The Formations Company review

Establishing a business in the UK can be complex and overwhelming. That's why many entrepreneurs turn to formation agents like The Formations Company, based in London. As an experienced formation agent, they’ve been helping business owners for over 12 years, providing specialist guidance.

These trusted experts simplify the process of establishing a business by handling all of the legal and administrative requirements, saving you valuable time and effort. Not only do they ensure all the necessary paperwork is completed correctly, but they also allow you to focus on developing your business.

The Formations Company provides a wide range of services to help businesses at every stage of their journey. Their expertise is evident in their carefully curated selection, designed to support your company from inception to growth. Whether you need assistance with company formation, registered office address provision, or ongoing compliance support, The Formations Company has you covered. Their services include:

• Company Administration: Get help with essential company administration tasks such as filing the annual confirmation statement and ensuring compliance with UK regulations. The Formations Company verifies all details over the phone for accuracy and completeness. Additionally, they offer support for company dissolution, making the process hassle-free and time-saving.

• Legal & Finance: Accountant Consultation: The Formations Company collaborates with ATN Partnership Chartered Certified Accountants to offer a comprehensive legal and finance services package. Their experienced accountants assist with accounts management, corporation tax, business advice, bookkeeping, VAT matters, and personal tax advice. They empower businesses with accurate financial reporting, strategic planning, and risk reduction.

• Business Address & Mail: Registered Office: Enhance your corporate image and ensure privacy and security with an esteemed Central London address. The Formations Company forwards all mail to an address of the client's choice while blocking unsolicited contact and junk mail. By utilising their registered office address, businesses fulfil the legal requirement while projecting a professional image.

What Sets Them Apart:

• Ongoing support: Recognising the ever-changing regulatory landscape, The Formations Company offers ongoing compliance services. They help businesses stay informed about regulatory updates and changes, enabling them to maintain legal compliance.

Setting up a business with The Formations Company is a quick process designed to provide you with a straightforward experience from start to finish, and their dedicated customer support ensures you have all the guidance and assistance you need along the way. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how their process works:

1) Choose a name:

Start by finding a suitable company name that represents what your business stands for.

2) Select a bundle:

Choose from one of five main bundles on offer, including:

• The E-Formation Bundle

• The Essentials Bundle

• The Entrepreneur Bundle

• The Super Bunde

• The Pro Bundle

3) Purchase your chosen bundle securely online

4) Submit your details:

Once you’ve decided your chosen services, provide the necessary information and documents through their secure online platform. The Formations Company will guide you through the process, ensuring that all the required details are accurately submitted.

Notable Aspects:

• Turnaround time: Thanks to their expertise and streamlined approach, you are ensured a swift turnaround time, getting your company up and running in a matter of hours.

Customer support: Throughout the process, you can rely on their dedicated customer support team to provide assistance, answer queries, and offer guidance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

When it comes to pricing, The Formations Company offers a variety of service packages that cater to different needs and budgets. With their transparent pricing structure, you can easily compare options and choose the package that provides the best value for your money. Here's a breakdown of the pricing for different service bundles:

Limited Company Formations:

1. E-Formation: £9.99 (Incl.Vat | One off)

2. Essentials: £17.99 (+Vat | One off)

3. Entrepreneur: £39.99 (+Vat | One off)

4. Super: £79.99 (+Vat | One off)

5. Pro: £114.99 (+VAT | Per Year)

The bundles listed above include the following features:

Ltd Company Docs:

• Digital and printed options available for different packages.

• Bound Memorandum of Association (MOA) included in Entrepreneur, Super, and Pro packages.

Must-Haves:

• All packages include a business bank account with £100 cashback.

• Bookkeeping software and a business phone number are included in all packages.

• The Pro package gives customers access to exclusive offers on the latest Apple products, including over £100 off a MacBook Pro.

Guides and Support:

• Lifetime support and a dedicated business hub manager are included in all packages.

• An e-book on limited companies is provided with all packages.

Free Expert Advice:

• Accountant consultation is available with all packages.

Registered Agent:

• The Entrepreneur, Super, and Pro package includes a registered office address, service address, and mail forwarding.

Company Admin:

• The Pro package includes digital registers and minutes, first board meeting minutes, and annual confirmation statement filing.

• Additional services such as dissolution service, company filing edits, and dormant returns are available with the Pro package.

Legal and Cash Flow Management:

• The Pro package includes a legal health-check, contract and document creator, 24/7 legal advice helpline, company credit checking, and commercial debt recovery services.

For Sole Traders:

• Two package options available: Go Limited and Go Limited+.

• Pricing: Go Limited - £29.99 (+VAT | Per Year), Go Limited+ - £59.99 (+VAT | Per Year).

For Accountants:

• Accountants can access a range of services for their clients for a monthly fee of £10.00 +VAT per client.

For Non-UK Residents:

• The International Bundle includes everything needed to start trading as a limited company in the UK such as a UK postal address, printed certificate of incorporation, printed shareholder certificates, and free lifetime customer support.

• Pricing: £129.99 (+VAT | Per Year).

