Question

When I first asked about how to go about incorporating I was advised to visit a law firm and pay out somewhere between £200 and £400.

Anyone recommend cheaper but reliable alternatives?

Answer 1

Since the introduction of the remainder of the new Companies Act 2006 (which happened today), there are now "Model Articles of Association". Most of the cost in incorporation a company has traditionally been in formulating these articles (and that's what the lawyer charges for).

Then again, even back in 2006, we got the company incorporated for about £30 online through Companies Made Simple which was no hassle whatsoever.

It will get more complicated if your company structure is awkward, or if you want to incorporate particular (unusual?) rules in your Articles of Association.

Answer 2

Quickest/cleanest way is get an accountant to do it. You can do everything yourself of course including your accounting but a good accountant will take away many pains from your business. I recommend alexandersloan.co.uk. They'll guide you through everything and help with any questions and save you many hours of fact finding.

Answer 3

Okay, I ended up going with http://www.company-wizard.co.uk and was registered and visible on Companies House in 4 hours or maybe less for £39.99 + VAT. Seems all good to me.