How to set up your company with Tide

Setting up your own company is a huge step towards doing what you love.

At Tide, we can do this process for you (and even pay most of the fee).

There are just a few things we need from you to do this, which you can learn about below.

Step 1: Choose your company name

Once you've decided what your company will do, you'll need to pick a name.

We can then give this to Companies House when we set up your company.

How to choose your company name

Your company name can be almost anything you'd like. There are certain restrictions, such as if the name is deemed offensive, is already taken, or refers to a business type we don't support.

We've created a tool for you to check whether you name is available here.

Your company name will need to have either LTD or Limited at the end of it. There's no difference between them, except for how they look. If you don't add this, we'll automatically add LTD.

Step 4: Your application outcome

Once you've completed your application, we'll provide you with an outcome. We unfortunately can't accept every application.

If your application is successful

Once accepted as a Tide member, you can then activate your account through your app. All needed documents can also be signed digitally.

The majority of businesses will be incorporated within 48 business hours. We'll then email you your Certificate of Incorporation, which is proof that your company is registered and held under your name.

If your application is unsuccessful

We unfortunately might not be able to set up your company. This could be for a number of reasons, and you're welcome to try again yourself or through another service.

If your company application is successful, but your application for a Tide account is unsuccessful, you'll still have your company. It will just need a different business account to start operating.

You can learn more about why you might not be eligible for a Tide account here.

What to do once your company is set up

Once your company is set up, a few things will happen.

HMRC will automatically be updated, and they'll send you your UTR to your registered address.

You'll also be sent your CRN, and you'll get your company authentication code once you set up an account with Companies House WebFiling.

We've created a page which explains everything you need to know about what these things are, why you need them and how to find them here.