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Time Business News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Can a Non-UK Resident Open a UK Company? 2025 Guide
If you're based outside the UK but want to expand your business into the British market, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of international entrepreneurs choose to establish UK companies. The UK offers a stable legal framework, global business credibility, and a relatively straightforward company formation process — all without requiring residency or citizenship. In this guide, we'll walk through the key steps and requirements for non-UK residents looking to open a UK company in 2025. Why Set Up a Company in the UK as a Non-Resident? The UK is one of the most business-friendly countries in the world. It allows foreign nationals to fully own and operate a private limited company — no visa, UK address, or prior UK business activity required. Some of the benefits include: 100% foreign ownership is allowed Limited liability protection through a Private Limited Company (Ltd) Rapid registration process — most companies are formed within 24 hours Enhanced credibility for dealing with clients in the UK and EU Potential tax advantages when structured correctly Whether you're a freelancer, e-commerce seller, investor, or startup founder, the UK is an attractive jurisdiction for global business operations. What Type of Company Can You Register? As a non-UK resident, the most common structure is a Private Limited Company (Ltd). This structure is flexible, low-cost, and separates your personal assets from business liabilities. Many overseas entrepreneurs begin the process by setting up a limited company, which is the fastest and most recognised structure for business owners abroad. Once registered, your company gains access to the UK market, along with options to scale and hire locally if needed. What Are the Legal Requirements? Despite being open to non-residents, there are still specific rules you'll need to follow. Here's a breakdown of the essentials: UK Registered Office Address Every UK company must have a registered office address within the UK — this is where official correspondence from HMRC and Companies House will be sent. If you don't have a UK residence, you can use a registered office service provider. Director and Shareholder You must appoint at least one director aged 16 or over. There's no requirement for them to live in the UK. One person can be both director and shareholder. Tax Registration After formation, your business must register for Corporation Tax. Depending on your business activities and turnover, you may also need to register for VAT. Annual Filings You'll be required to submit: A Confirmation Statement (to keep company records up to date) (to keep company records up to date) Annual Accounts to Companies House Corporation Tax return to HMRC What About Opening a UK Business Bank Account? Opening a traditional business bank account can be a hurdle for non-residents, as most banks require in-person verification. That said, there are alternatives: Online banking platforms such as Wise, Payoneer, and Revolut Business offer UK account details and international payment support. such as Wise, Payoneer, and Revolut Business offer UK account details and international payment support. Some UK banks may still allow non-resident directors to apply, particularly with the help of an accountant or formation agent. Compliance Considerations for 2025 UK companies are now under tighter scrutiny due to economic crime reforms. As a director, you're expected to maintain transparent records and adhere to anti-money laundering requirements. If you're unsure about your responsibilities or how to structure your company properly, registering a business in the UK through a formation service ensures you stay compliant and efficient right from the start. Summary: Can You Open a UK Company from Abroad? Yes — as a non-UK resident, you can legally register a UK limited company, provided you meet a few simple requirements. The process is efficient, affordable, and widely accessible, even if you've never done business in the UK before. UK company formation offers a powerful platform for growth, especially when you have expert guidance and the right infrastructure in place. Whether you're expanding an existing business or launching a new venture from abroad, the UK remains a globally trusted destination for entrepreneurs. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Fashion United
17 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Weird Fish Limited reports strong sales and profit growth in 2024
Weird Fish Limited, the casual lifestyle clothing and accessories company, has announced a period of robust financial growth for the year ended December 29, 2024. Turnover for the year improved to 42.6 million pounds and the company reported operating profit of 4.17 million pounds, profit before tax of 2.94 million pounds, while net profit rose to 2 million pounds. The gross margin improved by 8 percentage points, reaching 63.4 percent, attributed to reduced discounting and improved intake margin. The company said in a filing with the Companies House that the company's strategic initiatives, including route to market optimization, physical expansion, and margin improvement, have contributed to this strong performance. Weird Fish opened six new retail stores and 28 concessions during the year, alongside accelerated investment in third-party platforms including Next, Mountain warehouse, Freemans and Matalan, to expand brand awareness. Online revenues grew by 16.8 percent to 20.9 million pounds, and the retail division saw a 7.6 percent growth to 15.6 million pounds. International revenues also increased by 8.5 percent to 1.36 million pounds, aided by the introduction of Global-e in 2024. The company added that challenges such as the increased cost of living, inflation, and rising wage costs continue to put pressure on the business. Looking ahead, Weird Fish plans further expansion in the UK, aiming to open an additional 10 retail sites and 15 concessions in 2025. The focus will remain on enhancing product ranges, improving margins, and investing in people and systems.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
