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Incorporation and Structure

Incorporation and Structure

24 articles on incorporation and structure for UK limited company directors, contractors, sole traders and small businesses.

  • Incorporation and Structure

    Can My Startup Claim Tax Relief on Costs Incurred Before Incorporation?

    If you spent money setting up your business before the company was legally formed, those costs are not automatically lost. The rules around pre-incorporation expenses are specific, and getting them wrong means losing tax relief or triggering an unexpected VAT bill. We explain which costs qualify, which do not, and how to handle them correctly.

    8 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    What Does a Funded Startup Need From an Accountant Before Revenue?

    If you've raised funding but haven't made a sale yet, your accounting needs are different from a profitable business. This guide covers share structure, EMI options, investor reporting, and corporation tax planning for pre-revenue funded startups in the UK.

    8 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    What Does a Startup Founder Need From an Accountant for Startup?

    Founder-stage businesses have different accounting needs than established SMEs. This guide covers incorporation, share structures, R&D tax credits, director pay, and the specific services a startup accountant should provide from day one.

    9 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    Should You Set Up a Family Investment Company in the UK?

    A Family Investment Company (FIC) is a private limited company set up to hold and grow family wealth, rather than trade a business. It gives you control over when and to whom income and capital are distributed, making it a common structure for high-net-worth families. But it is not a simple off-the-shelf solution, and the tax trade-offs need careful planning.

    10 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    What Is a Holding Company Structure and How Does It Affect UK Tax?

    A holding company structure can save tax, protect assets and simplify group management. This guide covers how it works for UK limited companies, including corporation tax, group relief, dividend planning and BADR considerations.

    9 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    How to Structure a Holding Company With Two Trading Subsidiaries for Tax Efficiency

    Setting up a holding company above two trading subsidiaries can reduce your overall tax bill, protect assets and make it easier to sell one business without triggering a tax charge on the other. This guide explains how the structure works, what the tax rules are and the practical steps involved.

    9 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    How to Register a Limited Company UK with a Protected Business Name

    Registering a limited company is straightforward via Companies House, but if your chosen name is too similar to an existing trademark, you risk rejection or legal action. This guide covers the practical steps to check your name, navigate objections, and register safely.

    7 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    How to Register a Limited Company UK With a Protected Business Name

    Registering a limited company in the UK is straightforward, but if your preferred name is taken or too similar to an existing trademark, the process gets trickier. This guide covers how to check name availability, navigate Companies House rules, and avoid trademark infringement before you incorporate.

    9 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    How To Switch From Sole Trader To Limited Company in 2025/26

    Thinking of moving from sole trader to limited company? This guide covers the practical steps: registering your new company, transferring contracts, handling VAT, and the tax implications for 2025/26.

    9 min read
  • Incorporation and Structure

    Limited Company vs LLP for a Consultant: Which Structure Works Best?

    Choosing between a limited company and a limited liability partnership (LLP) for your consulting business depends on your client base, income level, and whether you work alone or with others. This guide compares tax treatment, personal liability, admin burden, and exit options so you can decide.

    10 min read