1st Formations – Company Formation UK
Starting a business in the UK has never been easier, thanks to modern online company formation UK services like 1st Formations. For decades, entrepreneurs had to deal with mountains of paperwork and long waiting times when setting up a company. Today, you can register a company UK entirely online in just a few hours, making it faster and more accessible for startups, small businesses, and overseas entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in the UK.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur, a growing startup, or even an overseas founder entering the UK market, choosing the right formation agent can make all the difference. By using a professional service like 1st Formations, you can save valuable time, money, and avoid unnecessary compliance headaches. The process of limited company formation might seem daunting at first, but with expert guidance, it becomes straightforward and stress-free.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how 1st Formations supports businesses of all sizes with cost-effective, efficient, and fully compliant incorporation services. From explaining how to register a company UK to breaking down package options, legal requirements, and real customer reviews, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Whether you’re considering a simple online company formation UK service or want the full support of a trusted provider, you’ll find out if 1st Formations is the right fit for your business journey.
Let’s dive in and explore why 1st Formations is one of the most trusted names in company formation UK.
📑 Table of Contents:
- 🧾 What Is 1st Formations?
- 🚀 Why Use 1st Formations for Your Startup?
- 🇬🇧 How 1st Formations Supports UK Entrepreneurs
- 🌍 Company Formation for Non-Residents
- 💼 Key Services Offered
- 📦 A Breakdown of Packages
- 🏢 1st Formations Business Address Services Explained
- 📈 Staying Compliant: Annual Filings, VAT & More
- 🤝 Partnerships & Integrations: Business Bank Accounts & Legal Tools
- 💬 Real Customer Reviews: What Startups Say About 1st Formations
- 🏷️ 1st Formations Pricing and Discounts
- ❓ FAQs
- 🔄 Recap: Why Startups Choose 1st Formations
- 🧠 Final Verdict: Should You Use 1st Formations?
- 📚 Related Posts
🧾 What Is 1st Formations?
1st Formations is one of the UK’s leading online company formation agents, offering entrepreneurs a fast, reliable way to register a UK limited company. With thousands of verified 5-star reviews, this Companies House-authorised service helps startups, SMEs, freelancers, and even overseas founders launch a business in the UK—within hours.
They offer everything from basic company registration to complete startup support, including:
- Online company formation in minutes
- Registered office address in Central London
- Director’s privacy address
- Business mail forwarding
- Legal documents
- Banking and accountancy partner perks
- Filing support and compliance
Whether you’re forming your first limited company or switching from a different agent, 1st Formations streamlines the process with affordable pricing and excellent customer support.
🚀 Why Use 1st Formations for Your Startup?
Starting a UK company can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the process. Between Companies House paperwork, choosing the right business structure, and ensuring compliance with HMRC, there’s a lot to consider. That’s exactly where 1st Formations comes in — making the entire company formation UK process simple, fast, and affordable.
When you choose 1st Formations, you’re not just buying a service — you’re getting step-by-step support to register a company UK in a matter of hours. For many founders, the idea of limited company formation can feel daunting, but with the right provider, it becomes a smooth and stress-free experience.
✅ Key benefits include:
- Fast turnaround times – Most companies are incorporated and approved by Companies House in under 3 hours, meaning you can start trading the very same day.
- Simple online application – Everything is handled through a user-friendly portal, making online company formation UK faster than ever.
- No legal knowledge required – 1st Formations guides you through each step, so you don’t need to worry about legal jargon or compliance pitfalls.
- All packages include the mandatory Companies House incorporation fee, with clear upfront pricing and no hidden charges.
- Dedicated customer support – Access expert help by phone, email, or live chat whenever you need it.
- Digital and printed options – Receive fully digital documentation instantly, with the choice of professional printed packs for presentation.
This makes 1st Formations particularly attractive to startups that want a professional image, a registered London address, and trusted guidance throughout their setup journey. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward limited company formation or a full-service package, 1st Formations ensures your new business is established on the right foundations.rofessional image, a London address, and guidance throughout their business setup journey.
🇬🇧 How 1st Formations Supports UK Entrepreneurs:
Specifically designed to support UK-based entrepreneurs and small business owners, whether you’re launching a consultancy, opening an ecommerce shop, starting a tech venture, or even forming a holding company, 1st Formations makes the entire company formation UK process straightforward and stress-free.
By choosing them you gain access to a wide range of services that simplify the journey of setting up a business:
- Company limited by shares or guarantee – Whether you want to create a standard private limited company or a not-for-profit entity, 1st Formations makes limited company formation fast and easy.
