Best Company Formation Agent In the UK for Startups in 2025: Compared & Ranked

Our #1 Pick: Your Company Formations - £2.48, 24-Hour Setup, Includes Free Business Bank Account Partnerships

Your Company Formations dominates the UK formation market through scale and service quality. Since June 2014, we’ve supported over 1.2 million companies with 4.9/5 ratings across 8,838 Trustpilot reviews and 5,528 Google reviews.

We’ve built our market leadership through several operational advantages that separate us from smaller formation agents.

What Sets Us Apart

Our approach to quality control sets us apart and drives our formation process, unlike automated competitors. Our self-service platform highlights errors in real-time and provides instant feedback on company name availability.

At the same time, the intuitive interface allows you to add multiple company directors without retyping information from scratch. After clients complete their digital application, the process proceeds to a manual review, where a human checks each application before submission. Support teams guide clients through AML requirements to ensure full compliance.

Our Pricing Structure

Cost transparency eliminates the hidden fee problems that plague many formation agents. Our formation packages range from £2.48 (Digital) to £315 (Entrepreneurs' Choice, inclusive of company secretary service), with complete pricing disclosure upfront. No hidden fees arise during the process. In addition, our industry-only cashback program offers up to £155 through partnerships with high-street banks, allowing qualifying founders to recover a significant portion of their first-year company registration costs.

Why Startups Choose Us

Your Company Formations gives growing businesses the flexibility they need as they develop, supported by our free online company manager. You can add directors, shareholders, and co-founders at any time without switching platforms or rebuilding your company structure.

Our award-winning customer support responds quickly to phone calls, web chat and emails during registration, ensuring founders get immediate guidance. At the same time, our compliance services scale seamlessly with your business as it grows.

While we focus on structural flexibility and scalable support, some fintech providers emphasise tighter banking integration. Yet this convenience often comes with restrictions, such as limiting companies to single-director structures.

Our Digital Package is ideal for single-director companies at the start, but the articles of association we prepare are written to allow for future scale as you add co-founders and shareholders. We prioritise long-term growth and adaptability over short-term convenience, giving your business the freedom to expand without compromise.

Our Awards Recognition

Industry recognition validates our service quality through independent assessment. We won the Ecologi Platinum Tree Planting Award in 2024 for our environmental initiative that plants one tree every time a client sets up a limited company. Our 4.9/5 ratings, based on 8,838 Trustpilot reviews and 5,528 Google reviews, demonstrate consistent client satisfaction, with customers frequently praising our hands-on support throughout the formation process.

Our 8-Point Evaluation for Best Company Formation Agent: Pricing, Speed, Compliance, Support, Range, Reviews, Reputation, Ongoing Service

I work for YCF, and you may think that makes me biased. To some extent, you would be right.

I honestly believe that Your Company Formations is the best company formation agent in the UK. Since June 2014, we have supported over 1.2 million companies. That gives us experience that few others can match. What sets us apart is not just scale, but our operational method.

I have seen the care that goes into this work. Having worked closely with our customer service team, I am impressed by their patience, expertise, and dedication to resolving client challenges. Their support makes starting a business less overwhelming. That is why we are the best. Not because I work here, but because I have watched our people consistently prove it.

I also want to be clear about something I have seen in the industry. Some competitors publish reviews that highlight the negative aspects of other providers. We do not take that approach. Our homepage may not be the prettiest, and in fact, every formation agent, including ourselves, will inevitably face challenges with one or two clients. A few negative reviews are part of any honest business record.

That does not mean their service is poor, just as it does not mean ours is. What truly matters is not whether a company understands design theory, or has the occasional unhappy client, but whether it delivers accuracy, transparency, and support for the overwhelming majority of customers. That is the mark of a reliable formation agent. That is where the real difference is felt.

We lead from the top, setting high standards for compliance and support. We also recognise there is enough room in the market for all of us to serve entrepreneurs in different ways.

Our evaluation methodology

I established eight core criteria to maintain objectivity and help you identify the best formation agents for your needs. Pricing transparency, processing speed, regulatory compliance, customer support quality, service range, review authenticity, market reputation, and ongoing support capabilities. After analysing customer reviews from Trustpilot, pricing structures from competitor websites, and value propositions, clear patterns emerged in what separates successful formation agents.

2025 Performance Scores: How Each UK Company Formation Service Ranks on Our 8 Criteria

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 has a significant impact on these performance scores. Services with strong regulatory compliance and processing capabilities score higher, while providers unprepared for mandatory identity verification requirements score lower. ACSP registration demands separate compliant providers from those struggling with new regulations.

* Counts captured 3 September 2025; review volumes change frequently.

** Scoring methodology: Ratings from 1-10 based on verified customer feedback, pricing analysis, regulatory readiness, and service capability assessment. Your Company Formations leads with the highest total score at 72/80, followed by Capital Office at 65/80 and Companies Made Simple at 64/80.

