Virtual Company Secretary Ltd

Virtual Company Secretary Ltd Virtual Company Secretary Ltd, provides an outsourced Corporate Secretarial Services and ad hoc support for corporate law matters.

Artificial Intelligence is becoming a popular tool for drafting documents, summarising reports, preparing meeting notes ...
04/09/2026

Artificial Intelligence is becoming a popular tool for drafting documents, summarising reports, preparing meeting notes and supporting compliance activities.

But there's an important question every director should ask:

Who is checking the AI's work?

AI can save time, but it can also:

⚠️ Misinterpret complex legal or governance matters
⚠️ Generate inaccurate information with confidence
⚠️ Miss important context or company-specific requirements
⚠️ Create compliance risks if outputs are relied upon without review
⚠️ Produce records that don't accurately reflect board discussions or decisions

When it comes to statutory records, Companies House filings, board minutes, shareholder communications and governance matters, accuracy matters.

A missed deadline, incorrect filing or poorly documented decision can have real consequences for directors and companies.

The most effective approach is not to replace governance expertise with AI, but to use AI as a tool that is supported by professional oversight, human judgement and robust governance processes.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we believe technology can improve efficiency, but good governance will always require experienced professionals who understand compliance, accountability and regulatory obligations.

Since Companies House introduced identity verification requirements, millions of directors and people with significant c...
02/09/2026

Since Companies House introduced identity verification requirements, millions of directors and people with significant control (PSCs) have been working through the process of obtaining their personal verification codes.

For many, it has been straightforward.

For others, it has been frustrating, time-consuming and difficult to navigate.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we’ve now helped over 1,000 directors and PSCs successfully obtain their ID verification codes and complete their Companies House filing requirements.

Here’s what some of our clients have shared:

⭐ “My problem was solved in less than 24 hours! They saved me a lot of stress, effort and money.”

⭐ “Excellent, friendly and highly professional service.”

⭐ “Got the Companies House confirmation and the personal code already. Really excellent.”

Our role is to simplify the process, provide clear guidance and make sure directors can meet their obligations with confidence.

If you’re unsure where you are with identity verification or need support completing the process, we’re here to help.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/companies-house-identity-verification

The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) has published updated guidance on requests to access a company's register of me...
27/08/2026

The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) has published updated guidance on requests to access a company's register of members (shareholder register), providing valuable clarity on what constitutes a "proper purpose" when seeking access.

Why does this matter?

A company's register of members contains important shareholder information, and requests for access are becoming increasingly scrutinised. The updated guidance reflects recent court decisions and reinforces that every request must be assessed on its own facts and circumstances.

Key points from the updated guidance include:

✔ Greater emphasis on ensuring requests contain all information required by the Companies Act 2006
✔ Clarification that commercial purposes are not automatically considered improper
✔ Additional guidance on how companies should respond to invalid requests
✔ Recognition that requests relating to company governance, director accountability and management concerns may constitute a proper purpose
✔ Increased focus on identifying all parties who may receive the information and how it will be used
✔ Confirmation that courts will continue to assess each application on a case-by-case basis

For directors and company officers, it is essential to understand both your obligations and your rights when dealing with requests for access to a register of members.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we help companies maintain accurate statutory registers, navigate governance requirements, and stay compliant with evolving company law and best practice guidance.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

If you are a director of a company from which you do not receive dividends or an income, you may need to make further de...
25/08/2026

If you are a director of a company from which you do not receive dividends or an income, you may need to make further declarations on your Self-Assessment tax return.

⚠️ From the 2025/26 tax year, (filing from April 2026) new reporting requirements are being introduced for dividend payments made by close companies.

A close company is broadly one that is controlled by:
• Five or fewer participators; or
• Participators who are also directors

The changes means directors will need to provide more detailed information
• Name of the closed Company
• Companies House registration number
• Dividends received from the specific closed company (even if zero)
• Highest percentage of share capital held in the Company during the tax year (even if zero)

The new requirement comes from The Income Tax (Additional Information to be included in Returns) Regulations 2025, which require directors of close companies to report more detailed information on their shareholdings and any dividend income they receive from those companies.

If you're a director of a close company, it's worth reviewing your records now to ensure you have the information you'll need. Understanding the new requirements early can help you avoid errors and ensure your Self-Assessment tax return is completed accurately.

If you're unsure how the new rules apply to you, seek professional advice from your Company Secretary or accountant before filing.

Not sure whether your company is affected?

