Cost of Company Formation Services
across the UK

# Company Formation Services: Understanding Trade Body Accreditation

Several trade bodies regulate and accredit company formation providers in the UK. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) all maintain professional standards for their members who offer formation services. Additionally, the Law Society regulates solicitors providing this service, while some providers may hold membership with the Association of Company Secretaries. These accreditations typically require members to maintain professional indemnity insurance, adhere to strict codes of conduct, undertake continuing professional development, and follow established procedures. Understanding which body accredits your provider helps clarify the level of oversight and professional standards you can expect from their service.

To verify a provider's credentials, check whether their name appears on the relevant professional body's register—most maintain searchable online directories on their websites. You can confirm membership status, check for any disciplinary history, and verify their specific areas of accreditation. It's also worth asking your provider directly about their accreditation and requesting evidence; legitimate firms will happily provide this information. Verification matters because it confirms the provider operates under regulatory oversight, meaning complaints have somewhere to go if something goes wrong, and the provider has financial protection mechanisms in place. Accredited providers must follow defined procedures and are obliged to continue their professional training, which translates to more reliable and up-to-date service for you.

Accredited formation providers typically charge higher fees than unaccredited alternatives, sometimes 20 to 30 percent more for equivalent services. This premium reflects the costs of maintaining accreditation, professional indemnity insurance, staff training, and compliance procedures. The premium is generally justified because you gain legal recourse through the professional body if something goes wrong, ass