Company Secretary Cost UK: Fees, Packages and What to Expect
How Much Do Company Secretarial Services Cost in the UK? A Complete Fee & Package Guide for Small Businesses
The cost of a company secretary in the UK depends on the type of service you need. Basic outsourced packages for small companies can start at around £130 a year, while more comprehensive company secretarial services can cost £300 to £775 or more annually.
The price usually depends on what the provider includes, such as confirmation statement filing, statutory registers, company changes and a registered office address. Some services charge extra for these items, so comparing the headline fee alone can be misleading.
This guide explains typical company secretary costs, what different packages include and how small businesses can choose a suitable option without paying for services they do not need.
In this guide
How Much Does a Company Secretary Cost in the UK?
Outsourced company secretarial services for small UK companies can cost approximately £130 to £300 a year for basic packages, with more extensive services costing several hundred pounds more. These are indicative prices based on published provider packages, not an official industry average.
The following examples illustrate the range of prices identified during competitor research. Confirm the latest prices and package terms with each provider before purchasing.
| Provider | Published annual price | Service details |
|---|---|---|
| LTD Companies | £129.95 + VAT | Annual service with company changes and register maintenance |
| Formations Wise | £149.99 + VAT | Package includes a named secretary, account manager and up to 15 changes |
| Rocket Formations | £149.99 + VAT | Package includes company changes and a confirmation statement filing fee |
| Company Services UK | £180 | Confirmation statement, statutory registers and specified company documents |
| Clearly Business Law | £300 + VAT | Secretarial support for up to five directors or shareholders |
| MBM Commercial | £775 + VAT | Company secretarial support bundled with a registered office service |
These packages are not directly comparable. Their included services, filing allowances and treatment of Companies House fees differ.
VAT and Pricing Considerations: For example, a £149.99 package excluding VAT costs £179.99 after VAT at 20%, before any additional charges. A package advertised at £180 may already be the final price if VAT is not applicable, so check the provider's invoice terms.
What Affects Company Secretarial Services Cost?
The annual fee depends on how much administration the provider handles and how complex your company's records are.
1Confirmation statement filing
Every UK limited company must file a confirmation statement at least once every 12 months, including dormant companies. The filing confirms whether the information held by Companies House is up to date.
Since 1 February 2026, the Companies House fee is £50 for online filing or £110 for paper filing. This is an official filing charge, not the provider's professional fee. Companies House fee guidance.
Some packages include the online filing fee in their annual price, while others charge it separately. Always establish which arrangement applies.
2Company changes and statutory records
Providers may maintain statutory registers and prepare documents relating to changes in directors, shareholders and shareholdings. Some packages include a set number of changes, while others cover specified routine changes without an additional charge.
If your company expects frequent changes, check the allowance and the cost of work outside it. A low annual fee can become less attractive if every additional filing costs extra.
3Registered office address
Some providers bundle a registered office address with company secretarial services. Others offer it as a separate service.
If you already have a suitable registered office, you may not need to pay for another address. If you need one, compare the combined price with the cost of purchasing the services separately.
4Company documents and specialist support
Routine minutes, notices and resolutions may be included in a package. Complex share transactions, bespoke legal documents and specialist corporate advice may require additional fees.
The more support you need, the more important it is to obtain a written breakdown of what the annual price covers.
What Extra Company Secretary Fees Should You Check?
The advertised annual fee may not represent the full cost of maintaining your company's records and meeting its filing obligations.
Before choosing a provider, check these potential extras:
Distinguish fees: Also distinguish the provider's fee from official Companies House charges. Ask for a quotation showing both separately, so you can calculate your likely annual cost.
Can You Handle Company Secretarial Work Yourself?
Yes. A private limited company is not generally required to appoint a company secretary under section 270 of the Companies Act 2006. A director or another person authorised by the directors can carry out the relevant duties. Read section 270.
This means the company secretary cost can be £0 if you manage the work yourself, although applicable filing fees and the value of your time still need to be considered.
For example, if you file your own online confirmation statement, the official fee is £50 for the relevant 12-month payment period. You must still keep company information accurate, maintain the required records and meet other filing obligations.
For a straightforward company with one director and one shareholder, handling routine administration yourself may be practical. However, if you regularly deal with changes in ownership or have limited time to manage deadlines, professional support may be worthwhile.
In-House vs Outsourced Company Secretary Cost
There are three main options for managing company secretarial duties, and each has a different cost structure.
| Option | Main cost | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Your time and applicable filing fees | Simple companies with limited changes |
| Hire an employee | Salary and employment costs | Businesses needing regular internal governance support |
| Outsource the work | Annual service fee and any extras | Small businesses wanting professional administrative support |
Hiring an in-house company secretary can be expensive for a small company that only needs occasional filings. A full-time salary is not directly comparable with an annual outsourced package because the responsibilities and hours differ.
Outsourcing allows a company to pay for an agreed level of support without employing someone. It can be particularly suitable for contractors, landlords and small limited companies that want their records and routine filings managed alongside their other business administration.
Need Fixed-Fee Company Secretarial Support?
Save time and protect your company from Companies House penalties. Our fixed-fee packages cover confirmation statements, register maintenance, director filings and corporate changes with complete transparency.
Is a Company Secretary Service Worth the Cost?
A company secretarial service may be worth paying for if it saves time, reduces administrative pressure and helps you keep company records organised.
It is particularly useful when:
- Your company has multiple directors or shareholders.
- You regularly change company details or shareholdings.
- You want assistance with confirmation statements and statutory registers.
- You prefer a professional to manage routine compliance administration.
For a simple company with few changes, doing the work yourself may be sufficient. For a more complex business, paying for a service with clearly defined responsibilities can offer better value than choosing the cheapest available package.
How to Choose the Right Company Secretarial Service
Compare providers on the total annual cost and the work included, rather than price alone.
The right package should match your company's actual needs. Paying for services you never use is unnecessary, but choosing a package that excludes essential work may cost more in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Company secretary costs in the UK range from managing routine duties yourself to paying several hundred pounds a year for professional support. The best option depends on your company's structure, the amount of administration involved and the level of support you need.
For contractors and small limited companies, a clearly priced service can make it easier to manage routine filings without hiring an employee. Before committing, compare the full annual cost, including VAT, filing charges and additional work.
Henleaze Tax Consultancy supports contractors, landlords, freelancers and small limited companies on a fixed-fee basis. If you would like company secretarial administration handled alongside your accounts and tax requirements, explore our company secretarial services.
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