- Same-day submission to Companies House – In many cases, you can register a company UK and begin trading within just a few working hours.
- All statutory legal documents included – Receive your certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and share certificates without delay.
- Registered address services – Protect your privacy with a prestigious London address while keeping your home address off the public record.
- Access to UK business bank accounts – 1st Formations partners with leading banks and fintechs, helping you open the right account as soon as your company is registered.
- Free guides and resources – Stay informed with step-by-step resources tailored to new founders navigating online company formation UK for the first time.
For UK residents forming a limited company, the process couldn’t be simpler. You don’t need to print or post anything — everything is handled digitally and securely. By using them, you can complete the entire incorporation process online, legally, and with confidence, knowing that expert support is available whenever you need it.
🌍 Company Formation for Non-Residents:
1st Formations also offers some of the best services in the UK for non-residents. You don’t need to live in the UK to form a company here, and 1st Formations makes it extremely simple for international founders to get started.
Key services for non-UK residents:
- Non-Resident Package with all essentials included
- Registered office in London
- International mail forwarding
- Director’s privacy address
- Apostilled documents for overseas government recognition
- Banking introductions suited for international clients
This makes them ideal for digital nomads, Amazon sellers, SaaS founders, and entrepreneurs from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, or North America looking to trade in the UK.
💼 Key Services Offered by 1st Formations:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Company Formation | Set up a limited company, LLP, or limited by guarantee firm |
| Registered Office Address | Fulfil legal requirements with a professional London address |
| Director’s Service Address | Protects your residential address from public view |
| Business Mail Forwarding | Worldwide mail forwarding options available |
| Confirmation Statement Filing | Required annual filing to Companies House |
| Dormant Company Accounts Filing | For companies not trading yet |
| Share Transfers & Changes | Manage equity and director updates easily |
| VAT Registration Support | Help getting VAT registered with HMRC |
| PSC Register Maintenance | Maintain required registers of significant control |
| Apostille Services | Legalise UK documents for international use |
| Business Banking Referrals | Partner banks for UK business accounts |
| Printed & Bound Company Packs | Professional presentation of legal documents |
📦 A Breakdown of Packages:
1st Formations offers a clear and transparent pricing structure to suit all types of founders.
🌱 Digital Package – £52.99 + VAT
- Online company formation with Companies House
- Digital incorporation documents
- Secure online account access
🧾 Privacy Package – £67.99 + VAT
- Includes all Digital Package benefits
- 1 year of registered office address
- 1 year of director’s service address
- Protects your home address from being published
🧳 All Inclusive Package – £89.99 + VAT
- Includes all three address services for 1 year
- VAT Registration
- PAYE Registration
- Full Company Secretary Service
- GDPR Compliance Package
- Free 4 hours of meeting room hire
- Printed company documents
🌍 Non-Residents Package – £149.99 + VAT
- Designed specifically for overseas founders
- Includes address services and international support
- Ideal for non-UK residents registering a UK company
All prices include Companies House fees and come with no hidden charges.
🏢 Business Address Services Explained:
A Central London address boosts credibility, keeps your private data safe, and is required by law for UK limited companies.
Registered Office Address
- Required for all UK companies
- Protects your home address
- Located in London EC1
Director’s Service Address
- Stops your personal address from appearing on the Companies House register
- Includes daily mail scanning and forwarding options
Business Mail Forwarding
- Use a professional business address
- Mail can be forwarded daily, weekly, or monthly
- Supports both domestic and international clients
Having a London address not only protects your privacy but also makes your business appear more established and trustworthy.
📈 Staying Compliant: Annual Filings, VAT & More:
There is a full suite of compliance services to keep your business running smoothly year after year.
- Annual Confirmation Statement – Required filing to keep Companies House updated
- Dormant Company Accounts – Avoid penalties if you’re not yet trading
- VAT Registration – For companies expecting turnover over £90,000
- Share structure changes – Easily manage equity
- PSC Register and Officer Changes – Stay in line with UK laws
All these services are optional add-ons, giving you flexibility and peace of mind.
🤝 Partnerships & Integrations: Business Bank Accounts & Legal Tools:
1st Formations partners with several top providers to streamline your startup journey.
Business Bank Accounts
- Set up a UK business bank account with trusted Startup Deals partners Tide & Anna Money
- Non-residents may be eligible for select online accounts
Accounting & Legal Services
- Discounted access to legal templates, accountancy packages, and online signature tools
These integrations help new founders take care of everything in one place—from formation to banking to legal support.
