Web Hosting Basics

Once you have created your website you will need to get it online and available for the whole world to see.

This is where a Web Hosting company can help. A webhost will take your HTML files and store them on their servers. A server is simply a high-spec computer which is connected to the internet 24 hours a day. This allows users around the world to access your content quickly and at anytime. For this service you will usually have to pay a monthly fee or alternatively some webhosts will host your content but will include adverts on your pages.

For users to find your online content you require a URL, or Unique Resource Locator. An example would be: http://www.whcompanyservices.co.uk. The first part of a URL, the part that usually is a company name, is called the domain name. To have nice looking URL's you need to purchase the domain name you want before you engage a web hosting service provider. Most web hosts also sell domain names so you might buy your own domain name as part of the sign up process at the hosting service.

Once you have registered your URL/domain name and have uploaded your files to a webhost it will normally take a few days for servers around the world to identify your URL. So don’t panic if your website does not appear for a couple of days.

Wimpole House Company Services has been in the company start-up and webhosting business for years. We offer reliable webhosting services at competitive prices – check out our full range of webhosting services at: http://www.whcompanyservices.co.uk/web-hosting.html

e-commerce – Low Start-up, High Rewards

These days, it can be really hard to find money especially for those who are the sluggish type. But for the dedicated and hardworking people, there will always be ways to find income-generating opportunities. If you are having difficulty finding a job, then being an entrepreneur could be another option.

It is a common misconception that starting a business would require a huge sum of money to be used as capital. So for those who have limited funds, they automatically disregard entrepreneurship as a means to earn money for a living. So for people out there who want to give entrepreneurialism a try but are held back by insufficient funds, you have to know that there are a lot of business opportunities that would allow you to start up with just a minimal amount of investment.

That is the truth. There are many business opportunities that only entail small principal investment but could yield huge profits. With the internet at your disposal, it will not be too hard for you to focus on as well as the needs of the particular market that you are going to target.

During your research, you have to take note of all the things you are interested in. Creating a comprehensive list will allow you to consider all the factors that would play a great role in the success of your venture after you make a final decision on what field you will engage business in. Also, having a list will prevent you from missing out on a wonderful opportunity that could bring you good fortune.

If you search well enough, you will find out that the internet offers a wide variety of ways to do business. If you have the skills, you can build your own online-based business that would offer services like web designing, article writing, or many other services required by website owners. A lot of people will gladly pay for your services if you can provide good quality work. And after some time, you can hire more people that you can build into a team. But during start-up, you will only need a computer, internet access and loads of skills and hard work.

And if you want to market a product online, you will have a bigger chance of being seen by many potential customers because the internet can reach more people compared to traditional marketing methods. If you like baking cakes, you can simply post pictures of your sample cakes online and you will soon realize that more and more orders will come pouring in. That will not take much from your pocket, don’t you agree?

Wimpole House Company Services are experienced web designers and can offer you complete the complete online business package. Find out more here: Wimpole House Company Services

Be bold with your business- make a lasting impression

Many entrepreneurs make every effort they can to woo potential customers but some fail to invest that little bit extra in quality business stationery. The small cost of upgrading your business cards to a premium and modern print design easily pays for itself when you take into account the amount of customers who hang on to your card. Luxury heavyweight paper mixed with a contemporary and glossy design can make all the difference between a sale or fail situation.

Wimpole House Company Services offers a simple and very competitively priced business stationery services. We also now have a massive 20% saving deal if you buy your business cards, letterheads and compliment slips together! Check out our deals here

Crunching the Numbers on Bookeeping

Bookkeepers manage all the financial data for small companies. Information tracked in the books helps business owners make key decisions involving sales planning and product offerings and manage many other financial aspects of their business.

If it weren’t for the hard work of bookkeepers, companies wouldn’t have any clue about what happens with their financial transactions. Without accurate financial bookkeeping, a company owner wouldn’t know how many sales were made, how much cash was collected, or how much cash was paid for the products sold to customers during the year. He also wouldn’t know how much cash was paid to employees or how much cash was spent on other business needs throughout the year.

