Start Your Consulting Business Properly
A registered company separates your personal liability from client engagements, unlocks enterprise procurement, and signals the professionalism that consulting clients expect.
Who this is for
- Management, strategy, and operations consultants moving from employment to independent practice
- Specialist advisors - finance, HR, IT, legal, regulatory - going independent
- Interim executives and fractional CxOs who need a company for contract billing
- Research and analytics consultancies signing enterprise data projects
- Training and facilitation consultants running programmes for corporate clients
- Technical consultants and solution architects billing at day rates
Consulting businesses have one primary requirement: a credible legal entity for client contracts. Here are the most effective structures for consultants at different stages, markets, and locations.
Available services
UK Ltd - Global Consulting
A UK Ltd is the gold standard for independent consultants. 24-hour formation, globally recognised, and accepted by enterprise clients across all sectors. Most UK management consultants and strategy advisors use this structure.
US LLC - American Clients
Consulting firms billing US corporations benefit from a US entity. US procurement teams prefer US-registered vendors for contract simplicity and tax reporting purposes.
Singapore Pte Ltd - Asia Pacific
Singapore is the most credible consulting entity for APAC-focused advisors. Strong rule of law, low 17% corporate tax, and a highly regarded international business reputation.
Compliance and Annual Filings
Confirmation statements, annual accounts, and registered office maintenance for your consulting entity. We keep the admin running so you can focus on client delivery.
Get startedHow it works
Jurisdiction selection
UK Ltd for European and global clients; US LLC for US corporate clients; Singapore for APAC.
Company registered
UK Ltd in 24-48 hours; US LLC in 24-72 hours; Singapore in 1-3 days.
Banking setup
We guide you through opening a business bank account for retainer and day rate billing.
Client readiness
We provide an MSA template and invoice format so you can start signing clients from week one.
Frequently asked questions
What type of company do independent consultants typically use?
Most independent consultants use a private limited company (UK Ltd in the UK, LLC in the US, Pte Ltd in Singapore). The main reasons are limited liability, tax efficiency (salary plus dividends in a limited company vs. all income as personal), and professional credibility with enterprise clients. Sole trader status works at lower revenue levels but becomes less optimal as billing rates increase.
Do I need professional indemnity insurance with a company?
Professional indemnity (PI) insurance is separate from your company structure. Most enterprise clients require consultants to hold PI insurance regardless of whether you operate as a sole trader or limited company. The company does not replace PI insurance - it provides structural liability protection, while PI covers claims arising from advice you give.
Can I hire other consultants or associates through my company?
Yes. A limited company can engage sub-consultants as freelancers (self-employed, with contracts) or as employees. For freelance sub-consultants, ensure your contracts are properly structured for IR35 compliance in the UK or contractor classification in the US. We provide an MSA template that covers associate sub-contracting arrangements.
Ready to get started?
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.
Form My Consulting Company