The Important Documents Received As Part Of Company Registration

By Author: HJ Clark
Total Articles: 65
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When setting up a company in the UK, there are three vital documents that will not only help you in the maintenance and administration of company affairs, but may also be a legal requirement. Upon Company Registration in the UK, the directors should be issued with a company register, a certificate of incorporation and a memorandum and articles of association. Each document is important and plays a different role in running the business.
The Certificate of Incorporation

The main purpose of the incorporation certificate is that it acts as fundamental proof of the company’s existence. The certificate indicates that the company’s formation has met all the legal requirements in the UK, meeting the standards required for a successful incorporation. This is evidenced by the inclusion of the company’s registration number. This is a unique set of digits that act as a specific reference for that company. This number not only proves incorporation, but it can be used to facilitate correspondence with Companies House.

The Company Register

It ...
... is a legal requirement for UK companies to keep and maintain a copy of their company register following incorporation. The primary purpose of the register is to provide details of all members and those involved in the company, ranging from shareholders to directors. Furthermore, the register can be used to provide information for any major transaction involving the company. Most notably, this will include details of share transfers and transactions. Some important parts of the document include the register of members, the register of directors and secretaries, and the register of applications and allotments.

Often, the company secretary will take responsibility for ensuring that the company register is kept up-to-date. However, it should be noted that directors are responsible for ensuring that maintenance is upheld, and are therefore liable should this not be the case. It is also important that Companies House is made aware of the location of the company register following Company Registration. Usually, the document will be held at the Registered Office address, though it may be at a “single alternative inspection location” (SAIL) if Companies House is notified.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

The company’s memorandum and articles of association are documents that help guide the behaviour and administration of the members of a company. The memorandum outlines the intention of initial members to form a company, and to become shareholders. The articles, on the other hand, are the regulations which then shape the management of this newly set up company. Companies may use a default set of articles, known as Model Articles, or alternatively modify and tailor a set. The advantage of adapting the articles of association is to include additional clauses that may bestow rights or liabilities upon certain parties. However this service is specialised, and may require the work of an accountant to complete.

These are the three basic documents that all companies are issued following their company registration. In the most basic form, it is acceptable for these documents to be received electronically. However, it is worth considering a printed copy of the documents after incorporation for the benefits they can offer. These include assisting in statutory maintenance and helping obtain investment or a bank account.