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Coddan CPM Ltd. – Company Registration Agent in the UK

Strengthen your UK limited company with a dedicated resident director; enhance credibility, ensure compliance, and boost your corporate presence today!

Step 1
1️⃣ Define the Role & Check Eligibility
Step 2
2️⃣ Verify ID with Companies House
Step 3
3️⃣ Pass a Board Resolution
Step 4
4️⃣ Obtain Written Consent to Act
Step 5
5️⃣ Notify Companies House
Step 6
6️⃣ Update Internal Statutory Registers

Step-by-Step Guide How to Appoint a Dedicated Director in the UK


Enhance your business's credibility with a dedicated UK director from Coddan CPM. We handle all compliance and governance, so you can focus on success!

Appoint a unique, dedicated UK-based director for your limited company with Coddan CPM. This exclusive service is designed for businesses that require a credible UK presence, strong corporate governance, and a director who is not widely appointed across multiple companies.
A UK-resident director can support regulatory compliance, banking relationships, and operational substance, particularly for overseas-owned companies entering or operating in the UK market. Our expert team manages the entire appointment process in line with the Companies Act 2006, including board resolutions, director consent, identity verification (where required), and electronic filing with Companies House using Form AP01 within the statutory 14-day deadline.
This service provides your company with a dedicated UK-based individual director who understands UK compliance requirements and can help maintain proper corporate governance and credibility with regulators, banks, and commercial partners.
Our fully managed service ensures the appointment is legally approved, properly documented, and correctly filed, providing a clear, compliant, and professionally managed director appointment solution—allowing you to focus on growing your business while we handle the corporate formalities.

Appoint a UK-based director effortlessly with Coddan CPM. We handle all documentation and filing, ensuring your company meets governance and compliance standards.

Appointing a new director to a UK limited company requires proper approval, documentation, and timely filing. With Coddan CPM, you can appoint a dedicated UK-based individual director, strengthening your company’s credibility, governance, and compliance—particularly important for overseas-owned companies operating in the UK.
The appointment must be approved in accordance with your company’s Articles of Association, and the company must then notify Companies House using Form AP01 within 14 days of the appointment. Our fully managed service handles the entire process, including board resolutions, director consent, identity verification (where required), statutory register updates, and electronic filing, ensuring the appointment is completed correctly and without delays.
A dedicated UK-resident director can help demonstrate corporate substance, operational credibility, and smoother interaction with banks and regulators, while ensuring your company maintains proper governance in the UK.
Our full-service director appointment solution ensures all procedures are followed correctly—from appointing the new director to updating official records—providing a clear, compliant, and professionally managed appointment process that allows you to focus on running and growing your business.

Ensure a smooth director appointment with Coddan CPM. We manage all documentation and filings for Form AP01, keeping you compliant and error-free.

Appointing a new director to your UK limited company requires proper approval, documentation, and timely filing. With Coddan CPM, the entire Form AP01 director appointment process is managed for you—accurately, securely, and in full compliance with UK company law.
Companies must notify Companies House of any director appointment using Form AP01 within 14 days of the appointment date. The appointment must first be approved in accordance with the company’s Articles of Association, and the director must provide consent and complete identity verification where required.
Our fully managed service includes <preparing board resolutions, obtaining director consent, verifying identity, updating statutory registers, and electronically filing Form AP01, reducing the risk of errors, rejected filings, or compliance issues.
We also offer the option to appoint a dedicated UK-based director, which can strengthen your company’s credibility, governance, and UK presence, particularly for overseas-owned companies dealing with UK banks, regulators, and commercial partners.
With Coddan CPM, your director appointment is handled professionally from start to finish, ensuring a clear, compliant, and conversion-focused solution—so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the legal and filing requirements.


Fast selling packages. FREE delivery Thursday, April 2nd 2026. 49 orders are in the queue. The last order was sent 14h 17m ago.

Establish your business with ease! Our nominee director services help you connect with local residents to meet your presence obligations effortlessly.

Simplify your business setup! Our nominee director services connect you with local residents, ensuring you meet your local presence obligations with ease.
£1399.00

Buy “UKStart Hub”

Recommended for

1
package

Buy Now UK Company Formation Package with UK Resident Director. Start your UK business the right way with a fully compliant Company Formation Package from Coddan CPM, designed for fast online incorporation and complete regulatory support. This all-inclusive package includes a prestigious London-registered office address for 12 months, enhancing your professional image while protecting your personal privacy. Your company is incorporated electronically with Companies House, and once approved, you will receive your Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your company name, company number, and date of formation. The package also includes the appointment of a UK-resident director, registered at Companies House, who can assist with official correspondence, compliance reminders, and support with your UK bank account application.

