Forming a limited company is a major milestone for any entrepreneur — but without the right guidance, it can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork, regulations, and decisions. If you’re starting a business in Salford or Swinton, having an expert company formation accountant on your side can make the process faster, easier, and fully compliant.
At Cogency Chartered Accountants, we specialise in supporting startups and growing businesses with a complete range of company formation and corporate services. Here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist to help you form your company the right way.
✅ Step 1: Decide If a Limited Company Is Right for You
There are several business structures in the UK — including sole trader, partnership, and limited company. A limited company offers benefits like limited liability and potential tax efficiency, but also comes with more responsibilities.
Cogency Tip: We can advise on the most suitable structure based on your goals and help you understand how it will impact your tax and legal obligations.
✅ Step 2: Choose a Company Name
Your company name must be unique and meet Companies House naming guidelines. It cannot be too similar to another registered business and must not include any restricted words.
Cogency Tip: We’ll help you check name availability and avoid names that could raise red flags with regulators.
✅ Step 3: Register with Companies House
All UK limited companies must be registered with Companies House. You’ll need to provide:
- Your company name and address (must be a UK address)
- Details of directors and shareholders
- Statement of capital and shares
- Memorandum and articles of association
Cogency Tip: We handle all of this for you, ensuring nothing is missed or submitted incorrectly.
✅ Step 4: Set Up a Business Bank Account
Opening a business bank account is essential for managing finances, separating personal and business transactions, and complying with HMRC requirements.
Cogency Tip: We’ll help you prepare the necessary documentation and guide you through choosing a suitable bank.
✅ Step 5: Register for Corporation Tax and Other HMRC Requirements
Once your company is formed, you must register for Corporation Tax within 3 months. Depending on your business type, you may also need to register for:
- VAT
- PAYE (for employing staff)
- Self Assessment (for directors)
Cogency Tip: As part of our accountancy services, we handle HMRC registrations and make sure your business stays compliant from day one.
✅ Step 6: Set Up a Proper Record-Keeping System
Limited companies are required to keep accurate financial records and file annual accounts and confirmation statements.
Cogency Tip: We’ll set up a cloud-based bookkeeping system and provide ongoing support to make financial admin easy.
✅ Step 7: Get Corporate Governance and Shareholding Right
This includes drafting shareholders’ agreements, allocating shares, and ensuring your governance documents reflect how you intend to run your business.
Cogency Tip: We help structure your company correctly and prepare all the documents needed to avoid future disputes.
✅ Step 8: Appoint a Professional Advisor
With ongoing compliance requirements, tax planning needs, and reporting duties, having a reliable accountant is essential.
Cogency Tip: As your trusted company formation accountant in Salford and Swinton, we don’t just get you set up — we’re here to support your long-term growth.
Why Choose Cogency?
At Cogency Chartered Accountants, we offer:
- Friendly, expert guidance tailored to your industry
- Fast and accurate company formation
- Full access to our accounting, tax, and business support services
- A dedicated point of contact based locally in Salford and Swinton
Let us take the stress out of setting up your business.
Ready to Get Started?
Explore our Company Formation & Corporate Services or contact us today to speak to one of our expert accountants. Or return to our homepage for more information.