LLPs & Company Formation Solicitors
Commercial
The Right Structure From Day One
How you structure your business affects everything that follows, from liability and tax to how easily you can bring in investors or partners later. Gurve Legal is a London-based commercial law firm advising founders and growing businesses on company and LLP formations built to last.
We advise on the practical differences between a limited company, LLP or partnership, and handle the incorporation process alongside the documentation that actually governs how your business runs day to day.
Getting this right at the outset avoids expensive restructuring later, so we focus on where your business is heading, not just registering it.
Our LLP and Company Formation Services
Choosing the Right Business Structure
The decision between a limited company, LLP or partnership depends on your sector, tax position, and the number of stakeholders involved. We advise on the practical implications of each before you commit.
- Private limited companies (Ltd)
- Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- General partnerships
- Holding company and group structures
LLP Formation and Incorporation
LLPs suit professional services firms and joint ventures where profit-sharing flexibility matters. We handle incorporation with Companies House and draft the LLP agreement that reflects the commercial terms members have actually agreed.
Limited Company Formation
We incorporate private limited companies with bespoke constitutions, not off-the-shelf articles. Foundational documents are drafted to reflect how your business will actually be governed as it grows.
- Companies House registration and incorporation
- Bespoke articles of association
- Director appointments and initial filings
- Share structure and class rights
Shareholders and Partnership Agreements
A shareholders or partnership agreement sits alongside incorporation to set out rights, transfers and exit mechanisms clearly. Our shareholders agreements and partnership agreements teams work alongside the formation process so everything aligns from day one.
Company Secretarial and Ongoing Compliance
Formation is only the start. We support businesses with board minutes, member resolutions, confirmation statements and Companies House filings, keeping you compliant as you grow.
Startup and Early-Stage Advice
For founders at the earliest stages, the legal foundations matter as much as the idea. We advise on term sheets, founder agreements and the documentation needed to attract early investment.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Advise Founders and Investors Alike
Most firms focus on one side of a formation. Our experience acting for both founders and investors means we understand what each party needs, and build that into the documentation from the outset.
Commercial Substance, Not Just Process
Registering a company takes minutes. Structuring it correctly takes expertise. We focus on the substance behind the paperwork, so your articles and governance actually support where your business is going.
Fixed-Fee Transparency
Cost certainty matters at the early stages. Where appropriate, we offer fixed-fee packages for straightforward formations with clear scope and no hidden extras.
Joined-Up Support as You Grow
Formation is rarely a standalone event. Our wider commercial team advises on contracts, governance and investment as your business develops, giving you continuity rather than a one-off transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I set up a limited company or an LLP?
It depends on your sector, tax position and how many people are involved. Limited companies suit most trading businesses, while LLPs are popular with professional services firms and joint ventures.
How long does company formation take?
Straightforward incorporation with Companies House can happen within days, though bespoke articles and shareholder agreements typically take longer to draft properly.
Do I need a shareholders agreement if I have articles of association?
Yes, in most cases. Articles are a public document filed at Companies House, while a shareholders agreement is private and covers matters articles rarely address in enough detail.
What is a designated member in an LLP?
A designated member takes on additional legal and administrative responsibilities, including filing obligations with Companies House, and every LLP must have at least two.
Can I convert a partnership into an LLP later?
Yes, though the process involves transferring assets and liabilities and requires careful drafting to protect all parties during the transition.
Get in Touch
Starting a business or restructuring an existing one? Speak to our company formation solicitors today for clear, commercial advice from the outset.