Accurate and complete financial bookkeeping is crucial to any business owner, but it’s also important to those who work with the business, such as investors, financial institutions, and employees. People both inside (managers, owners, and employees) and outside the business (investors, lenders, and government agencies) all depend on the bookkeeper’s accurate recording of financial transactions.

Yes, the bookkeeper’s job is crucial and requires certain skills and talents. Bookkeepers must be detailed-oriented, enjoy working with numbers, and be meticulous about accurately entering those numbers in the books. They must be vigilant about keeping a paper trail and filing all needed backup information about the financial transactions entered into the books. If you don’t tick all of these requirements to be your own bookkeeper then it is best that you leave it to someone who does. Wimpole House Company Services has been providing accountancy and bookkeeping services to small business all over the UK for nearly 25 years. Look to us, to look after you.

Company Registered Office

When setting up a UK limited company the company registered office must be in the UK and you will need to provide a physical address to Companies House i.e. no P.O.Box addresses will be accepted. Companies House want to be able to trace the company back to that address.

If you do not have a UK address, a company formation agent such as Wimpole House Company Services can provide a registered office service for you (£100+VAT per annum) whereby you use their address as your company registered office and Wimpole House Company Services forward all statutory mail to you abroad. This service is also useful if you do live in the UK and only have your residential address that you can provide. This is because your UK limited company registered office will be made public and by using Wimpole House Company Serivces you can keep your home address private.

Corporation Tax

Corporation tax is tax levied in the UK on the profits made by UK limited companies and the profits of permanent establishments of non-UK resident companies/associations that trade in the UK. Therefore as a new UK limited company you will be required to pay corporation tax and each director of the company will also be required to file a personal self assessment tax return on an annual basis even if you are based abroad.

Business Bank Account

After your UK limited company formation you will need to set up a business bank account fairly quickly if you want to begin trading. All companies need their own bank account and an account separate from the directors/owners personal account as the company is considered a separate legal entity.

Wimpole House Company Services provide a company formation with a free business bank account service, they have a fast track system in which your contact details are passed onto a member of the bank of your choosing (either HSBC or Barclays) and they contact you within 24 hours. Wimpole House Company Services and all banks in the UK comply with money laundering regulations whereby they need to check your Identification Documents such as a passport and utility bill. However most banks in the UK only accept certified documents and therefore you may need to visit one of the bank’s branches and this may affect your choice of bank. This is the same for all UK limited company or business.

Company Secretary

Below is an outline of some of the other requirements you will need to ensure are fulfilled for every uk limited company:

• Statutory filing requirements – This includes documents such as the Companies House Annual Return and statutory annual accounts.
• Registers – Keep the company registers up to date.
• Company Appearance – The company name must appear at the registered office and on items such as stationary, contracts and invoices.

Wimpole House Company Services can provide Company Secretarial services (£100+VAT per annum) whereby they will act as your professional company secretary.

All of the above issues are those that affect any UK limited company. Wimpole House Company Services are in position to help you with all these compliance issues.

UK Limited Company Formation

Limited companies (Ltd) allow you to operate a business whilst keeping it independent of your own private finances. Different to working as a sole trader, the corporation has its own legal entity and can trade and take on credit in its own name. Essentially, the liabilities of a company are limited to the company and so it’s shareholders are not accountable for paying off its debts. Unlike a sole trader which has unlimited liability, where the owner is liable for any the company’s debts outstanding.

Whilst opting for a limited company provides substantial advantages in terms of limited liability, there are also increased legal and financial obligations as well as the extra administrative duties that come with meeting the reporting requirements with Companies House; Annual Returns, Annual Accounts, Corporation and Pay-roll taxes to name a few. For many entrepreneurs acquiring the assistance of a dedicated Company Secretarial Services firm can save both time and money.

A limited company is owned by its shareholders, of which there must be at least two, that's why it’s called a ‘company’. These shares cannot be public traded on an exchange, to do so a company must be a Public Limited Company (PLC)

Different to sole traders, who are taxed under the self-assessment system, limited companies are subject to Corporation Tax, which is payable on all profits.

