Company Formation
Start and grow
your dream business
The simplest way to set up a UK company
Over 25,000 excellent customer reviews
Limited company formation packages
Explore our full range of packages.
Digital
Top Features
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LTD Company×
LTD Company
Your new limited company registered at Companies House within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company has been approved by Companies House, you can start trading immediately.
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£50 Companies×
£50 Companies House Fee Included
The Companies House filing fee of £50 for company incorporation is included in the package price. Registering your new company with 1st Formations incurs no additional costs.
House Fee Included -
Free Business×
Free Business Bank Account
UK Customers
We have partnered with 7 leading UK banks to offer our customers the perfect business banking solution. When you place your new company order, simply choose your preferred bank, and they will contact you after your company has been formed.
Non-Resident Customers
We have partnered with WorldFirst to offer our international customers a business banking solution. We have included a WorldFirst business account referral in our Non-Residents and eSeller Packages.
Please note: Account openings for all banking referral partners are subject to approval.
Bank Account -
Digital Company Documents×
Digital Company Documents
Your company documents delivered to you by email as soon as your new company is registered, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Share Certificates
- WebFiling Authentication Code
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Confirmation×
Confirmation Statement Service
A company expert will prepare and submit your annual confirmation statement to Companies House, ensuring it is filed on time and accurately.
Please note: This service does not include the £34.00 Companies House filing fee. When filing your first confirmation statement, we will take payment of £34.00 using your payment card details securely stored in your account.
Our Confirmation Statement Service is renewable annually at the cost of £59.99 +VAT.
Statement Service
Privacy
Top Features
-
LTD Company×
LTD Company
Your new limited company registered at Companies House within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company has been approved by Companies House, you can start trading immediately.
-
£50 Companies×
£50 Companies House Fee Included
The Companies House filing fee of £50 for company incorporation is included in the package price. Registering your new company with 1st Formations incurs no additional costs.
House Fee Included -
Free Business×
Free Business Bank Account
UK Customers
We have partnered with 7 leading UK banks to offer our customers the perfect business banking solution. When you place your new company order, simply choose your preferred bank, and they will contact you after your company has been formed.
Non-Resident Customers
We have partnered with WorldFirst to offer our international customers a business banking solution. We have included a WorldFirst business account referral in our Non-Residents and eSeller Packages.
Please note: Account openings for all banking referral partners are subject to approval.
Bank Account -
Digital Company Documents×
Digital Company Documents
Your company documents delivered to you by email as soon as your new company is registered, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Share Certificates
- WebFiling Authentication Code
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London×
London Registered Office
Use our prestigious Covent Garden address as your company’s registered office address and protect the privacy of your home.
All UK government mail and court documents will be scanned and emailed to you daily, free of charge.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £39.00 +VAT.
Registered Office -
London×
London Service Address
Our Service Address Service provides an official address for a company director, shareholder, or PSC to appear on the public record.
All UK government mail and Court documents addressed to the company officer will be scanned and emailed free of charge daily.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £26.00 +VAT.
Service Address -
Confirmation×
Confirmation Statement Service
A company expert will prepare and submit your annual confirmation statement to Companies House, ensuring it is filed on time and accurately.
Please note: This service does not include the £34.00 Companies House filing fee. When filing your first confirmation statement, we will take payment of £34.00 using your payment card details securely stored in your account.
Our Confirmation Statement Service is renewable annually at the cost of £59.99 +VAT.
Statement Service
Professional
Top Features
-
LTD Company×
LTD Company
Your new limited company registered at Companies House within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company has been approved by Companies House, you can start trading immediately.
-
£50 Companies×
£50 Companies House Fee Included
The Companies House filing fee of £50 for company incorporation is included in the package price. Registering your new company with 1st Formations incurs no additional costs.
House Fee Included -
Free Business×
Free Business Bank Account
UK Customers
We have partnered with 7 leading UK banks to offer our customers the perfect business banking solution. When you place your new company order, simply choose your preferred bank, and they will contact you after your company has been formed.
Non-Resident Customers
We have partnered with WorldFirst to offer our international customers a business banking solution. We have included a WorldFirst business account referral in our Non-Residents and eSeller Packages.
Please note: Account openings for all banking referral partners are subject to approval.