You will receive all statutory incorporation documents electronically, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association, plus ongoing use of the registered office address for 12 months. Incorporation is typically completed within 24 hours, subject to Companies House approval. This package is ideal for overseas entrepreneurs, startups, consultants, and online businesses seeking a fast, compliant UK company formation with a London presence and UK resident director support—providing a complete, professional foundation for operating in the UK.



£1649.00

“LondonLaunch Pro”

Recommended for

2
package

Buy Now LondonLaunch Pro Business Formation Package. Launch your UK company quickly and compliantly with the LondonLaunch Pro Business Formation Package from Coddan CPM. This premium formation service is designed for entrepreneurs and international businesses that require a fast, compliant, and fully managed UK company setup with VAT and EORI registration included. Your company will be incorporated electronically with Companies House, ensuring a fast and accurate registration process. Optional same-day e-filing is available for clients who require urgent incorporation. Once registered, you will receive your Certificate of Incorporation and all statutory incorporation documents electronically, allowing you to begin trading without delay.

The package also includes a UK-resident director, a prestigious London registered office address, and director and PSC service addresses for 12 months, helping protect personal residential addresses from the public register. Free government mail forwarding is included to ensure that all official correspondence from Companies House and HMRC is received and managed promptly. This formation package is ideal for overseas entrepreneurs, e-commerce businesses, startups, and international companies seeking a fully compliant UK company formation with VAT, EORI, a London address, and UK resident director support. The service provides a complete and professional foundation for trading in the UK while ensuring your company meets all statutory and regulatory requirements from day one.



£1899.00

“ComplyUK Solutions”

Recommended for

3
package

Buy Now ComplyUK Solutions Formation Package – Fast UK Company Incorporation. Start your private limited company quickly and compliantly with the ComplyUK Solutions Formation Package from Coddan CPM. This service is designed for fast, fully compliant UK company incorporation, with registration typically completed within 1–6 business hours, subject to approval by Companies House. All statutory incorporation documents are delivered electronically, allowing you to begin trading without delay. The incorporation process is completed through a secure e-Business Filing Portal using a straightforward digital application form, with full online and offline support provided throughout the process to ensure accuracy and compliance from the outset. This all-inclusive formation package includes the appointment of a UK-resident director, a London registered office address, and director and PSC service addresses for 12 months, helping protect personal residential addresses from the public register.

The package also includes Companies House incorporation fees, free government mail forwarding, and GDPR registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) , ensuring your business meets UK data protection obligations. The ComplyUK Solutions package provides a reliable, compliant, and time-efficient route to forming a UK limited company, making it ideal for overseas entrepreneurs, startups, consultants, and online businesses seeking a professional London presence and a fully compliant UK company setup.



£2149.00

“LondonEdge Services”

Recommended for

4
package

Buy Now LondonEdge Services Formation Package – Complete UK Company Setup. Start your private limited company quickly and confidently with the LondonEdge Services Formation Package from Coddan CPM, designed for fast, compliant online incorporation and a professional London business presence. Company registration is typically completed within 1–6 business hours, subject to approval by Companies House, with all statutory incorporation documents delivered electronically so you can begin trading without delay. The incorporation process is completed through a secure e-Business Filing Portal using a simple digital form, supported by comprehensive online and offline assistance to ensure the application is accurate and fully compliant from the outset. This all-inclusive package includes a UK-resident director, a London registered office address, a general business address in London, and director and PSC service addresses to protect personal residential details from the public register.

The package also includes Companies House incorporation fees, free government mail forwarding, and GDPR registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), ensuring your business meets UK statutory and data protection requirements. The LondonEdge package provides a fully compliant, time-efficient UK company formation solution, ideal for overseas entrepreneurs, startups, consultants, and online businesses seeking a professional London presence and a complete UK company setup with resident director support.





Fast selling packages. FREE delivery Thursday, April 2nd 2026. 26 orders are in the queue. The last order was sent 14h 17m ago.

Boost your UK business with our Resident Director Service for only £1,250/year. Get a director appointed in 24 hours to improve compliance and credibility!

Enhance your UK business's credibility with our Resident Director Service starting at £1,250/year. Appoint a director in just 24 hours for better compliance!
£1250.00

“Credible UK Directors”

Recommended for

1
package

Buy Now UK Resident Director Service – From £1,250 per Year. Strengthen your company’s credibility, governance, and UK presence with the UK Resident Director Service from Coddan CPM. You can appoint a UK-based private individual as your company director within 24 hours, helping your business maintain a reliable UK presence and practical compliance framework. While not always a strict legal requirement, having a director physically resident in the UK can support smoother communication with Companies House, UK banks, and commercial partners, and helps demonstrate operational substance—particularly for overseas-owned companies. Strengthen your business credibility with Coddan CPM's UK Resident Director Service. Appoint a UK-based director in 24 hours for seamless compliance and communication.

