Compare 1st Formations with Top UK Company Registration Services
Setting up a limited company in the UK is a big step—but also an exciting one. Whether you’re a UK-based entrepreneur or an overseas founder looking to tap into the UK market, choosing the right company formation agent can make the process much smoother.
There are dozens of options available online, but not all services offer the same value, support, or flexibility.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how 1st Formations stacks up against other popular UK platforms like Rapid Formations, Companies Made Simple, and Osome UK.
🧾 About 1st Formations
Founded in London, 1st Formations is a UK-based company formation agent that has helped over 1 million customers set up their companies since its inception.
It’s authorised by Companies House and is known for:
Transparent pricing
Same-day company registration
Services for both UK and non-UK residents
Excellent customer support
Trustpilot Rating: ⭐ 4.9/5 (10,000+ reviews)
💼 What 1st Formations Offers
| Service Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Formation | Private Limited Company (LTD), LLP, Charities, and more |
| Turnaround Time | Same-day (3–6 hours) |
| Pricing | Starts at £12.99 + VAT |
| Registered Office Address | London-based office service available |
| Director Service Address | Available with mail forwarding |
| Business Banking Offers | Partnerships with Tide, Anna, Monzo, and more |
| Support for Non-UK Residents | ✔️ Yes – full formation and address support |
| Customer Support | Phone, email, live chat |
| Additional Services | VAT registration, PAYE registration, Confirmation Statement filing, etc. |
🔍 Comparing 1st Formations with Other UK Providers
Let’s now look at how 1st Formations compares with other top providers in the UK company formation space.
1. Rapid Formations
Overview: A direct competitor to 1st Formations with a similar set of offerings. Known for speed and efficient service.
Price: From £12.99 + VAT
Same-day registration
Registered office & service address options
Trustpilot: ⭐ 4.7/5
Limited support for non-UK residents
2. Companies Made Simple
Overview: A long-standing player in the UK market, ideal for basic company formation needs.
Price: From £13.99
Company registration in 3–6 hours
Optional extras: domain name, VAT reg, annual filing
Trustpilot: ⭐ 4.6/5
Simple user dashboard
3. Osome UK
Overview: A more tech-driven platform combining accounting and formation services.
Price: From £25/month
Formation + accounting in one package
Best for ongoing compliance + automation
Trustpilot: ⭐ 4.5/5
No phone support, chat-based only
📊 Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | 1st Formations | Rapid Formations | Companies Made Simple | Osome UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £12.99 | £12.99 | £13.99 | £25/month |
| Same-Day Formation | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ❌ Usually 1–2 days |
| Non-UK Resident Support | ✔️ Full | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited | ✔️ Available |
| Registered Office & Service Addr | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Customer Support Type | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Chat only |
| Trustpilot Rating | ⭐ 4.9 | ⭐ 4.7 | ⭐ 4.6 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Digital + Printed Documents | ✔️ Yes | Extra charge | Extra charge | ❌ No |
| Banking Referrals | ✔️ Multiple Banks | ✔️ Fewer Options | ✔️ Some Options | ❌ None |
🌍 Special Focus: Non-UK Residents
Not all UK company formation agents support overseas entrepreneurs—but 1st Formations makes it easy for global founders to:
Set up a UK company online
Use a London address for legal compliance
Access mail forwarding and digital scans
Open a business bank account through partners
Receive printed documents via international shipping
This makes it a great option for digital nomads, freelancers, and global startups
Use Cases by Platform
| Scenario | Recommended Service |
|---|---|
| Starting a UK business from India | 1st Formations |
| Need company + accounting bundle | Osome UK |
| Want the cheapest UK package | Rapid Formations / 1st Formations |
| Need domain and VAT setup | Companies Made Simple |
| Prefer phone support | 1st Formations / Rapid |
| Non-UK resident with postal needs | 1st Formations |
📝 Summary: Which One to Choose?
Every platform reviewed above offers good service, but they differ slightly in who they serve best.
1st Formations offers flexibility for both UK and overseas clients, along with great customer care.
Rapid Formations is best for local users who want a fast and affordable setup.
Companies Made Simple works well for those who want a simple company plus basic add-ons.
Osome is designed for founders looking for automation and bundled services.
🛠️ Final Thoughts
Starting a company is more than filling out a form—it’s about finding a service that offers support, legal compliance, and tools to grow your business. Take time to evaluate your goals and choose a platform that fits your needs now—and in the future.
🚀 Ready to Form Your UK Company?
Check out 1st Formations and explore flexible packages starting from £12.99.
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