Skip to content

1st Formations

UK Company Formation Service

1st Formations helps entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK establish companies quickly and affordably. It provides online services for registering limited companies, partnerships, and LLPs, handling all paperwork and filing with Companies House. Ideal for startups and SMEs seeking hassle-free incorporation, the platform ensures compliance, offers expert advice, and includes extras like VAT registration. Businesses benefit from rapid setup, cost savings, and ongoing support to launch operations smoothly without legal complexities.

5.0
(1 ratings)

PerkLedger Analysis

AI-powered insights to help you make an informed decision

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Streamlines company formation with a fully online process in under 24 hours
  • Affordable pricing includes essential compliance without hidden fees
  • Expert support ensures accurate filings and reduces legal risks
  • Bundled services like addresses and banking speed up business launch
  • High customer satisfaction from reliable, UK-focused services

Cons

  • Limited international options may not suit global expansions
  • Additional fees for extras like VAT can add to total costs
  • Requires digital savvy, which might challenge non-tech users

Key Features

  • Online company formation completed in as little as 24 hours for efficient business launches
  • Companies House filing managed seamlessly to ensure full regulatory compliance
  • VAT and PAYE registration options to handle tax setups without delays
  • Business address services providing privacy and professionalism for mail handling
  • Accountancy packages bundled for ongoing financial support post-incorporation
  • Expert telephone support available to guide users through the entire process
  • Digital document delivery for instant access to certificates and certificates of incorporation

Who Is It Best For?

This tool is ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK looking to incorporate a business swiftly. It addresses key pain points like complex paperwork and regulatory compliance, enabling users to focus on growth rather than administration. Freelancers or sole traders transitioning to limited companies find it particularly useful for its straightforward process and expert guidance. Larger organisations might use it for subsidiary setups. However, established corporations with in-house legal teams may not need its services, preferring bespoke arrangements.

Pricing Model

Pricing starts with a basic formation package from £12.99, including essential filing fees, whilst premium packages from £49.99 add services like registered office addresses and document scanning. Bundled accountancy plans range from £25/month for startups. All packages include free formation when bundled with annual services, with enterprise options available for multiple incorporations and custom support, billed annually or monthly.

Integrations & Support

While primarily a standalone service, 1st Formations integrates with Companies House APIs for automated filings and connects with accountancy software like Xero and QuickBooks for seamless post-formation financial setup. Users can link services to banking providers and legal platforms for comprehensive business onboarding. Partnerships with HMRC ensure smooth tax registrations, and optional add-ons include web development tools for new business websites.

In-Depth Review & Brand Story

Everything you need to know about this tool

1st Formations stands out as a trusted UK platform for business incorporation, empowering entrepreneurs to launch companies with ease and efficiency. Designed for those navigating the complexities of UK regulations, it simplifies the process from idea to official registration. UK startups and SMEs rely on its services to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and focus on growth.

What is 1st Formations?

1st Formations is a leading online service specialising in company formation for UK businesses. It handles the entire incorporation process, including preparation of documents, submission to Companies House, and provision of necessary certificates. This platform caters to a variety of structures, such as limited companies, LLPs, and partnerships, making it accessible for diverse business needs.

Founded to address the challenges faced by new ventures in complying with UK laws, 1st Formations has supported thousands of incorporations. Its user-friendly interface allows individuals to complete setups in minutes, with expert oversight ensuring accuracy. Businesses appreciate the transparency and speed, often receiving confirmation within a day.

The service extends beyond basic registration by offering add-ons like registered office addresses and banking introductions, creating a complete onboarding experience. This holistic approach helps new companies establish a professional foundation from day one.

Key Features

  • Rapid online formation: Complete the process digitally in 3-24 hours for quick market entry
  • Full Companies House compliance: Automated filing guarantees legal adherence without errors
  • VAT and PAYE handling: Integrated tax registrations to streamline fiscal obligations
  • Registered office service: Secure UK address for official correspondence and privacy
  • Digital certificates: Instant delivery of incorporation documents via email
  • Accountancy bundles: Optional packages for bookkeeping and tax advice post-setup
  • Telephone consultancy: Free expert calls to clarify requirements and options
  • Multi-company support: Tools for forming subsidiaries or additional entities efficiently

Benefits for Businesses

Businesses choose 1st Formations for its ability to minimise setup time and costs, allowing entrepreneurs to allocate resources towards product development and marketing. The platform reduces the risk of rejection due to paperwork errors, which can delay launches by weeks. SMEs report significant savings compared to traditional solicitors, often cutting expenses by half whilst maintaining quality.

