Limited Company formation (incorporation).

Often, the first stage to setting up your own business is to think about your trading name and then get your domain name. The next step is deciding whether you intend to be a sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership or a limited company. Trading as a limited company has distinct advantages. The only real disadvantages are the requirements for annual returns to be filed with companies house.

Advantages include the limitation of your personal liability - this can avoid costly losses if the "worst" happens. Trading as a limited company also appears more professional.

.ltd.uk - Nominet UK restrict the use of the .ltd.uk designation to companies of exactly the same name. Therefore, the only way to obtain bloggs.ltd.uk is to form the company "bloggs limited".

(aq) can incorporate your limited company within 5-10 working days and have paperwork dispatched soon after, allowing you to set up bank accounts and start trading almost straight away.

To order a company formation click here. For more information on company law and your obligations, please see the companieshouse website. Forming a limited company is usually a very smart move. You first need to search to check if your company name is already taken - click here.

Other considerations. Once you've registered your domain names yourcompany.com, yourcompany.co.uk and also formed yourcompany limited, you may want to consider further protection in your marketplace by filing a trademark application. This is not an area which (aq) can advise on, and encourage you to consult with a reputable trademark attorney.

What you get:

Multiple copies of memorandum and articles of association. Company register. Certificate of incorporation. Registration of the corresponding .ltd.uk name for 2 years.