British businessman ‘spied for Beijing and tried to smuggle weapons into China'
A British businessman tried to smuggle missiles and drones into China and attempted to silence critics of Xi Jinping, according to an indictment. John Miller is accused of spying for the Chinese Communist Party and faces extradition to the US after his arrest in Serbia. The 63-year-old allegedly referred to Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, as 'The Boss' in intercepted phone calls and conducted surveillance on an artist who created statues mocking the country's leader. In April, Mr Miller was arrested along with 43-year-old Chinese national Cui Guanghai, in Belgrade, Serbia, on the orders of the FBI and is now awaiting extradition to the US where he could be jailed for 20 years. Over two and a half years, Mr Miller and Mr Cui allegedly employed a wide range of tactics to harass, intimidate, stalk and threaten a Los Angeles resident, known only as 'the victim', who is a public critic of President Xi. 'As alleged, the defendants targeted a US resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime,' said Todd Blanche, the US deputy attorney Miller is a long-time resident of the US, but also owns a £1.5 million home in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Companies House records show Mr Miller has held roles in at least five UK companies, including TEFL Jobs China Ltd, which seemed to facilitate English language teaching jobs, but is now dissolved. A few months before the case began in June 2023, Mr Miller went to China where he met with Chinese government officials in Beijing and Liaoning, a province in north-east China that borders North Korea. He also met someone who works for the governor of Liaoning. During the trip, Mr Cui reportedly introduced Mr Miller to two people, who Mr Miller later referred to as 'big mother------s.' Upon his return, he reportedly boasted that 'the trip couldn't have gone better'. The first incident referred to in the indictment occurred shortly after he returned. In October 2023, Mr Miller and Mr Cui approached two individuals who, unbeknownst to them, were working for the FBI. They enlisted the undercover agents to stop 'the victim' from protesting against Xi's appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit the following month. Mr Miller and Mr Cui allegedly installed tracking devices on 'the victim's' car and paid the undercover agents to slash their tires. Mr Miller and Mr Cui also devised a complex plan to destroy a set of statues created by 'the victim'. These depicted President Xi and his wife bare-chested, kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs, and were potentially going to be displayed at a protest. The 'victim' had previously displayed the statues in Times Square electronic billboards and broadcast the display on X, according to court documents. Initially, Mr Miller had wanted to steal the statues and 'remove the heads' as evidence, but later decided to pay the undercover FBI agents to 'smash up' them up. In 2025, Mr Miller paid the agents $36,500 (£27,100) to convince 'the victim' to desist from showcasing the new statues at an upcoming protest, after 'the victim' had displayed the statues on a 24-hour live feed online. Beyond the intimidation schemes, Mr Miller also allegedly tried to purchase millions of pounds worth of military equipment on behalf of the Chinese military. Mr Miller reportedly tried to buy a £37,000 Stinger portable missile launcher, two military drones valued at £148,000, a £668,000 AGM-88E anti-radiation missile system and a £1.5 million air-defence radar system. He also allegedly tried to procure a cryptographic device, which is used for secure communication of classified and sensitive information. At one point, the Briton suggested that the device be smuggled from the US to China by hiding it inside a food blender or a motor starter, having shipped it first via DHL or FedEx to Hong Kong, according to court documents. Several times in Mr Miller's conversations, he mentions a 'boss' or at times a 'big boss' that seems to be the one giving orders. According to the special FBI agent who submitted the affidavit, Mr Miller's use of the phrase 'boss' 'refer[s] to President Xi' and 'demonstrates [Miller's] awareness that he was acting at the direction and control of the [Chinese] government.' Mr Blanche said: 'This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values. This Justice Department will not tolerate foreign repression on US soil, nor will we allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defence systems. 'We will act decisively to expose and dismantle these threats wherever they emerge.' Bill Essayli, attorney for the Central District of California, said: 'The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because [they] criticised the Chinese government and its president. 'My office will continue to use all legal methods available to hold accountable foreign nationals engaging in criminal activity on our soil.' Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, said: 'The FBI will not tolerate transnational repression targeting those in the United States who express dissenting opinions about foreign leaders. 'Both defendants face serious stalking charges in Los Angeles and my office intends to hold them accountable for bullying a victim, a critic of the PRC [People's Republic of China], and targeting him with violence.' If convicted, Mr Miller could also face the maximum penalties of five years in prison for conspiracy, five years in prison for interstate stalking, and 10 years in prison for smuggling. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Noodle chain Madame Pho opening first restaurant outside greater Belfast