Complete Ranking: 8 Best UK Company Formation Agents with Exact Costs and Setup Times

Rank #2: Capital Office (Your Virtual Office London) - £48, Standard Hours, Best for Prestigious Virtual Office & London Addresses

Capital Office combines limited company formation with 17 years of virtual office experience. Founded in June 2007, they've built credibility around UK registered office addresses, directors' service addresses, and UK business addresses in London EC1.

Unlike digital providers, where clients navigate platforms independently, YVOL collects company information directly from clients and prepares applications on their behalf. Their personal service approach particularly favours clients who prefer not to handle any aspect of the application process themselves, offering complete hands-off formation management.

Their 3,143 reviews average 4.9/5, reflecting consistent reliability across formation and address services. The business model works particularly well for international clients requiring a UK presence, including mail forwarding, call answering, and meeting facilities, all bundled into a single registration.

Best for Founders Who Want Hands-Off Formation with Prestigious London Business Presence

Capital Office is best for local and international businesses, as well as non-UK residents who need prestigious London EC1 addresses for client credibility and banking relationships. They specifically serve clients requiring virtual office services such as mail forwarding, call answering, and meeting facilities, bundled with hands-off company formation management.

Also read: Can I start a business in the UK as a foreigner? A guide to incorporation for foreigners

Capital Office Limitation: Personal Service at Premium Pricing 

Capital Office falls short due to its lack of digital integration in company formations, though it works well for its target market. Online company registration agents such as Your Company Formations remain a better alternative for businesses seeking accessible and cost-effective solutions.

Rank #3: Companies Made Simple - £54.99, Guaranteed Same Day Formation, Best Support for Efficient Formation 

Companies Made Simple claims to have helped set up over 1 million UK limited companies. Formed in 2002, they are arguably one of the longest-serving formation agencies with over 20 years of industry experience. They earned the Gold Merchant Standard from Feefo in 2015 and maintain a 4.7 TrustScore with 3,107 Trustpilot reviews, demonstrating verified customer feedback unlike some competitors.

Their website emphasises pricing transparency and precise service delivery, with upfront communication about formation package contents to avoid hidden fees that plague many formation agents. The platform allows founders to search company name availability directly from their homepage, streamlining the initial formation process.

Best for Founders Prioritising Industry Longevity Over Pricing and Partnership Benefits

Founders prefer traditional formation services from a 20+ year established provider rather than modern automated platforms. Companies Made Simple appeals to entrepreneurs who value industry experience and personal service over the cost efficiency and advanced features offered by providers like Your Company Formations.

Further reading: How much does it cost to register a limited company?

Companies Made Simple Limitations: Higher Formation Costs and Outdated Industry Recognition

Their 2015 Feefo Gold Merchant Standard, while indicating historical quality, is now dated compared to current industry recognition. No mention of cash back programs or banking partnerships to offset formation costs for qualifying founders.

Rank #4: 1st Formations - £52.99-£149.99, 24 Hours, Established Service

1st Formations has formed over 1 million companies with a focus on non-UK residents through comprehensive formation services and WorldFirst banking integration. Their website emphasises lifetime customer support combined with professional business addresses.

Best for Founders Who Value International Expertise Over Cost Efficiency

Their pricing is significantly higher than many competitors, which often pushes cost-conscious clients to seek better value packages. They also do not offer cashback programs that cushion entrepreneurs, unlike Your Company Formations’ £155 recovery program through banking partnerships.

1st Formations Weaknesses: Cost Efficiency and Partnership Program Gaps

Their pricing runs significantly higher than many competitors, often leading cost-conscious clients to seek better value packages elsewhere. They offer no cashback programs or banking partnerships to help offset formation costs. Their review transparency raises concerns as they don't provide direct connections to their Trustpilot profile, making it harder for potential clients to verify customer satisfaction independently.

Rank #5: Mint Formations - £4.99-£149.99, Standard Processing, Comprehensive Packages

Mint Formations claims to serve 30,000+ entrepreneurs with packages from £4.99 (Basic) to £149.99 (Ultimate), featuring clear feature differentiation across service levels. They promote "hassle-free setup designed for new business owners" with step-by-step guidance for both UK and overseas residents.

Their website emphasises complete Companies House paperwork handling. They position their £4.99 starting price as accessible for new entrepreneurs. However, this is higher than other providers in the industry, including Your Company Formations' £2.48 Digital package. Clients provide all necessary company information and documents themselves. The basic package pricing should reflect this reduced service level compared to full-service providers.

Mint Formations: Best for Founders Not Driven by Cost Efficiency

Mint formations is best for first-time founders who want a guided setup process and don't mind paying slightly more for hand-holding through the formation process.

Where Mint Falls Short: Scale, Partnerships, and Review Verification

Limited market presence with 30,000+ companies compared to Your Company Formations' 1.2 million demonstrates their smaller industry scale. Their website features testimonials that don't appear connected to established review platforms like Trustpilot or Google, making customer satisfaction harder to verify independently.

