1st Formations

1st Formations 1st Formations is a leading provider of online company formation in the UK.
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Do you really need an accountant for your small UK business?Legally speaking: No. But juggling your own books while tryi...
05/06/2026

Do you really need an accountant for your small UK business?

Legally speaking: No. But juggling your own books while trying to scale often costs more in time, stress, and missed tax savings than the fee itself.

Bringing an expert on board early offers 3 massive advantages:

🎯 Total compliance – An accountant keeps your records clean and ensures you avoid costly HMRC penalties.
⏱️ Hours bought back – Offloading annual accounts, tax returns, and payroll frees up your schedule.
📈 Strategic savings – A good accountant can offer expert insights on cash flow, planning, and optimizing your tax layout.

Want to find out more? Check out this video to learn about the costs, what to look for, and how to choose. 👇

Just launched a small business in the UK? Wondering if you really n...

When we talk about what makes a great founder, we often celebrate bold , strategic risk-taking, and the ability to solv...
03/06/2026

When we talk about what makes a great founder, we often celebrate bold , strategic risk-taking, and the ability to solve problems in unconventional ways.

But where do those strengths come from?

For many, those traits are often linked to : differences in brain wiring shaped by conditions such as , , , and .

That's why neurodivergence shows up in in so many ways: in how ideas take shape, how leaders manage their teams, and in the companies that ultimately emerge from disruptive consumer brands to platforms that reimagine whole industries. 👇

Discover how successful neurodiverse entrepreneurs are making waves in UK business. Learn from their stories and get inspired.

Think an employee handbook is just a nice-to-have from the HR world? Think again. 🤔 Startups can struggle with company c...
29/05/2026

Think an employee handbook is just a nice-to-have from the HR world? Think again. 🤔

Startups can struggle with company cohesion without a written record of company policies.

With a simple handbook, your team knows how things are done in your business, new starters get up to speed fast, and HR hiccups or misunderstandings are minimised.

Ready to get started? We'll walk you through the process of creating your first employee handbook step-by-step. 👇

Learn how to create an employee handbook that clarifies policies, supports culture, speeds onboarding, and stays compliant as you grow.

When does a casual side hustle officially become a real UK business?HMRC is clear: the moment you make more than £1,000 ...
27/05/2026

When does a casual side hustle officially become a real UK business?

HMRC is clear: the moment you make more than £1,000 in gross income within a tax year, you cross the line from hobby to business.

To formalise your hustle without the stress, tackle these 4 steps:

1️⃣ Pick a Structure – Choose between registering as a Sole Trader or forming a Limited Company to protect your personal assets.

2️⃣ Separate Your Money – Open a dedicated business bank account immediately. Never mix personal and business funds.

3️⃣ Track Every Expense – Software, stock, and shipping costs all reduce your tax bill. Track them from day one.

4️⃣ Check Your Employment – Ensure your project doesn't breach non-compete clauses in your current employment contract.

Turning a passion project into a legitimate company is an incredible milestone, but success requires proper compliance.

Need some help? We’ve mapped out the exact step-by-step roadmap for UK founders 👉 https://www.1stformations.co.uk/blog/turning-side-hustle-into-business-uk/

Want to turn your side hustle into a full-time business in 2026? Learn when to scale, how to register, and how to transition confidently.

If you're starting or running a UK limited company, knowing what business insurance you need can be confusing. Don't wor...
25/05/2026

If you're starting or running a UK limited company, knowing what business insurance you need can be confusing.

Don't worry, because we're here to walk you through it.

In this video we cover:

✅ What business insurance actually is

✅ The one type of insurance you're legally required to have (if you hire staff)

✅ Common types of cover: public liability, professional indemnity, business contents, and cyber insurance

✅ When optional insurance becomes practically essential

Whether you're a freelancer, consultant or small business owner, understanding your insurance obligations is crucial for protecting your company and building credibility. 👇

If you're starting or running a UK limited company, knowing what bu...

Is your company culture written down, or is it just a collection of unwritten assumptions?As your startup grows, relying...
22/05/2026

Is your company culture written down, or is it just a collection of unwritten assumptions?

As your startup grows, relying on word-of-mouth to explain how your business operates becomes a major risk. An Employee Handbook isn't just bureaucratic paperwork—it is your legal shield, operational manual, and culture guide all rolled into one.

When building yours, make sure it covers these 4 vital areas:

⚖️ The Legal Essentials – Explicitly outline disciplinary procedures, grievances, and GDPR policies to protect your business.
📅 Everyday Logistics – Clearly define working hours, hybrid working boundaries, and the exact process for booking annual leave.
💻 Modern Workplace Policies – Set clear guidelines on company equipment use, AI tool boundaries, and social media conduct.
🌱 Culture & Perks – Share your mission, values, and the workplace benefits that make your team want to stay.

