Search ideas, news and case studies

Blog Categories

Tom Richardson

About Tom Richardson

Tom Richardson

About Tom Richardson

Tom is our resident company formation expert. He has been writing about small businesses and how to set them up for 14 years and counting. With two degrees in business management, you can trust Tom's expert advice. Find his published articles here on all things company formation. When he's not writing you can find Tom training for a marathon, he also enjoys a good beer in a pub, films and football, though not necessarily in that order.

View all posts by Tom Richardson
  • July 8, 2025 by Tom Richardson

    Limited by Guarantee: 7 Key Questions Answered for Charities and Non-Profits

    We're here to answer seven common(ish) questions about the Limited by Guarantee (LBG) company structure – a structure commonly favoured by charities and non-profits. 

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    What is a limited company subscriber?

    So you know what a director is (the person who runs the company), what a shareholder is (the person who owns the company), what a person with significant control is (the person who really owns the company) and what a secretary is (the person who takes care of the company admin

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    How Can I Make My Company Dormant?

    You’ve found a company name you like and so naturally you want to prevent anyone else from taking it before you’re ready to get your business up and running. This brings us to one of the most common queries we receive on customer service; “How can I make my company dormant?”

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    What are corporate appointments?

    All UK limited companies must have at least one director, one shareholder and one person with significant control (PSC). All these roles can be taken by one person, however – as well being able to appoint other people, you can also appoint other companies in roles too. These are called corporate appointments.

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    I’m setting up my own pop-up food stall: is it worth it?

    Food stalls are a great example of vibrant entrepreneurship. Whether you’re serving in a street food market, private celebrations or a music festival, it’s clear that the food pop-up industry is taking the cultural world by storm. 

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    What is a SIC Code?

    When preparing an annual return for your limited company you will be asked for your company SIC Code(s). A SIC Code (UK Standard Industrial Classification Code) is simply a five-digit number that classifies your company’s principal business activity. 

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    What is: Registered Office, Service Address and Residential Address.

    When forming a limited company, you may face many addresses. If you are not familiar with the terms, this can be confusing! Luckily, we’re here to help. Our blog breaks down three key addresses, what they mean and how they differ. 
     

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    Franchising: A Tried and Tested Business Model

    In all sectors, the three main challenges facing any start-up are identifying a gap in the market, developing the product or service and establishing a price point. Consequently, when deciding to form a company, many entrepreneurs choose to buy a franchise. Franchising  has many advantages and disadvantages...

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    The Importance of Research Before Creating Your Company

    It is a well known fact, that many recently formed companies go into administration within the first two years of company formation. Which is why research is key! 

    Read More
  • December 4, 2023 by Tom Richardson

    Credit Check Please

    You’ve received numerous emails relating to cheap Company Credit Checks but never taken any notice. It’s time you re-evaluated this stance though as Credit Checks can prove a vital tool in the success of your company. What is a Company Credit Check? It’s a detailed report on a company including details of: • Who owns (shareholders) […]

    Read More