Write down what the company is for
Describe the products or services, intended customer locations and trading model in a short paragraph. Start with the business purpose rather than the name of a formation package. This makes the service requirements easier to discuss.
Separate people from responsibilities
Outline the proposed director and shareholder arrangements and identify who will manage communication, signing and administration. The appointed provider should explain its identification requirements. Do not put identity documents or other sensitive information into a general website enquiry.
Understand the address services
A registered office, personal service address, business correspondence address and mail forwarding may serve different purposes. Compare the scope, mail handling, renewal terms and arrangements when a service ends, not just the address itself.
Plan what happens after formation
Company documents are a starting point. List the banking or payment applications, accounting and filing arrangements, mail management and renewals that may follow. Decide who is responsible. The need for each service depends on the business and appropriate professional guidance.
Prepare a brief for the conversation
- The business activities and intended customer locations.
- Any existing brand, website, store or business entity.
- The people involved and the person managing administration.
- The tasks you want to commission and those you will handle.
- Your approximate schedule and working budget.
This is a more useful starting point than collecting a full set of sensitive documents before the work is scoped.
Official and specialist resources
GOV.UK: Set up a private limited company
1st Formations: UK company formation for non-residents