Your UK company documents, explained simply
The formation pack is the company’s legal starting record. Each document answers a different question about existence, governance or ownership.
24 August 2026 · 6 min readCertificate of incorporation
Companies House issues this to confirm the entity exists. It records the registered name, company number, incorporation date and jurisdiction.
Memorandum and articles
The memorandum records the initial subscribers. The articles contain the constitutional rules that shape director powers, decisions, shares and administration.
Share certificates and register of members
A certificate is evidence of a holding; the register of members is the company’s definitive internal ownership record. Both must be kept accurate.
Codes and tax references
Companies House authentication details and HMRC references may arrive separately. Protect them like credentials and do not publish them.
This article provides general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Requirements and fees can change; confirm the current position for your circumstances before acting.