Recommended Steps to Follow
Woolford & Co. strongly recommends that any company contemplating starting up a business in the UK should take advice prior to setting up a UK company or branch of an overseas company. Tax minimisation structures can often be put in place prior to setting up in the UK, which would be much more difficult to do once the move to the UK had taken place.
For individuals moving to the UK it is also very important that assets are organised to allow for maximum tax saving. These opportunities are often lost if not dealt with prior to the move to the UK.
A number of very basic policies can be implemented prior to a firm moving to the UK. Woolford & Co. can assist with the following:
- Assistance for staff
- Company/LLP formation and branch registration
- Employment and immigration issues
- Finance
- Intellectual property registration
- International structures
- Property
Assistance for staff
Whilst we provide a comprehensive range of business services, we are also happy to assist individuals moving to the UK. Woolford & Co. is experienced in providing assistance in where to live, how to get children into schools and how to go about everyday normal life in the UK, whether it is "where are the best restaurants?" or "how do I find a plumber?"
Company or LLP formation and branch registration
We can offer advice on the formation of UK companies, the registration of a branch of an overseas company or the formation of a limited liability partnership. We not only offer the advice, but can also incorporate the UK company or LLP (normally within 24 hours) and deal with all the registrations etc in-house. We can check to see if any particular company name is available, advise on who the shareholders can be, register the directors, and, if necessary, provide a company secretary and the registered office.
Employment and immigration
Our employment specialists can assist with recruitment and advise on salary levels. They can draw up employment contracts and the other documentation required to comply with regulations and minimise the risks taken by the business with regard to employees.
Payroll specialists can organise the payment of salaries, while complying with tax and national insurance regulations.
Our specialist immigration experts can help obtain the necessary clearance for individuals to come to the UK to run the business.
Finance
When starting business in a new country the owners of the business will have little knowledge or contact with banks or other sources of finance. We are able to provide introductions to banks, so that banking facilities can be organised. Where appropriate, we can also assist with raising finance from banks, venture capitalists and other sources of venture capital.
Intellectual property registration
When trading outside the country of origin it is important to ensure that any intellectual property used is properly protected. We assist with valuation of the intellectual property and registering it where appropriate. Intellectual property can often provide an opportunity for tax planning and Woolford & Co. can also advise on this issue.
International structure
We can help to design international structures, taking into account tax minimisation and exchange control problems. Structures are not just developed for the UK, but also for any anticipated business expansion of the business into other countries.
Property
Woolford & Co. can assist in finding the appropriate property for clients, whether it is a single office in a serviced office building, or a factory site for a new manufacturing business. Property lawyers can assist with the purchase or renting of the property, ensuring this is dealt with legally and correctly and that risks to the business are minimised.
