Adding a director to a limited company

When you set up a limited company, you will be required to have at least one director, as well as at least one shareholder.

However, once the company has been set up, you might find that you want to expand your team of directors, or replace one of your original directors.

Here’s our guide to adding a director to a limited company. 

How many directors can a company have?

Your company can have as many directors as you want. However, it’s important to remember that each director must be approved and go through the relevant, official process.

Deciding to add a new director

New directors must be approved by the relevant parties before they can be appointed. This typically happens by a resolution of the members at a general meeting, or in writing. In some instances, however, companies will grant this decision-making power to the board of directors.

Who can I add as a director?

There are a number of requirements that someone must meet before they can be appointed as a director. They must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Not have been disqualified from directing another company
• Not have an undischarged bankruptcy
• Not be an auditor of the company
• Not be excluded under any of the Articles of Association

How to add a new director

First thing’s first, if you’re thinking of adding a new director to your limited company, it’s important to ensure they are suitable for the job and have all the necessary requirements. You must carefully consider if they are the right person for the job.

When you’re happy to go ahead and make them a director, you will need to register them with Companies House. This is done using a AP01 form. You can either print off the form and return it to them via post, or simply complete the form online using the WebFiling system.

Alternatively, you can use a specialist company formation service to take care of the process for you, saving you the time and hassle of having to fill out and submit the forms yourself.

What information is required to add a director?

When adding a new director to your limited company, you will need to provide the following information:

• Date of appointment
• Full name
• Any former names used within the past 20 years
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Occupation
• Service address
• Residential address

 

You must also notify Companies House and provide the following details on form AP01 Appointment of Director within 14 days:

• Company name
• Company registration number (CRN)
• Date of appointment of new company director
• Title, full forename(s), and surname, including any former name(s)
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Service address
• Occupation
• Nationality

 

How long does it take to add a director to a limited company?

In the vast majority of cases, the process involved in adding a company director to Company House is quick, easy and hassle free. Once Companies House has received these details, they will then update them on the public register within approximately 48 hours.

How much does it cost to add a director to a limited company?

Many people do not realise that there is no fee for appointing a new director

Are details of company directors made available to the public?

Yes, all directors’ details submitted to Companies House at the time of their appointment will be displayed on public record. The only details that are exempt are home addresses, as well as the ‘day’ element of the director’s date of birth.

If a director chooses their own residential address as their service address, you will be able to view these on public record.

Why choose React Accountancy?

Here at REACT Accountancy, we offer trusted accountancy services to start-up, established, and multi-national businesses across a diverse range of businesses.

From the moment you get in touch, our approachable, friendly and professional team will go above and beyond to ensure that you receive the right advice, support and accountancy solutions for your business, including guidance on tax exemptions.

And, all of our team has years of experience in providing accountancy services that support your business including complex financial issues.

Get in touch today for further information about any of our services.