If you’re running a company, you may be wondering whether appointing a company secretary is the right choice for your business.
In this guide, we’ll be explaining all of the duties and responsibilities of a company secretary and whether your business needs one.
What are the Duties of a Company Secretary?
While there are typically no set duties for a company secretary, their responsibilities often include the following:
Filing Confirmation Statements and Other Returns
It is often the responsibility of a company secretary to complete and file statutory returns and other important documents, including confirmation statements, annual accounts, and directors’ reports.
Maintaining the Books
Taking care of the company’s statutory records is a time consuming task which can be left neglected without someone whose job it is to keep them updated. However this is an absolutely crucial task as it is a legal requirement to keep statutory records up to date and failure to do so could land you in hot waters with HMRC.
This is where a company secretary comes in. They can maintain the books and ensure they are fully up to date, so you don’t have to worry about being subject to any penalty fines or reputational damage that comes from non-compliance.
Organising Board Meetings
Secretaries will often arrange meetings between directors and shareholders, taking care of tasks such as creating the agenda, issuing supporting documents and notices as well as taking down the meeting minutes.
Staying on Top of Legal, Financial and Statutory Regulation Updates
Company legislation is frequently changing and for busy directors it can be challenging to keep up. However, it is essential for you to be fully aware of how the changes affect you and your fellow directors.
Fortunately, a company secretary can help you to ensure full compliance by remaining up-to-date on all legislation and regulatory changes which could affect your company.
Does My Company Need a Secretary?
Since 6 April 2008, limited companies are no longer required to appoint a company secretary.
However, even though it is no longer compulsory, many limited companies still choose to appoint a company secretary thanks to the wide range of duties they cover which are often essential to keep the business running behind the scenes.
Company Secretarial Services with Ryans
As a busy business owner, the last thing you need is to use up valuable time and resources making sure you’re complying with the Companies Act.
With company legislation changing at the rate it does, it can be difficult to keep up. However, it is essential for you to be fully aware of how the changes affect you and your fellow directors.
Fortunately, at Ryans, we can give you complete peace of mind in this area by carrying out your company secretarial duties for you. Our services include:
- Company formations
- Preparation and filing of statutory returns
- Preparation of all documentation related to minutes and resolutions
- Maintenance of statutory books
- General advice on company law
For more information about our Company Secretarial services, get in touch with our team today.