Moreover, the service fosters long-term compliance by integrating ongoing support options, helping companies avoid penalties from HMRC or Companies House. This proactive approach translates to higher ROI, as faster incorporation means earlier revenue generation. For scaling businesses, the scalability ensures seamless handling of multiple formations without added complexity.

In a competitive UK market, 1st Formations provides a reliable partner that evolves with business needs, from initial setup to annual filings. Its focus on user education through guides empowers owners to make informed decisions, enhancing overall operational confidence.

Use Cases and Applications

For tech startups in London or Manchester, 1st Formations enables rapid incorporation to secure funding and IP protection swiftly. A founder can register a limited company online, add VAT for investor credibility, and receive banking referrals all in one go, accelerating the path to pitch decks and prototypes.

SMEs in retail or services use it to formalise operations, transitioning from sole traders to Ltd entities for limited liability benefits. This is particularly useful during expansion, where a registered address maintains professionalism without physical office costs. Real-world examples include e-commerce businesses setting up during peak seasons to handle increased liabilities.

Freelancers entering partnerships find value in LLP formations, with the platform guiding through profit-sharing agreements. Even established firms utilise it for subsidiary creations in new sectors, ensuring each entity complies independently. These applications highlight its versatility across industries like finance, consulting, and creative agencies.

Integration & Ecosystem

1st Formations fits seamlessly into broader business workflows by connecting with essential UK systems like Companies House and HMRC portals. This integration automates data transfer, reducing manual input and errors during tax setups. Businesses can link the service to cloud accounting tools for immediate financial tracking post-incorporation.

The ecosystem extends to partnerships with banks and legal advisors, facilitating introductions that speed up account openings. For tech-savvy users, API access allows custom integrations with CRM or project management software, embedding formation data into operational dashboards. This interconnected approach ensures 1st Formations enhances rather than isolates business processes.

Pricing and Plans

1st Formations offers flexible pricing to suit various budgets, with entry-level packages starting from £12.99 that cover basic incorporation and filing. For comprehensive needs, premium tiers from £49.99 include extras like document scanning and priority support. Bundles with annual accountancy services provide value from £25/month, often waiving formation fees entirely.

Businesses can opt for monthly or annual billing, with free trials on select add-ons to test compatibility. Enterprise plans cater to high-volume users, offering custom discounts and dedicated managers. This structure ensures affordability whilst delivering scalable value as companies grow.

Exclusive Savings on 1st Formations

UK businesses looking to maximise value on 1st Formations services can explore exclusive perks and discounts through PerkLedger. Our platform aggregates verified deals from finance and legal providers, helping companies reduce setup costs by up to 20%. Additionally, PerkLedger’s Discovery Rewards programme allows members to earn cashback on eligible purchases, turning routine incorporations into tangible savings opportunities. Access these benefits through our website, browser extension, or mobile app to stay updated on the latest 1st Formations offers.

Getting Started with 1st Formations

Beginning with 1st Formations is straightforward: visit the site, select your company type, and input basic details like name and directors. The guided wizard checks availability in real-time, preventing duplicates with Companies House. Once submitted, track progress via a personal dashboard, with most users receiving confirmation within hours.

To optimise implementation, prepare documents like ID proofs in advance and consider add-ons based on needs, such as a business address for privacy. Post-formation, leverage included resources for bank setups and tax filings. This efficient onboarding minimises disruptions, allowing businesses to operationalise quickly and confidently.

For best results, consult the knowledge base for tips on choosing structures, and utilise free calls for personalised advice. Many users find the process empowering, transforming legal necessities into strategic advantages. As businesses scale, returning for annual services maintains continuity and compliance.

Business Tools

Search

Welcome Back

Sign in to access your perks and rewards

workspace_premium

PerkLedger Premium benefits

Founding Members upgrade for free while wallets are in beta

£99/year Free for Founding Members
  • bookmark_add
    Saved Lists

    Bookmark anything and get alerts when offers improve (coming soon).

  • account_balance_wallet
    Discovery Rewards Wallet

    Claim, track, and withdraw rewards as gift cards.

  • workspace_premium
    Exclusive Rates

    Members see higher percentages or longer trials.

Upgrade to PerkLedger Premium

PerkLedger Premium unlocks wallets, alerts, and member rates. Founding Members upgrade for free while we finish beta features.

£99/year Free for Founding Members
Minimum 8 characters
workspace_premium

Founding Members keep Premium free

Upgrade now to lock lifetime access to wallets, alerts, and payouts

  • bookmark_add
    Saved Lists

    Bookmark tools, perks, rewards, and insights—alerts coming soon.

  • account_balance_wallet
    Discovery Rewards Wallet

    Claim rewards, track payouts, and withdraw gift cards.

  • workspace_premium
    Exclusive Rates

    Members see higher percentages or longer trials on select partners.