In the United Kingdom a company must be registered with Companies House. This is the only way to become a Limited Company.

Benefits Of A Limited Company

As well as minimising risks, people often prefer to use a limited company structure as it looks more professional and can assist in being able to raise finance and gain investments in order to expand the organisation.

In some sectors, it is essential to trade as a ‘limited company’ and it may be difficult to secure business deals if you operate in any other function. An additional reason to become incorporated could be if your type of business means that you take on sizeable risks that could have highly damaging consequences for you as an individual if you didn’t have the safeguard of limited liability.

Choosing a Company Name

Choosing the right name for your company can dramatically affect its future prosperity. Take the time select a name that will assist and not hinder your business.

‘Same as’ names

You will not be allowed to register a company name which is the same as (or too similar) to an existing company’s name. This is to avoid confusion among consumers and other businesses and so your chosen name must be unique. An example of ‘same-as’ names:

Catering Limited' is the ‘same as’:

• Catering UK Limited (or Ltd);
• Catering.co.uk Limited (or Ltd);
• Catering International Limited (or Ltd)
• Catering Company (Services) Limited (or Ltd)

You can check the availability of a company name quite easily using the Companies House name checker on their website.

Sensitive Names

Some company names are rejected by Companies House on the grounds of certain words being ‘sensitive’. Sensitive words include those that are profanities or are offensive and those which suggest a connection with Her Majesty’s Government or a devolved administration or a local authority or certain specified public authorities.

Please see the Companies House website for an extended list of sensitive words.

Limited or Ltd?

If you are registering as a private limited company then your company name must end with either ‘Limited’ or ‘ltd’. You can choose and both are equally as acceptable.

Company and Website Names – Creating Synergy

Before you decide on a company name you should ensure that a similar website URL address is available. Unity between your physical business and its online presence is essential to help guide your customers to your site/business.

An example would be:

Wimpole House Company Services Limited & http://www.whcompanyservices.co.uk

Company Formation Basics

There are three main ways you can form your limited company. You can form your company directly with Companies House, use an accountant or lawyer or use a company formation agent.

Companies House

Incorporating a company directly with Companies House can initially appear to be the cheapest method. However you need to complete all the forms yourself and provide your own memorandum and articles of association to Companies House, this can be time consuming and expensive to produce, especially if you are not aware of the clauses that must be included or need a solicitor to supply this. Filing forms directly with Companies House can also take longer than other methods as you will need to post the forms to them.

Accountant/Lawyer

Using an accountant or lawyer can be a good method of forming your company as you will get the advice and expertise of the professionals forming the company for you. However this is most definitely the more expensive method of the three and can cost up to £500 to incorporate your company.

Company Formation Agent

Company Formation Agents such as Wimpole House Company Services can form your company for as little as £120 through their direct online system with Companies House. Wimpole House Company Services provide a standard memorandum and articles for you so that you save time and money and this also reduces the risk of error when producing it yourself – the memorandum and articles of association create a binding agreement the directors of the company must abide by. Wimpole House Company Services now have a faster online system with a direct link with Companies House, whereby they can set up a company for you normally within a few hours and provide you with all the necessary documentation you need. Company formation agents can also provide extra products and services such as hard copies of the memorandum and articles of association, company register, company seal or accountancy and tax advisory services. Wimpole House Company Services can incorporate your company whilst providing you with the expertise of professionals for £120

Be Yourself, Be Free, Be successful! Form a limited company!

Are you jaded by your monotonous job, has your career not taken on off as you once hoped? Or have you been made unemployed?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then now could be the perfect time to start a business. With the gloom and doom of the recession beginning to fade away, investor confidence and consumer spending are both rising once again. Whilst forming a company (and being successful) may not be a walk in the park, it could be the most fulfilling and profitable endeavour you ever undertake.

Profit as a person, and in the pocket

This could be your chance to do what you really want to do in life. After all you will be your own boss, you call the shots; you make the big decisions in your life. No more having to prove yourself to anyone but yourself. Work when you want to work and increase your income to an almost limitless potential.

