Getting Your Business Set Up Fast: The Top 5 Business Formation Agents To Consider In 2025

The process of forming a business can become messy, complicated, and long. What seemed like a simple matter of filing a few documents at one point is now one of the biggest loads of paperwork and fees you’ve ever seen! 

You’ve not even gotten to the point where you can start looking into funding or trying to network yet – you’re still yet to get your business’ name recognized by the government! 

But if you want to get set up as an incorporated business, like a partnership or a sole trader, it’s something you’re going to have to contend with. However, you don’t have to go through the process alone. In fact, you can get an expert to complete the process for you. 

That’s where formation agents come in. 

Why you should consider hiring a formation agent

Let’s start with the big question: what is a formation agent? A formation agent is a company that registers your business on your behalf. 

They handle the full process for you, including securing an available name, submitting your application, and sometimes even paying the registration fee. 

That makes them a pretty good go-to service early on in your business career. They can get you ready to go without any real trouble at all. 

Many formation agents also offer supplementary services, such as banking and accounting. Whether you need an account to use or simply some advice on your next steps, your formation agent is likely to have what you need. 

And that’s why you should consider hiring a formation agent: it takes the hassle of red tape off of your back. 

Plus, we want to make it easy to find the right formation agent for you. We’ve been through the bulk of formation services on the market and come up with the best 5 for you to consider. 

Check out our recommendations below!

• Your Company Formations – Best choice for a cohesive formation service

Formed in 1971, Your Company Formations is the UK’s leading company formation service. 

They also get the top spot on our list for offering the most extensive formation package. 

What we like about Your Company Formations:

• A 4.9 rating on Google with over 5000 reviews.
• Run by an expert team, who have over 100 years of combined experience in the industry.
• Operate a sustainable initiative by planting a tree for every client, with over 40,000 trees planted thus far.
• Have over 1000 partners, so there’s plenty of options to grow your business beyond the formation step.

• Mint Formations – Great for a simple registration process

Mint Formations is a good choice for any business owner looking for an agent that’ll keep things clear and simple. 

While they don’t include the filing fee in their services (you have to pay this separately), they keep the process straight forward and have an easy communication style that you’ll benefit from. 

What we like about Mint Formations:

• 4.7 stars on Google Business with over 250 reviews.
• They break down the company formation process into bite size steps, which is very easy to understand.
• Plenty of different formation packages with a lot of helpful add-ons, such as address registration and website development services.
• Always respond to new enquiries within 24 hours.

• Your Virtual Office London – A package company formation and virtual office service all in one

Your Virtual Office London is a cornerstone of virtual office services for small businesses, but they also run a company formation service as part of their overall package. 

Their formation packages also come with cashback, which can be a boon at this business stage. 

What we like about Your Virtual Office London:

• 4.8 stars on Google with nearly 150 reviews.
• One of the original virtual office providers, they’ve got a long history in making company establishment accessible and simple for those with fewer resources. 
• Offer the biggest variety of business banking partners with their formation service, meaning you’ll have a lot of choice in how you get your business set up.

• Tide Business – Best for those looking for more than just formation support

Tide Business is a powerhouse in the small business community, so they get the 4th spot on our list. 

Indeed, Tide offers a neat and simple formation service, but it’s their banking support that really makes them excel.

Get a business bank account set up for free when you use their registration service, and start using it the moment your business is officially registered. 

What we like about Tide Business:

• A 4 star rating on Trustpilot with over 26,000 reviews.
• Run a great customer help desk that’s received more than its fair share of praise.
• They offer certified incorporation within just one business day.
• Companies Made Simple – Best for customer support

A well known name in the formation world, Companies Made Simple is a great fit for any business that needs ongoing support from their formation agent. 

We like how well designed and intuitive their help center is, as well as how easy it is to get in touch with the complaints department. Transparency in these areas is essential for a B2B service. 

Plus it’s just always nice to know your formation agent will be there for you when you’ve got questions! 

What we like about Companies Made Simple:

• Currently rated 4 stars on Google with nearly 300 Google Business reviews.
• Have a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot with nearly 4000 reviews.
• Have helped to form over a million companies since they started operating, so you can be sure they’ve got plenty of experience.
• Plenty of previous customers have complimented their high quality customer service support.

Our final thoughts

If you want to start a business this year, you may need to consider working with a formation agent. 

They simplify company registration and help you get up and running when you really need to. 

And if you’ve decided a formation agent is right for you, carefully weigh up our picks above to choose the most suitable one for you.