What do I need to set up a close protection company in the UK?
You will generally need to choose a legal structure, confirm an available company name, provide director and shareholder information, register the entity with Companies House and arrange tax registration with HMRC. A limited company requires a Memorandum and Articles of Association and receives a Company Registration Number. You should also plan banking, bookkeeping, insurance, contracts, staffing and any sector-specific permissions before trading.
Do I need an SIA licence to run a close protection company?
The licensing position depends on the activities being provided and who performs them. In the UK, individuals undertaking licensable frontline security work, including close protection where applicable, must meet Security Industry Authority requirements. A company should verify the applicable SIA rules, ensure deployed personnel hold the correct licences, and maintain robust checking procedures. Obtain specialist regulatory advice for your planned services and contracts.
Should I set up as a limited company or sole trader?
A private limited company is often considered where founders want a separate legal entity, clearer ownership arrangements and a structure that may suit commercial contracting and growth. A sole trader arrangement can be simpler, but the owner remains personally responsible for business liabilities. The right choice depends on ownership, risk appetite, client requirements, tax position and future staffing plans.
How do I register a close protection company with Companies House?
For a UK private limited company, you submit incorporation information to Companies House, including the proposed name, registered office, director details, people with significant control, share structure, Memorandum and Articles of Association. Once accepted, Companies House issues a Company Registration Number. The company must then register for Corporation Tax with HMRC and meet continuing filing obligations.
Do I need to register for VAT?
VAT registration becomes compulsory when taxable turnover exceeds the statutory threshold, and businesses may also choose voluntary registration in some circumstances. Whether it is beneficial depends on expected revenue, client profile, recoverable VAT on costs and pricing strategy. Close protection companies should monitor taxable turnover carefully, retain supporting records and submit VAT returns on time once registered.
How do I pay close protection staff in the UK?
Employees are normally paid through a PAYE payroll scheme. This involves registering as an employer with HMRC, calculating pay, tax and National Insurance, issuing payslips, submitting Real Time Information reports and providing year-end documents such as P60s. Worker status must be assessed carefully, particularly when using contractors, because employment and tax obligations can differ significantly.
What ongoing compliance does a UK limited company have?
A UK limited company typically needs to maintain statutory records, file annual accounts with Companies House, submit a Confirmation Statement, prepare and file a Corporation Tax return using CT600, and keep accurate accounting records. Other obligations may include VAT returns, PAYE reporting, National Insurance payments and event-driven Companies House updates when directors, shareholders or registered details change.
How long does it take to set up a close protection company in the UK?
Companies House incorporation can be completed quickly once all required information is accurate and available, but a trading-ready setup usually takes longer. Time is needed to organise tax registration, banking, accounting processes, insurance, employment arrangements, contracts and any security-sector compliance procedures. Planning these workstreams together helps prevent avoidable delays after incorporation.