Our fully managed service includes sourcing a qualified UK resident director, preparing board resolutions and director consent documentation, and filing Form AP01 within the statutory 14-day deadline, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and your company’s Articles of Association. This ensures the appointment is properly authorised, documented, and recorded on the public register. For a fixed annual fee of £1,250, this service provides transparent pricing, professional oversight, and ongoing compliance support, offering a clear, compliant, and reliable solution for companies that require a UK resident director and a stronger corporate presence in the UK.



£1550.00

“UK Business Anchor”

Recommended for

2
package

Buy Now UK Resident Director Service – From £1,550 per Year (ID Verification Included). Appoint a UK resident director quickly and strengthen your company’s compliance, credibility, and operational presence in the UK with Coddan CPM. You can secure a UK-based private individual as your company director within 24 hours, including identity verification support required for opening a UK bank account. While not always a statutory requirement, having a director physically resident in the UK supports smoother interaction with Companies House, UK banks, and commercial partners, and helps demonstrate corporate substance—particularly for overseas-owned companies entering the UK market. Appoint a UK resident director in just 24 hours with Coddan CPM. Enhance your company's compliance and credibility while easing UK market entry.

Our fully managed service includes preparing board resolutions, director consent documentation, identity verification, statutory register updates, and electronic filing of Form AP01 within the 14-day statutory deadline, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and your company’s Articles of Association. This ensures the appointment is legally valid and properly recorded. For a fixed annual fee of £1,550, this package provides clear pricing, fast onboarding, and ongoing compliance support, delivering a professional, compliant, and fully managed UK resident director solution designed to support your UK business operations and growth.



£3000.00

“TikTok Director Services”

Recommended for

3
package

Buy Now UK Resident Director Service – From £3,000 per Year (Bank ID Verification Included). For businesses expanding into the UK—particularly digital businesses, e-commerce companies, and online platforms—appointing a UK resident director can support credibility, banking access, and operational substance. With Coddan CPM, you can appoint a UK-based private individual to your board within 24 hours, including identity verification support for UK bank account opening. While not always a statutory requirement, a director physically resident in the UK can help facilitate smoother interaction with Companies House, UK banks, payment providers, and commercial partners. This is particularly important for overseas-owned companies entering the UK market, where local presence and governance oversight are often expected by financial institutions.

Our fully managed appointment service includes sourcing a qualified director, preparing board resolutions and director consent, completing identity verification, updating statutory registers, and filing Form AP01 within the statutory deadline, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and your company’s Articles of Association. This service provides a professional, compliant, and fully managed UK resident director solution, ideal for international businesses seeking a credible UK presence, banking support, and proper corporate governance while focusing on business growth.



£5000.00

“Tailored Director Solutions”

Recommended for

4
package

Buy Now Exclusive UK Resident Director Service – From £5,000 per Year. Appoint a dedicated UK-based resident director and strengthen your company’s governance, discretion, and UK presence with Coddan CPM. This premium service provides a carefully selected UK-resident private individual who is not widely appointed across multiple companies, supporting stronger corporate governance and a more credible UK footprint—particularly important for international groups, high-value ventures, and overseas-owned companies operating in the UK. A director physically resident in the UK can facilitate smoother interaction with Companies House, financial institutions, and commercial partners, while helping demonstrate operational substance and proper governance oversight.

Our fully managed service includes board resolutions, director consent documentation, statutory register updates, and electronic filing of Form AP01 within the statutory deadline, in full compliance with the Companies Act 2006 and your company’s Articles of Association. This exclusive appointment model reduces the overexposure often associated with standard nominee arrangements and provides a more tailored and confidential governance solution. For an annual fee of £5,000, this service delivers a professional, compliant, and discreet UK resident director solution, helping position your company for long-term credibility, banking relationships, and international growth.





Directors and Shareholders in a UK Limited Company

When forming a UK private limited company, one of the most important decisions is choosing your director and shareholder structure. Under the Companies Act 2006, every UK limited company must have at least one director who is a natural person, and that director must be over 16, not disqualified, and not an undischarged bankrupt. All director appointments must be filed with Companies House, and since November 2025, all directors must complete mandatory identity verification before acting.