Speak to the team at Virtual Company Secretary for guidance on your filing and governance responsibilities today:

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

Whether you run a freehold, Right to Manage (RTM), or residential block management company, the compliance burden can qu...
21/08/2026

Whether you run a freehold, Right to Manage (RTM), or residential block management company, the compliance burden can quickly become overwhelming.

From Companies House filings and statutory accounts to director changes and member records, there's a lot to keep up with, especially when these roles are often voluntary.

That's where outsourced company secretarial and accounting support can make a real difference.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we help property companies of all sizes stay compliant, organised, and stress-free by handling:

✔ Company formation and incorporation
✔ Registered office and director service addresses
✔ Preparation of annual confirmation statements
✔ Preparation of statutory accounts
✔ Member and leaseholder administration
✔ Ongoing company secretarial and governance support

From a single maisonette with two leaseholders to large developments with hundreds of apartments, our team supports property companies across the UK, with over 2,250 leaseholders already trusting us to manage their compliance and corporate administration.

Why not join them and take some of your own time back?

📞 0330 128 1586
✉️ [email protected]
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/

Did you know? Virtual Company Secretary is listed on the Companies House list of approved company formation agents 💡This...
19/08/2026

Did you know? Virtual Company Secretary is listed on the Companies House list of approved company formation agents 💡

This means that we can support you through the incorporation process, handling the paperwork and compliance requirements while you focus on starting to grow your business.

We can help with:

✔ Company formation and incorporation
✔ Preparing Memorandum & Articles of Association
✔ Setting up Director, Shareholder and PSC registers
✔ Companies House filings and approvals
✔ Share certificates and incorporation documents
✔ Ongoing company secretarial support after incorporation

Whether you're a sole founder or setting up a company with multiple shareholders, getting the setup right from day one can save time, money, and potential legal headaches later.

If you would like help setting up your limited company, get in touch today to find out how we can help:

📞 0330 128 1586
www.virtualcompanysecretary.com

Do you need a registered business address in Surrey but want to keep your home address private? 📍Virtual Company Secreta...
14/08/2026

Do you need a registered business address in Surrey but want to keep your home address private? 📍

Virtual Company Secretary can help 💡

We understand that not everyone wants their home address to appear on the public record.

That's why we offer registered office and service address solutions to help protect your privacy, while ensuring important correspondence is handled correctly.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help:

📞 0330 128 1586
✉️ [email protected]

Compliance on it's own doesn't have to be stressful, but when you're running a business, it quickly becomes another thin...
05/08/2026

Compliance on it's own doesn't have to be stressful, but when you're running a business, it quickly becomes another thing on the to-do list.

As regulations grow more complex, more businesses are choosing to outsource this function instead of managing it in-house.

That's where Virtual Company Secretary comes in 👋 We can help ensure your company stays compliant and well-governed by handling:

✔ Statutory filings and Companies House obligations
✔ Ensuring deadlines and compliance requirements are met
✔ Maintaining accurate company records and registers
✔ Organising board and shareholder meetings
✔ Supporting directors with governance responsibilities
✔ Monitoring changes in UK company law

By outsourcing these tasks to our specialists, businesses can gain access to expert knowledge without the cost and complexity of an in-house appointment.

💻 Book a free 15-minute consultation to find out more about how we can help: https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/contact/

When a company is dissolved, many people assume its records simply disappear. But what happens to that information after...
03/08/2026

When a company is dissolved, many people assume its records simply disappear. But what happens to that information afterwards? 👀

Companies House is currently reviewing the retention period for records relating to dissolved companies - considering whether the current timeframe remains appropriate as the register continues to evolve.

This review forms part of wider efforts to improve transparency, strengthen confidence in the Companies House register and ensure company information is managed effectively.

For directors, advisers and anyone involved in corporate governance, it’s another reminder that company records matter... even after a company has ceased trading.

We’ll continue to monitor any updates and share what directors need to know.

https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

If you’re not on our mailing list, you could be missing updates that matter 💡Recently we’ve covered:🟣 Companies House ID...
22/07/2026

If you’re not on our mailing list, you could be missing updates that matter 💡

Recently we’ve covered:

🟣 Companies House ID verification and personal codes
🟣 Virtual AGMs and what’s changing
🟣 New developments like PISCES

Our quarterly newsletter brings all of these updates together, in one place, and in plain English, so you can stay ahead while staying focused on your business.

Sign up here 👉 https://www.virtualcompanysecretary.com/newsletter

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7 York Road
Woking
GU227XH

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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