1What are the three ways to create a company?
Chartered companies, statutory companies and registered companies.
2How are chartered companies incorporated?
By the Crown through the grant of a Royal Charter under the Royal prerogative.
3What are examples of chartered companies?
Exeter Cathedral and Exeter University.
4Are chartered companies still used for ordinary trading or commercial purposes?
No, they are no longer used for ordinary trading or commercial purposes.
5How are statutory companies created?
They are created or incorporated under an Act of Parliament.
6What is an example of a statutory company?
Channel Four Television.
7Are statutory companies still used for ordinary trading or commercial purposes?
No, they are no longer used for ordinary trading or commercial purposes.
8What is the main way to create a trading company?
By registering a company.
9Which legislation governs the registration of companies?
The Companies Act 2006.
10Does creating a registered company require Crown or Parliamentary authority?
No, it requires only a small fee and registration, which is available online.
11What must the name of a public company end with?
Public limited company or plc.
12Can a public company offer shares to the public?
Yes, a public company can offer shares to the public.
13Must a public company be listed or quoted on a stock exchange?
No, it does not have to be listed or quoted.
14Are public companies subject to more or fewer legal restrictions?
More legislation and restrictions.
15What is the minimum number of members required for a public company?
One member.
16What is the minimum number of directors required for a public company?
Two directors.
17When must a public company hold its annual general meeting and have audited accounts?
Within six months of the end of the financial year.
18What is the minimum share capital required for a public company?
£50,000.
19What is a private company?
Any company registered under the Companies Act 2006 that is not a public company.
20What must the name of a private company end with?
Limited or Ltd.
21Can a private company offer shares to the public?
No, a private company cannot offer shares to the public.
22Can a private company be listed or quoted on a stock exchange?
No, a private company cannot be listed or quoted.
23Are private companies subject to more or fewer legal restrictions than public companies?
Fewer restrictions and less legislation.
24What is the minimum number of members required for a private company?
One member.
25What is the minimum number of directors required for a private company?
One director.
26What is the minimum share capital required for a private company?
There is no minimum share capital requirement.
27What is separate legal personality?
The principle that a company is a separate legal person from its members, directors and officers.
28What is a company described as in law?
A body corporate.
29Who owns the business and assets of a sole trader?
The sole trader.
30Who owns the business and assets of a partnership?
The partners.
31Who is liable for the debts of a sole trader or partnership?
The sole trader or partners.
32What do members own in a company?
Shares in the company.
33Do company members own the assets used by the company?
No, the company owns its business and assets.
34What was the key legal principle established in Salomon v Salomon (1896)?
A company has a separate legal personality from its members.
35What was Mr Salomon's business before incorporation?
He was a sole trader.
36What company did Mr Salomon incorporate?
A Salomon & Co. Ltd.
37Who owned shares in A Salomon & Co. Ltd.?
Mr Salomon and his family.
38What happened to A Salomon & Co. Ltd.?
It became insolvent.
39What did the company's creditors want Mr Salomon to do?
Pay the company's debts personally.
40What did the House of Lords decide in Salomon v Salomon?
Mr Salomon and the company were separate legal persons.
41Was Mr Salomon personally liable for the company's debts in Salomon v Salomon?
No, he was not liable for the company's debts beyond what he had invested.
42Is the principle in Salomon v Salomon considered unfair to creditors?
No, it is consistent with the Companies Act, although creditors can lose money.
43What does lifting the corporate veil mean?
Allowing a person other than the company to be held responsible for certain company actions or liabilities.
44When can the corporate veil be lifted?
In certain very rare situations permitted by judges or statutes.
45Who might be held responsible when the corporate veil is lifted?
A shareholder or a director, for example.
46How is a company normally formed?
By completing the necessary forms and registering at Companies House, usually online.
47What happens when a company is registered?
It becomes a body corporate with separate legal personality.
48What is the minimum number of shareholders a company can have?
One shareholder.
49What is the minimum number of directors a company can have?
One director.
50What is the role of a promoter?
A promoter usually undertakes the process of registering a company at Companies House.
51What does a promoter usually become after incorporation?
A director of the company.
52Can a company enter into a contract before it is incorporated?
No, because the company does not yet exist.
53Who is generally responsible for a pre-incorporation contract?
The promoter, unless there is an agreement to the contrary.
54What is a pre-incorporation contract?
A contract made before a company has been legally incorporated.
55How can a company enter into a contract with similar terms after incorporation?
By entering into a new contract, following the rules of novation.
56What is novation?
The creation of a new contractual arrangement that replaces or transfers an existing contractual obligation with the necessary agreement.
57What are the necessary registration documents for a company?
Application form, capital details, registered office details, officers' details, Articles of Association and a statement of compliance.
58What information is included in the company application form?
The company name, whether it is public or private, liability details and the required fee.
59What capital information must be provided when registering a company?
The amount of capital and the initial shareholding.
60What is the registered office document requirement?
The address of the company's registered office must be provided.
61What information about officers is required for registration?
Details of the proposed directors and secretary.
62What are the Articles of Association?
The company's internal rules.
63What is the purpose of the statement of compliance?
To confirm compliance with the requirements of the Companies Act.
64What additional certificate must a public company obtain before trading?
A trading certificate.
65Can a public company commence trading before its trading certificate is issued?
No, it must wait until the certificate has been issued.
66Does a private company need a trading certificate?
No, private companies do not need a trading certificate.