Starting your business
Sole trader, limited company, partnership or non-profit... Choosing how to formalise your enterprise can be confusing, but getting it right can help you launch, grow or scale successfully.
Our guides and videos explain the different options available to you, and the key things to consider before choosing how to structure your enterprise.
Once you’ve decided, you can “do it yourself” and take the next steps to formalise things using the resources and external links provided.
Spotlight on: sole traders, limited companies, partnerships
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Spotlight on: non-profits
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Social enterprises
Charities
- See how the THCVS or the UK Charity Commission can help you
Spotlight on: founders, directors and investors
Spotlight on: Model Articles of Association
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Our guide on understanding the Model Articles of Association. Most start-ups in England & Wales establish a private company limited by shares and adopt the Model Articles of Association (commonly referred to as “the Model Articles”) from the UK government website. But how do they work? This resource explains the Model Articles for a private company limited by shares only. Please know that the Model Articles can be impacted by another agreement, like a Shareholders’ Agreement. Also, if you find the Model Articles no longer suit your company, you can change them. Here is a link to UK government guidance on amending the Model Articles: Make changes to your private limited company: Constitution and articles of association - GOV.UK.
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- This short video explaining who founders can sell their shares to.
- This short video explaining when shareholders can tell the board what to do.
- This short video explaining why sole director companies can use the Model Articles.
- This short video explaining how majority shareholders can determine the outcome of a vote.
- This short video about when founders can pay themselves dividends.
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Please note: This guide, and its contents, is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is based generally on the laws of England and Wales and may not reflect the law in Scotland or Northern Ireland. No reliance should be placed on this document as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require advice on a specific legal issue, you should consult a qualified solicitor or other appropriately qualified legal adviser.