If you take that brave step and form a company of your own then you will have a great chance to improve yourself by tackling new challenges everyday which will bolster both your skills and knowledge in the process.

The Basics of Business

The following is a list of essential services you should look take advantage of when starting a business:

• Get a Company Formation Agent to register your company. The complex legalities of incorporating a business with Companies House (the United Kingdom’s Registrar of Companies) make process a long and tedious affair. Company Formation Agents can save you all effort and have you operating as a limited company in 24 hours and they’re actually quite cheap. They can also help you get accepted and fast-tracked for a ...
• Business Bank Account. This really is essential. If you incorporate a company then you cannot cash cheques or accept credit card payments into your own personal bank account, obviously this is a massive hindrance.
• Hire an Accountant. Not only do you require a real skill with numbers you also need to know the various requirements and regulations demanded by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Companies House. Likely things you will have to regularly file for your new company include: VAT, Payroll Taxes, Annual Returns and Annual Company Accounts. Every company will hire an accountant eventually, save yourself time and hire one when you first start up. You’ll free yourself up to focus on the things make your business money.

Wimpole House Company Services offers all of these services for start-ups and many more. Check them out to see how they could help make your dream career move come true.

How important in company formations is a company secretary?

Since 2008, UK Limited Companies are no longer required to appoint a company secretary. However there are some important duties that a company secretary carries out and there is still a benefit of appointing one. This article outlines some of the main duties of a company secretary in company formations and how they help ensure a company adheres to Companies House regulations.

It is crucial that the company secretary or the director (if you have not appointed a company secretary) knows the duties and responsibilities that they are subject to. It is important for the company to be able to avoid late penalty fees and deal with compliance matters efficiently.

The role of a secretary can be any of the below:

• Updating and maintaining the company register whilst keeping Companies House informed of any changes
• Convening and arranging meetings as well as preparing an agenda and taking minutes
• Communicating with shareholders
• Advising directors on most efficient ways to deal with compliance
• Statutory filing requirements such as filing annual returns and accounts
• Making sure the company name appears at the registered office of the company, stationary, invoices, stationary and contracts

Wimpole House Company Services offer secretarial services where they will provide any of the above services. You can appoint WHCS as your company secretary during the company formations process for as little as £100 per annum.

Choosing your Registered Office address

To incorporate a UK company three addresses must be supplied. The business’ registered office address and the directors’ service and residential addresses. Consequently if you want require a company to be formed promptly it is advised to plan ahead and decided on these addresses in advance.

The Registered Office Address

The registered office address is where all the business’ official communications will be sent to and where the company register will be looked after and ensured its content is current. Examples of such official communications include correspondence from Companies House and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

If you do not have a UK address to use as your registered office then some company start-up agencies such as Wimpole House Company Services can supply this registered office service for you. They will allow you to use one of their registered office addresses (usually in a prestigious location) and they will then forward any correspondence on to you or if they are acting as your agent, they will file the necessary paperwork for you.

As part of the formation process this address is made available to the public and so by utilising a formation agent’s registered office services you can offer your residential address greater privacy.

Director’s Residential Address

The director’s residential address is not made available to the public. It is only for the use of Companies House and the company formation agent. It will however, be available to credit reference agencies should any cases of money laundering or fraudulent activity arise.

Directors Service Address

This is a publicly available address to where the director’s correspondence will be dispatched. It can be the same as the company’s registered office address or any chosen alternative address. This can be selected to be the Director’s residential address, but privacy issues must be contemplated before doing so.

For further help or assistance please visit the Wimpole House Company Services website – your one-stop solution for company formation

Registered Office - London Address

Registered Office – Utilise our central London (W1 Office)

To register a company in the UK you will need to provide 3 addresses. The company registered office, the directors’ residential and service addresses. Therefore if you want to complete your company formation quickly you should make sure you have this and all other correct information for all directors before you begin the company registration process.

Company Registered Office

To Incorporate a UK company you will need to provide a UK company registered office. This address is where all the company’s correspondence will be sent to and where the company register should be maintained and kept up to date.