A solid handbook prevents costly misunderstandings and gives your team the clarity they need to succeed from day one.

We’ve created a comprehensive framework to help UK startups write theirs easily. Read the full guide in the comments below. 👇

Learn how to create an employee handbook that clarifies policies, supports culture, speeds onboarding, and stays compliant as you grow.

Is your Amazon FBA store a hobby, or a scalable business?Many sellers start out as Sole Traders because it’s quick and e...
20/05/2026

Is your Amazon FBA store a hobby, or a scalable business?

Many sellers start out as Sole Traders because it’s quick and easy. But as your sales grow, keeping that structure can cost you thousands in unnecessary tax and expose you to serious personal liability.

If you're scaling an FBA store, switching to a Limited Company offers 4 massive advantages:

💰 Capped Tax Rates – Pay Corporation Tax on your profits rather than personal Income Tax, which can swallow up to 45% for higher-rate earners.
🛡️ Limited Liability – Protect your personal assets (like your home or savings) if a supplier dispute or product liability issue ever goes wrong.
📈 Funding & Credibility – It is significantly easier to secure business loans, investment, or wholesale supplier deals as a registered company.
🚀 An Exit Strategy – If you ever want to sell your Amazon brand to an aggregator, they will almost always require a limited company structure.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but making the switch at the right time is the key to protecting your hard-earned margins.

We’ve broken down the exact thresholds, tax differences, and how to transition your Amazon account without losing your listings.

Read the full guide in the comments below. 👇

Selling on Amazon UK? Discover whether it’s better to register as a sole trader or limited company for Amazon FBA.

A business is only as strong as its team. But are you paying them enough to survive, or just to show up?At 1st Formation...
18/05/2026

A business is only as strong as its team. But are you paying them enough to survive, or just to show up?

At 1st Formations, we believe that fair pay is the foundation of a great company culture. That’s why we are incredibly proud to be an accredited real Living Wage Employer.

Unlike the statutory minimum wage, the real Living Wage is independently calculated based on the actual cost of living in the UK. For us, this isn't just a badge; it's a vital part of our commitment as a certified B Corp. Investing in our people directly translates to a more motivated team and better service for our clients.

If you’re a growing business looking to attract top talent and build long-term loyalty, becoming a Living Wage employer is a powerful step forward.

We’ve broken down the benefits and the application process for small businesses in our latest blog post. Read the full article in the comments below. 👇

Find out what the real Living Wage means, how it differs from the National Living Wage, and why fair pay matters at 1st Formations.

Every penny counts when you’re scaling a small business. While big cuts get the headlines, it’s often the small, "silent...
14/05/2026

Every penny counts when you’re scaling a small business. While big cuts get the headlines, it’s often the small, "silent" expenses that drain your capital.

To keep your margins healthy, focus on these quick wins:

🔍 Audit Subscriptions – Cancel the software you haven't touched in months.
📞 Renegotiate – Call your utility and stationery suppliers to ask for a better rate.
🤝 Retain Staff – It’s significantly cheaper to keep talent than to hire and retrain.
☁️ Go Paperless – Save on supplies and office space by moving everything to the cloud.
🏦 Switch Banks – Don't let high fees eat your profits; shop around for a better deal.

We’ve compiled 15 essential money-saving tips to help you lean out your operations without losing momentum.

Watch the full guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFw6Cznx9KI

Are you looking for ways to save money in your business? Let us help. In this video our company expert, Nick Campion, reveals 15 money-saving tips for small ...

Thinking about investing in UK property? The biggest question isn't just where to buy, but how to buy.While buying in yo...
13/05/2026

Thinking about investing in UK property? The biggest question isn't just where to buy, but how to buy.

While buying in your own name was once the standard, many investors now use a "Buy-to-Let" limited company. Getting your structure right from day one is the key to protecting your long-term returns.

By purchasing through a limited company, you can:

💰 Optimise Tax – Pay Corporation Tax on profits instead of higher-rate personal Income Tax.
🏡 Deduct Expenses – Fully deduct mortgage interest as a business expense.
📈 Reinvest Faster – Keep profits in the business to fund your next deposit without a personal tax hit.
🤝 Plan for the Future – Pass your portfolio to the next generation more efficiently via share transfers.

The "right" move depends on your specific goals, so it’s vital to weigh the pros and cons early.

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about setting up a property SPV. Read the full guide in the comments below. 👇

Explore how to buy property through a UK Ltd company, understand tax benefits, stamp duty, and decide if it's the right choice for you.

Address

71-75 Shelton Street
London
WC2H9JQ

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+442038972233

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