Bank Account -
Digital & Printed×
Digital & Printed Company Documents
Your company documents will be delivered to you by email and a hardcopy by post as soon as your new company is registered, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Share Certificates
- WebFiling Authentication Code
Company Documents -
London×
London Registered Office
Use our prestigious Covent Garden address as your company’s registered office address and protect the privacy of your home.
All UK government mail and court documents will be scanned and emailed to you daily, free of charge.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £39.00 +VAT.
Registered Office -
London×
London Service Address
Our Service Address Service provides an official address for a company director, shareholder, or PSC to appear on the public record.
All UK government mail and Court documents addressed to the company officer will be scanned and emailed free of charge daily.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £26.00 +VAT.
Service Address -
Confirmation×
Confirmation Statement Service
A company expert will prepare and submit your annual confirmation statement to Companies House, ensuring it is filed on time and accurately.
Please note: This service does not include the £34.00 Companies House filing fee. When filing your first confirmation statement, we will take payment of £34.00 using your payment card details securely stored in your account.
Our Confirmation Statement Service is renewable annually at the cost of £59.99 +VAT.
Statement Service
Prestige
Top Features
-
LTD Company×
LTD Company
Your new limited company registered at Companies House within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company has been approved by Companies House, you can start trading immediately.
-
£50 Companies×
£50 Companies House Fee Included
The Companies House filing fee of £50 for company incorporation is included in the package price. Registering your new company with 1st Formations incurs no additional costs.
House Fee Included -
Free Business×
Free Business Bank Account
UK Customers
We have partnered with 7 leading UK banks to offer our customers the perfect business banking solution. When you place your new company order, simply choose your preferred bank, and they will contact you after your company has been formed.
Non-Resident Customers
We have partnered with WorldFirst to offer our international customers a business banking solution. We have included a WorldFirst business account referral in our Non-Residents and eSeller Packages.
Please note: Account openings for all banking referral partners are subject to approval.
Bank Account -
Digital & Printed×
Digital & Printed Company Documents
Your company documents will be delivered to you by email and a hardcopy by post as soon as your new company is registered, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Share Certificates
- WebFiling Authentication Code
Company Documents -
London×
London Registered Office
Use our prestigious Covent Garden address as your company’s registered office address and protect the privacy of your home.
All UK government mail and court documents will be scanned and emailed to you daily, free of charge.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £39.00 +VAT.
Registered Office -
London×
London Service Address
Our Service Address Service provides an official address for a company director, shareholder, or PSC to appear on the public record.
All UK government mail and Court documents addressed to the company officer will be scanned and emailed free of charge daily.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £26.00 +VAT.
Service Address -
London×
London Business Address
Our London Business Address Service allows you to use our Covent Garden address for your day-to-day business correspondence, establishing a business presence in Central London.
All mail addressed to your company will be forwarded to you by scan and email on the same day we receive it for £0.50 per item.
This service is renewable annually at the cost of £96.00 +VAT.
Business Address -
Confirmation×
Confirmation Statement Service
A company expert will prepare and submit your annual confirmation statement to Companies House, ensuring it is filed on time and accurately.
Please note: This service does not include the £34.00 Companies House filing fee. When filing your first confirmation statement, we will take payment of £34.00 using your payment card details securely stored in your account.
Our Confirmation Statement Service is renewable annually at the cost of £59.99 +VAT.
Statement Service -
VAT Registration×
VAT Registration
Allow our highly trained staff to handle the formalities of your VAT registration.
We will apply for your VAT registration online.
Once your VAT registration has been approved, HMRC will send your VAT Registration Number by post to the business address provided on the application. You will then be able to access your VAT Registration Certificate online on the Government Gateway.
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PAYE Registration×
PAYE Registration
If you would like to pay yourself as a company director or have employees or other directors who will be taking a salary from your company, you must register for PAYE with HMRC.
Our highly trained staff will take care of the registration on your behalf.
The PAYE registration process usually takes around 3 weeks, and your PAYE information will be sent to you by post directly from HMRC.
All Inclusive
Top Features
-
LTD Company×
LTD Company
Your new limited company registered at Companies House within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company has been approved by Companies House, you can start trading immediately.
-
£50 Companies×
£50 Companies House Fee Included
The Companies House filing fee of £50 for company incorporation is included in the package price. Registering your new company with 1st Formations incurs no additional costs.
