Business finance
The vast majority of companies actively trade. However, there are also over 500,000 dormant companies registered with Companies House. Dormant companies benefit from reduced administrative requirements: in particular, they don’t…
What is an ERN (PAYE Reference Number) and why do I need it?
An ERN (Employer Reference Number) is issued to every UK company that registers as an employer. It is also referred to as a PAYE reference number because it is used as a unique identifier by HMRC when processing payroll…
When do you have to register for VAT?
Your business must register for VAT with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if, over the past 12 months, your ‘taxable supplies’ (defined later in this article) have exceeded the VAT registration threshold. This applies to…
What is a convertible loan note?
What is a convertible loan note?…
Guide to registering a charge at Companies House
A charge, or mortgage, refers to the rights a company gives to a lender in return for a loan. The rights are often in the form of security given over a company asset or group of assets.…
When does a director’s loan need shareholder approval?
In the past, UK companies were forbidden from lending to their directors. Judicial penalties were the outcome if this rule was broken. The Companies Act 2006 removed the ban on company loans to directors, and section 197(1)(a)…
2024 Review
of UK Company Formations
Read our comprehensive review of UK company formations in 2023, year-on-year growth rates and breakdown by county. This detailed insight is provided in the form of easy to understand infographics available for sharing through social media and on your own website