms like “Articles of Association” or “Memorandum of Association.”
People have made mistakes and missed important things because they were afraid to ask questions. But remember, nobody is an ocean of knowledge!
Ask questions if you have read what these words entail and still don’t understand. Better still, use online resources that thoroughly explain these terms. In the end, you’ll overcome this hurdle.
5. Financial Considerations
Unlike in other countries, you need considerable money to start a company in the UK. Sometimes, the signing up and legal fees can be too much if you’re struggling. Yet, they are necessary to achieve your goal of owning a UK company.
Apart from these first-time payments, there are ongoing fees. Thus, you must continue paying even after the company is set up. For instance, you might need an accountant to help manage the company funds, directors who oversee the company, and even the money you pay to the government annually.
So, if you’re considering starting a company in the UK, prepare to spend a lot of money initially and as time passes. Be sure you can manage all these fees before you set foot. If you feel unsure, it’s better to take your time than get into it and run into debt.
6. Ongoing Reporting and Compliance
Another reason entrepreneurs find forming a limited company in the UK difficult is the ongoing reporting and compliance. These tasks are like regular check-ins to ensure the company follows the rules.
First, you must file annual accounts, proving the company’s financial stance is great. You must share detailed information about how money comes and goes out from the company. If you’re not used to numbers, you might find this confusing.
Also, you must file an annual confirmation statement. Failure to do this shows that your company’s information is inaccurate and out-of-date. Moreso, whenever there’s a change in your company’s structure, you must inform the government.
If you don’t do these things on time, fines or legal issues could arise. To make this easier, hire accountants or use software that reminds you when things are due.
7. Banking and Tax Considerations
You need a business bank account in the UK to start a company, but this process can be lengthy. Asides this, the complexity of each company type’s tax rules is overwhelming, which can discourage you easily. That’s why you need experts who will guide you through every step.
8. Fear of Failure
As a bonus, the fear of failure is a common hurdle when starting a company in the UK or anywhere in the world. You might worry that your business might be unsuccessful, which can stop you from taking that big step. This fear is normal, but it’s important to remember that many successful business owners face the same worry. Getting advice from experienced people and learning about business can help ease this fear.
Conclusion
Forming a limited company in the UK can be perceived as challenging because of legal complexities, responsibilities, financial considerations, and unfamiliar terminology. But with professional guidance, the process can become easier than expected.