🏷️ Pricing and Discounts:
Here’s a quick look at how affordable company formation can be:
- Digital Package – £52.99 + VAT
- Privacy Package – £67.99 + VAT
- All Inclusive Package – £89.99 + VAT
- Non-Residents Package – £149.99 + VAT
How to Save More:
- Look for referral schemes if you’re forming multiple companies
- Watch for promo codes on their homepage
- Bundle services for discounts
- Check StartupDeals.co.uk for exclusive partner offers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do I need to live in the UK to use 1st Formations?
No, you don’t need to be based in the UK. There is a Non-Resident Package specifically designed for international entrepreneurs. This makes it possible for overseas clients to set up a business in the UK without needing a UK address or residency status.
How long does company registration take?
The process is usually very quick. Most applications are approved by Companies House within 3 to 6 working hours. However, it can sometimes take up to 24 hours during busy periods or if additional checks are required.
Are they approved by Companies House?
Yes, they are an officially authorised Companies House e-filing agent. This means they can submit applications electronically, ensuring faster processing and fewer delays.
What’s included in the printed company pack?
The printed pack typically includes a certificate of incorporation, share certificates, a company register, and other essential documents presented in a professional folder. This is ideal if you want official paperwork for record-keeping or to present to clients and partners.
Can I use their address on my website and business cards?
Yes. If you select a business address service, you can display it on your website, letterheads, and business cards. This not only protects your privacy but also provides your business with a more professional image.
Do I need to have a business bank account before registering?
No. You can set up your company first, and then open a business bank account afterwards. In fact, many formation agents provide introductions to partner banks once your company has been approved.
Can I set up a company if I’m the only director and shareholder?
Absolutely. You can start a company with just one person acting as both director and shareholder. Later, you can appoint additional directors or issue shares if your business grows.
What happens if my chosen company name is already taken?
During the application process, you’ll be prompted to choose a different name if your first choice is unavailable. 1st Formations also provides a name search tool to check availability before submission.
Will I need to submit paperwork by post?
No. The entire process is handled online. You’ll receive digital copies of your documents as soon as they’re approved, and printed packs can be ordered if you prefer physical copies.
Do I have to handle tax registration myself?
Once your company is formed, you’ll need to register for Corporation Tax with HMRC. Many formation agents offer guidance and reminders to make sure you meet all your tax obligations.
What support is available after my company is registered?
Support doesn’t end once your company is formed. You can access ongoing services such as annual return filing, confirmation statement submissions, registered office renewals, and business address updates.
🔄 Recap: Why Startups Choose 1st Formations:
When it comes to company formation UK, 1st Formations has built a reputation as one of the most trusted providers on the market. They’ve already helped more than 1 million businesses start their journey, with over 25,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot — clear proof of their credibility.
Some of the biggest reasons entrepreneurs prefer 1st Formations include:
- ✅ Trusted by 1 million+ businesses – A proven track record that reassures new founders.
- ✅ Over 25,000 5-star Trustpilot reviews – Independent validation from satisfied customers.
- ✅ UK and non-UK residents can register a company UK in hours – Perfect for both domestic and overseas entrepreneurs.
- ✅ Full address privacy with London locations – Keep your personal details secure while projecting a professional image.
- ✅ Digital and printed legal documents – Instant access online, with the option of high-quality physical packs.
- ✅ Affordable packages starting from just £52.99 – Transparent pricing that makes limited company formation accessible to everyone.
- ✅ One-stop-shop for banking, legal, and compliance – Everything you need in one place.
- ✅ Great support and partner deals – Access to exclusive discounts and resources for your new business.
1st Formations makes it simpler than ever to incorporate, launch, and manage a UK limited company, while also providing ongoing tools to help you grow.
🧠 Final Verdict: Should You Use 1st Formations?
If you’re planning to start a business in the UK, 1st Formations is one of the best platforms for online company formation UK. Their streamlined service takes the stress out of paperwork, while their optional add-ons — such as registered office addresses and banking introductions — give startups and small businesses the professional edge they need.
From straightforward packages designed for budget-conscious founders, to premium bundles that cover compliance and support in detail, 1st Formations offers a solution for every type of entrepreneur. Whether you’re a sole founder, launching a startup with co-directors, or an overseas entrepreneur looking to register a company UK, 1st Formations makes the process quick, legal, and hassle-free.
In short: if you want a provider that combines speed, affordability, and expert support, then they are a top choice. For anyone looking at limited company formation or considering an online company formation UK service, 1st Formations delivers the complete package.
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