What are Articles of Association?
The company's Articles of Association is a document which is usually created along with a Memorandum of Association. The Articles are basically the rules of a company, and they defines the responsibilities of the Directors, provides details of what business the company is involved in and provides information about the Shareholders responsibilities. The officers within the company must ensure that they are following the rules that have been set out in the Articles of Association.
Most people choose to use the Model Articles of Association which are suitable for most types of companies and company structures. However, some people have special requirements which must be set out in the Articles of Association, therefore they would either create their own Articles to submit with their new company or they would change the Articles once the company has been incorporated.
What do I need to change my Articles?
To change your Articles of Association for an existing company, you will be required to provide us with the following:
• New Articles of Association
• Special Resolution to change the Articles. We will provide you with the Special Resolution, which will need signing by the Director of the company
To proceed with changing the Articles of Association, we will require the original signed Special Resolution from you.
How long does it take to change the Articles?
We will be required to submit the new company Articles of Association and the Special Resolution to Companies House. It usually takes around 5 working days for Companies House to update the company records with the new Articles of Association.
We will send you email confirmation once the new Articles have been accepted with Companies House.
What types of companies have Articles?
Articles of Association are not applicable to all types of companies. The following types of companies have Articles of Association:
• Limited by Shares / Private Limited Company
• Limited by Guarantee
• Limited by Guarantee Omitting Limited
• Public Limited Company (PLC)
• Flat Management Company
• Community Interest Company (CIC)
