What happens if we miss a Companies House filing deadline?

Late or missed filings can result in financial penalties, and persistent non-compliance can lead to the company being struck off the register. Directors can also face personal fines. We can help you get back on track and put systems in place to make sure it does not happen again.

Can you act as our company secretary?

Yes. We can act as your company secretary or provide ongoing secretarial support on a retained basis. This covers confirmation statements, statutory register maintenance, Companies House filings, board minutes and resolutions, and general governance support.

We are a small business. Is this relevant to us?

Very much so. Company law applies to businesses of all sizes. In fact, smaller owner-managed businesses are often more exposed to risk because they tend to have less formal governance in place. Getting the basics right early on protects both the company and the directors personally.

Company Law & Company Secretarial Advice | Ansons Law

Your company, run properly, with fewer things to worry about.

Running a limited company means taking on legal responsibilities that go well beyond the day-to-day running of the business. As a director, you have statutory duties under the Companies Act 2006, obligations to shareholders and ongoing compliance requirements with Companies House. Getting those things right matters, and the consequences of getting them wrong can be serious.

At Ansons, we provide straightforward company law advice and company secretarial support to SMEs, directors and shareholders across Dudley, Cannock, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield and the wider West Midlands. Whether you need one-off advice on a specific issue or ongoing support to keep your company in good order, we are here to help.

Protecting directors from personal liability
Keeping Companies House filings and registers up to date
Advising on shareholder rights and governance
Supporting owner-managed businesses at every stage of growth

What we can help with

Our corporate team provides clear, practical support across all areas of company law and company secretarial compliance.

Get in touch

Advice on directors' duties and personal liability under the Companies Act 2006

rafting and amending articles of association

Share allotments, transfers and the creation of new share classes

Shareholder agreements and protection of minority shareholder rights

Board and shareholder resolutions and meeting documentation

Maintenance of statutory registers and company books

Confirmation statement and Companies House filings

Appointment and removal of directors and company secretaries

Dividend declarations and distribution advice

What is company law, and what does it mean for you as a director?

Company law is the body of legislation that governs how companies are formed, managed and dissolved in the UK. The cornerstone of that legislation is the Companies Act 2006, which sets out the duties every director must follow and the rights every shareholder is entitled to expect.

As a director, you are legally required to act in good faith in the interests of the company, exercise independent judgment, avoid conflicts of interest and declare any personal interest in a transaction. These are not optional. Breaches can lead to personal liability, compensation claims, disqualification or, in serious cases, criminal penalties.

For directors of owner-managed businesses in particular, it is easy to underestimate how much these obligations apply to you. The fact that you are also a shareholder does not remove your duties as a director. Taking advice early, and keeping proper records of decisions, is the most effective way to protect yourself and your business.

What is company secretarial support?

A company secretary is responsible for making sure a company meets its statutory obligations. That means maintaining accurate registers, filing documents with Companies House on time, preparing board and shareholder meeting documentation and keeping the company's governance in good order.

Private limited companies are not legally required to appoint a company secretary, but someone still needs to carry out those functions. For many SME directors, that responsibility falls to them by default, alongside everything else they are managing. Missed filings, inaccurate registers and undocumented decisions can create real problems further down the line, particularly when it comes to selling the business or bringing in new investors.

Outsourcing your company secretarial function to Ansons means those obligations are handled by people who do this every day. We keep your records accurate, your filings on time and your governance in the kind of shape that stands up to scrutiny when it matters.

Why specialist support helps

Protection for directors

Understanding your duties under the Companies Act 2006 reduces the risk of personal liability. We make sure you know where you stand and how to stay on the right side of the law.

Fewer filing headaches

Confirmation statements, share allotments, director changes, resolutions. We manage the paperwork so it gets done on time and done correctly, every time.

Stronger governance from the start

Good governance is not just for large corporations. Getting the basics right in an SME protects shareholders, supports better decision-making and builds a stronger foundation for growth.

Better preparation for future transactions

Well-maintained registers, properly documented decisions and up-to-date filings make due diligence faster and cleaner, whether you are selling, seeking investment or bringing in a new partner.

Advice that fits your business

We work with businesses of all sizes across Dudley, Cannock, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield and the wider West Midlands. Our advice is practical and tailored to your situation, not generic.

One team, broader expertise

When company law questions touch on employment, property or disputes, you have access to the wider Ansons team without having to start again with a new firm.

Company law and secretarial FAQs

Company law applies to every limited company, whatever the size. These are the questions we hear most often from directors and business owners across the West Midlands.

If you would rather talk it through, give our team a call or send us an enquiry online.

What does a company solicitor actually do?

A company solicitor advises directors, shareholders and business owners on their legal rights and obligations under company law. This includes guidance on directors' duties, shareholder rights, corporate governance, share allotments and transfers, articles of association, board resolutions and Companies House compliance. Think of us as the people you call when something needs doing properly or when something has gone wrong and needs sorting out.

Do I need a company secretary?

Private companies are not legally required to appoint a company secretary under the Companies Act 2006, but someone must still carry out those functions. Many SME directors manage this themselves, but it is time-consuming and easy to get wrong. Outsourcing to a solicitor reduces the risk of missed filings, penalties and governance gaps, and frees you up to focus on running the business.

What are my duties as a director?

The Companies Act 2006 sets out seven statutory duties for directors. These include acting within your powers, promoting the success of the company, exercising independent judgment, avoiding conflicts of interest and declaring any personal interest in a transaction. These apply to all directors, including non-executive and shadow directors. Breaches can result in personal liability, fines or disqualification.