If you do not have a UK company registered office, some company formation agents such as Wimpole House Comany Services can provide this registered office service for you whereby you can use their address (or an address they provide to you) and they will forward all correspondence to you.

This address is made public and so the service some company formation agents provide can help keep your residential address private.

Director’s Residential Address

The director’s residential address is for the use of Companies House and the company formation agent only – this is not made public. This is kept on file in case of money laundering or fraudulent activity by the director of the company and is available to credit reference agencies

Directors Service Address

Like the company’s registered office, this address is made public. This is the address where the director’s correspondence will be sent. This service address can be the same as the company registered office or an alternative address. You can also select this to be the Directors residential address, however this may cause some privacy concerns.

Contact our team now on 02075805252 or via our contact form and use our registered office for just £100 a year!

Beyond Company Formations

Company formations is just the start of making your business a success

After completing your company incorporation, organising the marketing for your business can be crucial to the success of your new company. Creating a marketing strategy will help you identify appropriate markets and customers that you can target (note that this may have been clarified before setting up a company through a business plan to see if your business idea is viable). Implementing the right sales techniques will also help you turn interest from customers in your goods or services into sales.

This article provides you with some of the key marketing factors you may need to think about after company formation.

Marketing

Firstly you will need to outline your objectives and how you want your marketing to achieve these. You need to know what customers in the industry want and how they think as well as know your competitors and strategies that are already implemented in the market.

Pricing

The price you charge for your product or service can be a difficult decision. Setting a price too high or low could limit your business growth and affect your cashflow. You need to make sure that the price you set will make your business profitable and you should note where your price stands compared to competitors in the market.

Advertising and Branding

You will need to choose advertising and branding that suits your business, this includes the channel you choose to get your product or service to customers. You need to make your brand better known and use it to reflect the value and strengths of your business.

Using a certain type of media will help you reach and target different customers in the market depending on the good or service you are providing.

Contact us now to talk about your post formations strategy.

Form a Company with Companies House

Form a companywith Companies House

Companies House is the UK registrar of Companies and an executive agency of the UK government department for business, innovation and skills (BIS). To form a company (permitted by the UK Companies Act) you will need to incorporate and register with Companies House. All Limited companies need to file annual financial statements with Companies House.

To form a company with Companies House you will need to file all your documents by post and provide your own memorandum and articles of association which can be costly to produce. Any forms with errors provided to Companies House are posted back to the sender and this delays the process of setting up a company considerably.

Wimpole House Company Formations team have a direct online link with Companies House whereby you can complete an online company registration within 15 minutes. Once you completed the registration and Wimpole House Company Formations team have received all the information they require, we will form a company within just a few hours.

The direct link with Companies House allows us to receive almost instant feedback from Companies House about your company formation if there are any problems or if further supporting evidence is required to incorporate the company. Wimpole House Company Services now also have a company name search which fully incorporates Companies House most recent regulation changes and enables customers to search more reliably and accurately, reducing errors/delays in the process.

Form a company now with our company formation team now. Please follow the link below, if you have any more questions about setting up a company please call our support team on 02075805252 or send us your query.

Limited Company Formation

There are three main ways you can form your limited company. You can form your company directly with Companies House, use an accountant or lawyer or use a company formation agent.

Limited Company Formation

Every limited company formation require shares and shareholder. There must be at least one share issued to any shareholder. You no longer need to have a cap limit on the amount of shares that the company can issue when registering the company and you can appoint yourself as the sole director of the company as the only shareholder. This applies to all limited company formations.

Shares represent ownership of a company and the shareholders of a company can influence who runs the business and are involved in key decisions. The shares issued with every limited company formation can lead to share dividends and company control for every shareholder.

When setting up a company with Wimpole House Company Services, the default allotted shares is 100 each at a value of £1. This default is a simple recommendation by Wimpole House Company Services since it is easily divisible. However you may issue any amount suitable to your situation.

With each limited company formation, Initial shares issued, referred to as subscriber share are often issued at par, whereas shares issued subsequently are often issued for a premium. For more information on shares please visit the businesslink website, which is a great source of information for new company formations, or for any other questions and advice please contact Wimpole House Company Services.