For more detailed information, we recommend visiting The Formations Company's website or contacting their customer support.

Is the pricing transparent?

The pricing structure offered by The Formations Company is transparent and provides good value for money. Prices are clearly outlined for each service package, and all costs are presented, including one-time fees and yearly charges for specific packages. The pricing table also helps customers easily compare the features and prices of different packages.

Do I get value for money with The Formations Company?

• The Formations Company offers a range of packages tailored to different needs, ensuring customers can select the most suitable option.

• Each package includes essential services such as bookkeeping software, business phone number, and business bank accounts with cash back. Their deal with Barclays Bank means customers can benefit from £50 cash back into their new Barclays Business Current Account if opened within 90 days of using The Formations Company to incorporate their business.

• Additional features like discounted Apple tech, fraud protection, and access to expert advice enhance the value provided in the packages.

• The Pro package offers comprehensive services, including a registered office address, service address, mail forwarding, and legal and cash flow management tools.

• The option of a business hub manager, lifetime support, and various guides provide even more value for money.

What are the payment options?

Online payments are accepted and can be made securely through their website, ensuring the safety of personal and financial information.

What is the refunds policy?

The Formations Company offers a full refund of the Same Day Limited Company Formation Service fee to all unsatisfied customers who do not get a response from Companies House. For more information, please look at their terms and conditions or contact their customer service team.

When working with The Formations Company, certain information and documentation are required to facilitate the process smoothly. Here's an overview of the key information needed:

Basic Company Formation Information:

• Company Name - Provide the desired name for the company, ensuring it complies with legal requirements and is not already in use.

• Registered Office Address - Supply the company's official address where official documents can be delivered.

• Director Details - Include the names, addresses, dates of birth, and nationality of all company directors.

• Shareholder Details - Provide the names, addresses, and share allocations of all shareholders.

Additional Information and Documentation:

• Business Address - Specify the address where the company conducts its business activities, if different from the registered office address.

• Legal Services - Depending on the specific legal service required, additional information or documentation may be necessary to proceed.

ID Verification and Security Checks:

The company operates in accordance with the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (AML) and the London Local Authorities Act 2007, which requires the identification and verification of customer identities and addresses, including those of shareholders involved in forming a company. Here’s an overview of ID that may be requested:

Forms of Identification

• Proof of name: A copy of a valid passport, a current UK or EEA photocard driving licence, or a Residence Permit issued by the Home Office to EEA Nationals.

• Proof of address: Accepted documents include utility bills (gas, electric, or water) from the past three months, council tax bills for the current tax year, mortgage statements from recognised lenders issued within the last 12 months, bank statements issued within the past three months, or HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letters.

International Customers and Failed ID Checks:

For international customers or cases where electronic ID checks are unsuccessful, The Formations Company offers an ID provider who can digitally certify and send proof of ID through a mobile service, typically within a few minutes.

Ensuring accurate and complete submission of the necessary information and documentation allows The Formations Company to proceed with company formation quickly and efficiently. By adhering to legal requirements and conducting ID verification or security checks, the company ensures integrity and compliance.

The Formations Company offers a range of benefits for those seeking company formation and related services. However, as with any agent, it's important to consider both the pros and cons before enlisting their services. Here's an overview:

Pros:

• A wide range of bundles: The Formations Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including company formation, registered office addresses, accountant consultation and more.

• Competitive pricing: The pricing structure offered by The Formations Company is transparent and provides good value for money. With different service packages available, customers can choose the option that best suits their requirements and budget.

• Brand partnerships: The Formations Company provide exclusive offers with top brand partners such as business bank accounts with cash back and discounted Apple tech for Pro customers.

• Excellent customer service: The Formations Company prides itself on delivering friendly and professional customer support. Their dedicated team is readily available to answer queries and provide assistance throughout the process.

• Expertise and experience: With over 12 years of experience and industry recognition, The Formations Company brings plenty of expertise to the table. Their simple process and hand-picked services ensure a reliable and trusted experience.

Cons:

• Higher costs for some services: The Formations Company offers competitive pricing and some cheap bundles. However, it’s worth noting that certain services may have higher costs than alternative providers. In addition, additional services are quite steep in price and can quickly add up. Customers should carefully review the pricing structure to ensure it aligns with their budget.

• Limited customer support options: While The Formations Company provides excellent customer service, their customer support options might be more limited than larger firms that provide 24/7 support and an online chat option.

• Limited services: Even though the Formations Company offers a wide range of bundles, they don’t include services such as VAT registration and company secretarial services like other formation agents.

One of the best things about The Formations Company is their wide range of services that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals and businesses looking to establish their presence at low prices. With over 12 years of experience, customers can also enjoy good customer support and transparent pricing, allowing them to select from various service packages based on their requirements and budget.

Potential drawbacks include higher costs for additional services and limited customer support options and services compared to some other agents.

While the best choice of Formation Agent will depend on individual circumstances and preferences, it’s easy to see why you can’t go wrong with The Formations Company.

Check out our other formation agent reviews

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• Seed Formations
• Companies Made Simple
• TheFormationsCompany
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