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Can anyone become a limited company director?

Published on Oct 14, 2009 |

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Are there any restrictions on who can become a limited company director, and do you need any qualifications?

The UK is well known for the ease with which you can set up a new business. You can form a limited company online within a matter of minutes, and have the entire incorporation validated by Companies House in a matter of hours during the working week.

Alongside various naming restrictions, and rules governing the running of UK companies, there are also some legal restrictions on the appointment of company directors.

Broadly speaking, unless told otherwise by the Courts, you can become a director unless you are:

1) Disqualified from being a company director
2) Bankrupt
3) Under the age of 16

All limited companies must have at least one director, and may also decide to appoint a company secretary (although this is optional).

You do not have to have any specific qualifications to be appointed as a company director or company secretary, although you should be aware of your responsibilities as a company director before taking the position on.

It is worthwhile reading the Companies House guide to company incorporation and naming rules.