Company Formation

There are many reasons Companies House may reject an application, and the system will often do so without stating a reason. You may need to amend the information and make sure nothing is missing before re-submitting. Common reasons for applications to be rejected are when the name you have provided is already registered, or the details are incomplete.

If you choose to set up your company directly with Companies House, you will need to fill in the IN01 form and return this online or by post. You will also need to provide the articles of association, supporting documents for sensitive words in a company name and the memorandum of association.

You could set up your limited company in as little as 24 hours by using the online application portal. It could take between eight and ten days if you choose to submit your forms by post.

If you have lost your company formation documents, you can apply for a replacement from Companies House for a fee. A file copy can also be downloaded from the filing history of your company on the Companies House online service.

Yes. As your business grows, your original shareholders’ agreement, articles of association, or governance arrangements may need to be updated. We can review your existing documents, discuss how your company now operates, and recommend changes to reflect new roles, additional shareholders, or revised exit plans. Many of our clients return to us at key milestones so their legal structure continues to support their goals.

It is sensible for each shareholder or director to have the opportunity to take independent advice, even where there is a long-standing personal relationship. Clear documentation and a shared understanding of rights and responsibilities can help preserve those relationships if the business faces challenges or someone wants to leave. We can work with you to create agreements that are fair, transparent, and clearly explained to everyone involved.

Being rooted in Solihull for more than 40 years means we know the local business community well. We understand the typical challenges new companies face here, including premises, staffing, and local market conditions. This insight, together with our relationship-focused approach, helps us support you not only with legal documents but with practical, locally informed guidance.

Yes. One of our strengths as a long-established Solihull firm is our ability to build ongoing relationships with our clients. As your company develops, we can support you with commercial contracts, employment issues, property matters, and, eventually, succession or sale planning. You will usually deal with the same solicitor who helped set up your company, providing continuity and a deeper understanding of your business.

Off-the-shelf documents may seem convenient, but they rarely reflect the specific realities of your business or the relationship between owners. Important issues might be omitted or dealt with in a way that does not suit your situation. By taking the time to understand your plans and tailoring documents accordingly, we help reduce the risk of costly disputes or the need for restructuring later.

Once key decisions are made, a straightforward company incorporation can often be completed relatively quickly. However, the time required to agree and draft bespoke documents, such as shareholders’ agreements and tailored articles, will depend on the complexity of the arrangements and the number of parties involved. We will discuss expected timelines with you at the outset.

Yes. Many established businesses decide to incorporate after trading as a sole trader or partnership. We can assist with transferring assets, drafting appropriate documentation, and ensuring that contracts, property arrangements, and employment relationships are properly moved across. We also liaise with your accountant to consider any tax implications.

Company directors must act in the best interests of the company, exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence, and comply with statutory duties such as avoiding conflicts of interest and not accepting benefits from third parties in certain circumstances. We explain these duties in straightforward terms and, where relevant, provide guidance on how to manage potential conflicts or difficult decisions.

Typical topics include decision-making processes, reserved matters needing unanimous consent, dividend policy, share transfers, death or incapacity of a shareholder, restrictions on competing businesses, and procedures for bringing in or removing shareholders. We work with you to identify what matters most in your specific situation and draft an agreement that captures those priorities.

If your company has more than one shareholder, a shareholders’ agreement is strongly recommended. It sets out how decisions are made, how profits are shared, what happens if someone wants to leave, and how disputes are handled. Without this, disagreements may be harder to resolve, and there may be uncertainty about rights and obligations. A well-drafted agreement can prevent major issues later and provide a clear roadmap if circumstances change.

A limited company is a separate legal entity. In many cases, this means shareholders’ personal liability is limited to the amount they have invested, whereas a sole trader is personally responsible for business debts. Companies can also offer more flexibility around share ownership, investment, and succession planning. However, they come with extra reporting and compliance obligations, so it is important to weigh both sides.