House Fee Included -
Free Business×
Free Business Bank Account
UK Customers
We have partnered with 7 leading UK banks to offer our customers the perfect business banking solution. When you place your new company order, simply choose your preferred bank, and they will contact you after your company has been formed.
Non-Resident Customers
We have partnered with WorldFirst to offer our international customers a business banking solution. We have included a WorldFirst business account referral in our Non-Residents and eSeller Packages.
Please note: Account openings for all banking referral partners are subject to approval.
Bank Account -
Digital & Printed×
Digital & Printed Company Documents
Your company documents will be delivered to you by email and a hardcopy by post as soon as your new company is registered, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles
- Share Certificates
- WebFiling Authentication Code
Company Documents -
London×
London Registered Office
Use our prestigious Covent Garden address as your company’s registered office address and protect the privacy of your home.
All UK government mail and court documents will be scanned and emailed to you daily, free of charge.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £39.00 +VAT.
Registered Office -
London×
London Service Address
Our Service Address Service provides an official address for a company director, shareholder, or PSC to appear on the public record.
All UK government mail and Court documents addressed to the company officer will be scanned and emailed free of charge daily.
This service is renewable on a 12-month basis at the cost of £26.00 +VAT.
Service Address -
London×
London Business Address
Our London Business Address Service allows you to use our Covent Garden address for your day-to-day business correspondence, establishing a business presence in Central London.
All mail addressed to your company will be forwarded to you by scan and email on the same day we receive it for £0.50 per item.
This service is renewable annually at the cost of £96.00 +VAT.
Business Address -
Confirmation×
Confirmation Statement Service
A company expert will prepare and submit your annual confirmation statement to Companies House, ensuring it is filed on time and accurately.
Please note: This service does not include the £34.00 Companies House filing fee. When filing your first confirmation statement, we will take payment of £34.00 using your payment card details securely stored in your account.
Our Confirmation Statement Service is renewable annually at the cost of £59.99 +VAT.
Statement Service -
VAT Registration×
VAT Registration
Allow our highly trained staff to handle the formalities of your VAT registration.
We will apply for your VAT registration online.
Once your VAT registration has been approved, HMRC will send your VAT Registration Number by post to the business address provided on the application. You will then be able to access your VAT Registration Certificate online on the Government Gateway.
-
PAYE Registration×
PAYE Registration
If you would like to pay yourself as a company director or have employees or other directors who will be taking a salary from your company, you must register for PAYE with HMRC.
Our highly trained staff will take care of the registration on your behalf.
The PAYE registration process usually takes around 3 weeks, and your PAYE information will be sent to you by post directly from HMRC.
-
Full Company×
Full Company Secretary Service
Our Full Company Secretary Service is our premium service. It provides up to 15 changes to your company per year to ensure your company stays compliant and offers many other benefits.
What's included?
- Up to 15 changes to your company per year
- Preparation and filing of your annual Confirmation Statement, including the Companies House filing fee of £34.00
- Preparation, maintenance and storage of your five company registers
- Exclusive solicitor-written guidance notes covering key topics and processes you need to be aware of when running a company
- Exclusive monthly newsletter covering key business news and topics, FAQs, service insights, and more
- If your company is dormant, we will prepare and file your dormant company accounts
- A dedicated account manager on hand to answer your questions and process your instructions
Renewal Cost
Our Full Company Secretary Service is renewable annually for £149.99 +VAT.
Secretary Service
Take the first step
Set up a limited company today, and start trading tomorrow
Non-Residents Package
Start and grow your UK business from anywhere in the world
This package includes limited company registration, business banking, registered office and business address services, with same-day digital mail service and international mail forwarding (plus more). A full list of eligible countries can be found here.
The best choice of
business bank accounts
Form your company with 1st Formations and set up your
business bank account with no paperwork or stress
Barclays business bank account
This leading high street bank offers a business bank account with no fees for the first 12 months. Their App allows you to manage your account online, make payments locally and internationally, and create invoices for free.
How to apply
Once your company has been formed, Barclays will contact you with details on how to open your account. Your account will be opened within 6 to 8 weeks, and your business debit card will arrive within 5 days of the account being activated.
NatWest start up business account
Established high street bank NatWest offer a business bank account with no transaction fees for the first 18 months. They also provide a range of borrowing options to help grow your business.