Madame Pho, which specialises in pho noodles and other rice dishes, has announced it will soon open its first restaurant outside of greater Belfast. The new location will be at Bishop Street in Derry. 'Derry/Londonderry we heard you. We are delighted to announce that we will be opening our first northwest store on Bishop Street very soon,' a post on social media said. It's currently looking for new staff to join its team. A new limited company for Madame Pho Derry was registered on Companies House earlier this month. Madame Pho has grown to several locations across the wider Belfast area. It started out with a branch on Belfast's Botanic Avenue. There are now multiple locations, including St Anne's Square, Botanic Avenue, Lisburn Road, the Ormeau Road, Longstone Street in Lisburn and the Antrim Road in Glengormley. However, it recently announced it would be closing its Dundonald location. In a 2022 review for the Belfast Telegraph of the Botanic Avenue location, the pho noodles were described as a 'hefty, steaming bowl bringing forth a rich and well-seasoned, slow-cooked broth, thin slices of ribeye, a healthy portion of noodles, and a few additions to help enliven the dish, including fresh herbs and chilli'. 'It's clean, yet meaty, and permeated with zest and freshness from ginger and mint. The beef brisket is an even stronger option.' And in a recent review, Joris Minne said the spot's curry was one of the best in the city. 'A relatively mild yet well spiced sauce made from coconut milk and a variety of Thai-adjacent ingredients, it is quite honestly one of the best in the city,' he said. 'This is like a refined Thai green or red curry, golden in colour and well populated with meat and vegetables.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Tearful Liverpool crash suspect 'used car as weapon' in parade horror
A man accused of using his car as a "weapon" and ramming a car into crowds at the Liverpool victory parade injuring nearly 80 people has appeared in court. Paul Doyle, 53, of West Derby, Liverpool, is accused of two counts of wounding with intent, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of dangerous driving when he allegedly ploughed into football fans celebrating Liverpool FC's title win. A wounding charge and an attempted grievous bodily harm charge relate to a child. The ages of those injured ranged from nine to 78 and all 79 are British. Doyle was arrested by police following the shocking scenes on Monday and today appeared tearful as he entered Liverpool Magistrates' Court escorted by two female custody officers . He was wearing a black suit, white shirt and grey tie, with his hair dishevelled and spent the majority of the hearing with his head bowed, staring at the floor. He looked around at the dozens of reporters packing the courtroom as he was brought in from the cells, his face crumpling slightly as he held back tears. District Judge Paul Healey asked for the defendant to identify himself and in a croaky voice, Doyle confirmed his name, gave his date of birth and address in Liverpool. District judge Healey said there were real prospects of further charges, adding he was satisfied this was an "exceptional case" that "shocked and outraged" the people of Liverpool and beyond. He granted the prosecution's request for orders protecting the identities of the six complainants. Doyle shook his head in the dock as the prosecutor told the judge he drove "deliberately at the crowd" and "used his vehicle as a weapon". Doyle was remanded in custody and there will be a further hearing later today at Liverpool Crown Court. Police named the dad-of-three as the suspect on Thursday when he was charged after detectives were given more time to quiz him over the incident. Officers have been seen stationed outside his family home where Doyle lives with his wife and their three sons. Loved-up pictures on social media show the family enjoying various holidays including Disneyland Florida, Dubai and at the beach. The most recent update by Merseyside Police said seven people were still recovering in hospital after horrific clips showed a Ford Galaxy people carrier mowing down crowds just after the parade finished around 6pm. On Wednesday afternoon the force stated the total number injured was now at 79, but more people had been discharged from hospital. Casualties' ages range between 9 and 78 years old. It remains unclear exactly what Doyle does for work, with a number of dissolved retail companies listed under his name on Companies House. His LinkedIn page says he is a former Royal Marine Commando and now works in IT. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against Doyle, who is reportedly an ex-Royal Marine, would be kept 'under review as the investigation progresses'. During a press conference on Thursday evening outlining the charges, Merseyside Police assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said that the force's "thoughts remain with all those injured and affected by this appalling incident" She added: 'I fully understand how this incident has left us all shocked and saddened, and I know many will continue to have concerns and questions. Our detectives are working tirelessly, with diligence and professionalism to seek the answer to all of those questions. When we are able to we will provide further information.'
