You would choose "Limited Company" if:

• Your business has more than one owner
• You want to separate the business debts and assets from your personal debts and assets
• You are looking for the most tax efficient structure
• You may want to sell a share of your business at some point
• You require the credibility of a Limited company to aid with customer and supplier negotiation

You would choose "Sole Trader" if;

• You are the sole proprietor of the business
• You do not envisage selling a share of the business
• You are happy to assume personal responsibility for the debts and liabilities of the business
• You are looking for the least amount of company administration

You would choose "Reserve a Name Only" if;

• You do not yet wish to trade as a Limited company but may do so in the future
• You wish to protect a brand concept from your competitors

You would choose "Charity" if;

• You are a non profit organisation
• You have or will register with the Charitees Commission
• You are promoting a particular cause

You would choose "Non Profit" if;

• You do not intend to withdraw or distribute profits from the company
• You require a company structure to hold money in a bank account and formally arrange the affairs of a group of individuals e.g. as a sports club or residents association

You would choose "Partnership" if;

• You have two or more persons
• Typically registered by professions such as solicitors, accountants and architects
• The liability of the members is restricted to the money they put in