How to apply
NatWest will email you within 1 day of your company's incorporation with instructions for opening your account.
Monzo business bank account
This business bank account offers spending notifications, pots to separate and manage your money, FSCS protection, and instant UK bank transfers. Starting with no monthly fees, it's a great choice for businesses.
How to apply
Monzo will email you within 24 hours of your company's formation to guide you through the account opening process.
HSBC Kinetic business current account
This business bank account helps you manage your company's finances with an App that provides categorised spending, mobile cheque deposit, the ability to make in-app payments of up to £25,000 per day and monthly cashflow outlook. There is no monthly account fee for the first 12 months.
How to apply
Once your company has been formed, HSBC will email instructions on downloading their App. Once downloaded, you can apply in minutes, with most accounts being opened within 2 days.
ANNA business bank account
This online business banking solution provides free money transfers and ATM transactions, 1% cashback on business expenses paid with your debit card, and the ability to set up direct debits. ANNA also provide multiple debit cards with customisable spending limits.
How to apply
Once your company is incorporated, you'll receive an email and SMS with a link to start your online application. Most accounts are opened in just 3 minutes, with your company's debit card arriving within 5 working days.
Zempler business current account
An online business bank account which includes expense cards, a business Mastercard and an award-winning app. You can set up direct debits, make purchases for free and arrange a business overdraft of up to £2,000.
How to apply
Once your company is formed, Zempler will contact you to complete a quick application. With no credit checks required, you'll receive your UK bank account and sort code within 5 minutes. Your business Mastercard will follow in the post within 5 working days of your account being opened.
WorldFirst UK Business Account – for non-UK residents
A straightforward business banking solution for non-UK resident customers. Apply for an account in minutes and gain access to local account numbers and sort codes for over 10 currencies, including USD, GBP, and EUR. Pay staff partners, and suppliers in over 40 currencies and integrate with Xero for simple accounting and reconciliation.
How to apply
A referral is included free with our Non-Residents and eSeller packages. Once your company has been formed, you'll receive an 'Order Fulfilment' email containing a link to sign up for a WorldFirst Business Account. If your application is successful, you'll receive your UK bank sort code and account number shortly after. Account openings are subject to approval.
Tide business current account
Business banking with Tide allows you to simplify your company's financial management. Their business account App integrates with tools like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and others, so you can take care of accounting and invoicing all in one place.
How to apply
After forming your company, complete a simple online application and your account will be opened within an hour. Once your account is open, your free business Mastercard will be sent to you.
Company formation in 4 simple steps
Our easy company registration process gets your business up and running in no time
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1. Company Name
Begin by searching for your company name to see if it is available for registration.
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2. Select Package
Select the package that is right for you. We have a range of different options.
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3. Checkout
Proceed to checkout. You will also have the option to add additional services.
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4. Company Details
Quickly fill in your company details and let us take care of the rest.
Start your success story today
With the support of 1st Formations, Tax Scouts transformed their startup into a global business
New to company formation?
Created for beginners, this short video will provide you with everything you need to know
about the
company formation
process - in the simplest of terms. Watch it and register your company today.
Everything was in one place, and it was easy to use for somebody who didn't really know what they were doing.
Liz Fraser, Dot Dot Dash Coaching View customer story
Grow your business with offers
from our partners
We have teamed up with some of the top business brands
in the world to give our customers a range of special offers and discounts
We are a carbon
neutral business
As of June 2022, we are delighted to be certified as a Carbon Neutral Business by Carbon Neutral Britain
Recent company formation reviews
Take a look at what our customers say after registering a company with us
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“I found it to be ultra-convenient and efficient despite being miles away. I recommend these 1st Formations wholeheartedly.” (3 September 2024)
Legacy Advisory Services Ltd
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“Overall, my experience with 1st Formation was excellent. They made the company formation process so simple and smooth, and their constant communication gave me complete peace of mind. ” (12 January 2024)
Prodcazaco Ltd
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“The process of getting registered and options available made this a no-brainer! Thank you for making everything so simple.” (3 September 2024)
Enlightenment Planning Ltd
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“I would like to thank the team of professionals at 1st Formations for being so quick in responding, so professional and super helpful! Thank you for providing such decent services for formatting own company.” (2 September 2024)
Aster Partners Llp
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“Setting up my business was incredibly straightforward. The process was quick, the instructions were clear, and I felt supported every step of the way. Highly recommended for anyone looking to establish their company with ease!” (2 September 2024)
Unusual Creations Ltd
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“Brilliant service even for a complete novice like me.” (11 September 2024)
Helenxp Ltd
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“Was very easy and straightforward.” (11 September 2024)
D-Address Investments Ltd
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“So pleased with 1st Formations, that’s why I stay with them as they are very professional.” (10 September 2024)
Littlebooking Ltd
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“Fast efficient service from start to finish.” (4 September 2024)
C4K Holdings Ltd
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“They were very clear with the requirements and the process was very smooth. Highly recommended!” (8 September 2024)
Ubikomm Ltd
The information you need
to form a company
Here is what you need to register a company limited by shares - the most popular type of UK company
Helpful videos
Have a look at our videos for business insights, advice and inspiration
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An introduction to B Corp Certification
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A Guide to Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) Schemes
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A Guide to Disciplinary Procedures for Small Companies
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I want to create a UK business presence – can I move my company to the UK?
