what is a company secretary?
Company secretaries are responsible to the directors and are usually responsible for filling in the paperwork associated with annual returns.

There is no longer a legal requirement to appoint a company secretary, however companies with only one director will often require a second signature on legal documentation (for example when you open a bank account). If you do not appoint a company secretary this documentation will need to be signed by an appointed witness and many companies are still opting to appoint a company secretary.

Company secretaries usually perform the duty of maintaining the company statutory registers. This includes:

• the register of members
• the register of company directors and secretaries
• the register of directors’ interests
• the register of charges
• issuing share certificates
• recording the transfer of share ownership

Company secretaries may also have to construct a statement of the company’s affairs if an administrative receiver or professional liquidator is appointed, or if a winding-up order is made.

I don't have a company secretary - what should I do?
If you don’t have a suitable person to act as your company secretary, Duport can provide this service for you. For more details about Duport acting as your nominee company secretary, click here.