Their general lack of partnerships means they cannot offer exclusive deals and business tools that help companies beyond basic formation. No banking partnerships provide cashback programs, discounted business insurance, or preferential rates on business tools like accounting software. Established agents leverage strategic alliances to offer up to £155 in recovery benefits plus ongoing business support tools for growing companies.

Rank #6: Uniwide Formations - £59-£169, Standard Processing, Comprehensive Business Setup

Uniwide Formations positions itself as a 'first-class UK company formation agency for easy business setup' with packages from £59 (Basic) to £199 (Premium), all inclusive of the £50 Companies House fee. Their Advanced package at £129 carries a ‘popular’ designation and includes VAT registration, London registered office addresses, and comprehensive business setup services.

They position themselves as a comprehensive solution provider with transparent pricing across service tiers, from basic setups to specialised non-resident packages for international clients.

Uniwide Is Best for First-Time Founders Needing Guided Formation 

Founders who don't mind paying premium pricing for the simplicity of all-inclusive packages and aren't concerned about market-scale verification or extensive customer reviews will find Uniwide’s approach straightforward and comprehensive.

Uniwide Limitations: Higher Costs and Limited User Reviews

Their pricing occupies an awkward middle ground, charging premium rates from £59-£199 without a clear differentiation. Their limited market presence means fewer proven customer experiences compared to established agents. Customer review transparency raises questions, as they don't maintain significant verified review profiles on platforms like Trustpilot.

Rank #7: ANNA Money - £51.99-£59.99, Same Day, Fastest Fintech Integration

ANNA Money represents fintech company formation with integrated banking services. Their platform promises 'simple, hassle-free' company registration with simultaneous business account opening, emphasising speed and convenience. Formation packages range from £51.99-£59.99, including business accounts and comprehensive tax management tools. They maintain 348 Trustpilot reviews, though this represents significantly fewer customer experiences than established formation specialists.

Best for Single-Director Startups Prioritising Banking Integration Over Structural Growth

ANNA works well for founders who plan to remain single-director operations and value the convenience of managing formation, banking, and tax obligations through one integrated platform. Their automated bookkeeping and real-time financial notifications appeal to founders who prefer streamlined financial management over complex corporate structures. Solo consultants, freelancers transitioning to limited companies, and tech entrepreneurs who don't anticipate adding co-founders benefit most from their banking-first approach.

Also see: How to register a UK company and get expert help with taxes & accounting?

ANNA Disadvantages: Director Restrictions and Potential Compliance Gaps From Banking-First Approach

ANNA has limited multi-director experience, meaning less expertise in share structures and corporate documentation that growing businesses require. Their 348 Trustpilot reviews represent significantly fewer customer experiences than established specialists with thousands of verified reviews. Founders requiring sophisticated corporate structures or investor-ready documentation may find their banking-focused approach insufficient for complex business needs.

Rank #8: Tide - £14.99, Fast Processing, Banking-Subsidised Formation

Tide offers UK company formation for £14.99 plus business banking, essentially subsidising incorporation through banking relationships. Their digital platform includes automated bookkeeping and real-time notifications.

Tide focuses on making company formation accessible by removing barriers and providing immediate banking access, though its emphasis on banking over formation expertise can create compliance gaps.

Limitations: Banking-subsidised model means formation is a secondary focus. Single-director restrictions limit growth options—compliance gaps arise due to a banking emphasis over formation specialisation.

Also checkout: 11 mistakes to avoid when registering a company in the UK

Your Company Formations Setup: Upload 3 Documents, Pay £2.48, Get Certificate Within 24 Hours

Step 1: Choose Your Package (2 minutes) 

To register your limited company, visit yourcompanyformations.co.uk and select the Digital package at £2.48 or upgrade to include additional services. The platform guides you through package selection based on your specific needs.

Step 2: Complete Company Details (3 minutes) 

Provide your company name with backup options, registered office address, and director information. The system checks name availability in real-time and suggests alternatives if your first choice is unavailable. For founders requiring director address privacy, additional privacy protection services are available during setup.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents (3 minutes)

• Identity documentation, such as a passport or a driving license, for directors, shareholders and the company secretary.
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Shareholders' details (if different from directors)

Step 4: AML Verification Process (1-2 business days) 

Your Company Formations' customer service team guides you through anti-money laundering verification. Most verifications are complete within 1-2 business days, depending on how fast a client provides the required information. The formation timeline begins only after verification is complete.

Step 5: Submission to Companies House 

Once verification passes, Your Company Formations submits your application with a manual accuracy review. For most clients, the registration process is completed within 3-24 hours, depending on Companies House workload; however, allowing 2-3 business days during busy periods proves wise.

What you receive after formation: 

Complete digital company documents package including Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and all statutory registers. Your company becomes ready for business banking, contracts, and operations immediately.

Banking partnerships:

Access up to £155 cash back through high-street banking partnerships, effectively making the formation service profitable rather than costly.

Ongoing support:

Award-winning support team remains available by phone, web chat and email throughout the process and beyond formation completion.

See Also: How Long Does It Take to Open a New Company