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What decisions can directors make without shareholder consent?
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9 reasons why you should hold board meetings in your company
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Find your purpose
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It's never too late
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5 reasons not to use your home address as a registered office
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Cold Feet
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How to dissolve a company
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From job loss to being your own boss
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Self Assessment for non-resident UK company owners: Part 2
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Don’t let AI steal your job
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Self Assessment for non-resident UK company owners: Part 1
Meet the people
behind the companies
We helped them set up their company with ease, allowing them to do the things they love without the stress
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“They hold your hand every step of the way which I found incredibly useful, and still find incredibly useful as we grow.”
Mart Abramov Tax Scouts -
“Simple process broken down into easy-to-understand steps. Everything was in one place and easy to use.”
Mark Francis Heron's Ghyll -
“I wanted to make sure that it was the right step that I was taking and 1st Formations gave me that peace of mind.”
Michelle Clark Dogs On The Streets
Why register your company with 1st Formations?
-
We are obsessive
about our customersThe No.1 thing that has made us successful has been our fanatical focus on the customer
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We have been able to
greatly reduce our pricesAs we have grown we've been able to pass on our economies of scale to the customer
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We have the most knowledgeable Customer Service Team
Our company formation training programme is much-admired within our industry
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I form a limited company?
What is meant by a company limited by shares?
How long does it take to register a company?
Can I register a company on my own?
What information do I need to set up a company?
How many shares do I need to issue?
Do I have to be in the UK to form a company?
What methods of payment do 1st Formations accept?
Do I need a business bank account?
When can I start trading with my new company?
What are the annual filings?
Do you provide support after I form my company?
The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Business
Our eBook is available FREE with every company formation package.
Learn how to cultivate a business idea, create a business plan, explore funding strategies, and start your business, with our comprehensive guide. We’ll also show you how to set up a company website, sell online, cope with the stress of running your business – and much more.
Our popular services
1st Formations provide many services to help you set up, maintain and develop your
business after company incorporation. Here is a selection of our most popular services
What you can expect from us...
1st Formations are authorised Companies House formation agents, and we are also a member of ACRA (the Association of Company Registration Agents) ensuring our company documentation is of the highest quality, always up-to-date and compliant with current regulations and legislation.
We are available and ready to support you every step of the way; from tentative initial enquires, to helping you choose a package, to guiding you through the company formation process.
If you need any assistance, or you would like to form your company by telephone with one of our experts, give us a call at 020 3897 2233 .
Once you are ready to start
It’s a simple matter of following our 4 step company formation process: Go to our homepage and find out if your company name is available; choose a package; select any company services you may require, checkout and pay; and complete our 'online company registration form'. This should take you no more than 15 minutes and your new company should be ready to trade within 24 hours.
As soon as your new company is incorporated, we will send you a digital copy of your company documents. Printed documents will take between 24 to 48 hours to reach you by post, and if your package included any address services, these will be set up for you within 3 to 5 working hours.
After company formation
Let’s just say our journey together has just started! 1st Formations provides free customer support for the lifetime of your company. So please call or email us if you need help.
We also provide a free Online Company Manager facility for all customers, where they can maintain and update their company records and details, without having to login and navigate the Companies House website, and a full range of company services .