A director must formally consent to act, and their appointment is usually governed by the company’s Articles of Association or a shareholders’ agreement, with appointments made either by the board of directors or by shareholders through an ordinary resolution.


Exclusive vs Shared Nominee Director – What’s the Difference?

In 2026, there is a major shift away from shared nominee directors toward exclusive or dedicated UK resident directors. This is driven by HMRC economic substance rules, identity verification requirements, banking compliance, and marketplace platform verification (Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, Etsy, eBay).

A shared nominee director may act for hundreds of companies. A dedicated director acts only for a small number of companies and is actively involved in compliance and governance.

This difference has become critically important in 2026.


Exclusive, Dedicated Company Director Service (UK Limited Companies)

Appointing an exclusive, unique, dedicated company director refers to hiring a professionally appointed individual to act as a director of your UK limited company with a focused and conflict-free mandate, working solely in relation to your company’s statutory and governance responsibilities.

While the terms “exclusive”, “unique”, and “dedicated” are not formal legal definitions under UK company law, in a corporate services context they typically refer to a professionally appointed de jure director who is formally registered at Companies House and acts only for a specific client company, without holding multiple unrelated directorships that could create conflicts of interest.


What Is a De Jure Company Director?

A de jure director is a person who is legally and formally appointed as a director of a company in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. This includes:

  • Formal appointment
  • Registration at Companies House
  • Inclusion in statutory company records
  • Legal responsibilities and duties under UK company law
  • Authority to act on behalf of the company as a director

This is different from:

  • De facto director – a person acting like a director but not formally appointed
  • Shadow director – a person who controls the company behind the scenes

An exclusive director service refers specifically to a formally appointed de jure director.


What Does “Exclusive Dedicated Director” Mean in Practice?

In a corporate services context, an exclusive dedicated director typically means:

  • The director is appointed to your company only
  • The director does not act for multiple unrelated companies
  • The director does not run their own competing business
  • The director does not provide consultancy services to other companies
  • The director works in a conflict-free capacity
  • The director acts under a service agreement
  • The director focuses on compliance, governance, and statutory duties

This structure is often used by:

  • Overseas company owners
  • Corporate groups
  • Regulated businesses
  • Financial services companies
  • E-commerce companies
  • Companies needing substance and local management
  • Companies needing banking and VAT approval support
  • UK subsidiaries of foreign companies

In 2026, the choice between these three levels of directorship is the difference between a "high-risk" flag and a "trusted UK business" status.

Following the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), even "nominee" roles must now be fully verified, but they offer very different levels of protection for Amazon, TikTok, and banking.

Comparison Table: Directorship Options (2026)

Feature Nominee Director (Shared/Standard) Standard UK-Based Resident (Non-Exclusive) Director (Dedicated Individual)
Identity Verification Pre-verified 11-char code; shared across many firms. Individual verified code; holds multiple roles. Unique, clean Personal Code; used only for your firm.
Marketplace Trust High Risk. AI flags "Bulk Nominees" on TikTok/Amazon. Medium. Seen as a professional but common role. Maximum Trust. Viewed as a legitimate, local executive.
VAT Threshold Likely £0 (NETP status) due to lack of "substance." Usually £90,000 if active role is proven. Guaranteed £90,000; provides strongest tax substance.
Banking Access Fintech only (Wise/Revolut). Rejects high-street. Good access; may hit hurdles with "bulk" flags. Top Tier. Full access to Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, etc.
KYC Participation None. Will not join calls or provide utility bills. Limited. May join calls for an extra hourly fee. Full. Attends all bank & platform video/in-person audits.
Operational Duty Statutory filings only (signing once a year). Handles post, basic filings, and minor liaison. Active. Reviews contracts, board minutes, and bank AML.
Platform Recovery Weak. Cannot help if account is "Identity Locked." Moderate. Can provide standard ID documents. Strong. Provides live biometric selfies & unique utility bills.
Typical Annual Cost £500 – £1,200 £1,500 – £2,500 £4,000 – £8,000+

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose a Nominee Director if: You are running a simple holding company or a non-trading entity and only need to satisfy the basic requirement for a UK name on the public register for privacy.
  • Choose a Standard UK-Based Resident if: You are a small e-commerce seller with low volume who primarily uses Fintech banks like Wise and doesn't mind a slower "Manual Review" on TikTok or Amazon.
  • Choose an Exclusive UK Director if: You are scaling a high-turnover brand on TikTok Shop or Amazon UK. This is the only way to effectively protect your £90,000 VAT threshold (saving you ~£18k in tax) and ensure your bank account is never frozen due to "lack of substance."

Service Comparison: Director Appointment Packages (2026)

Service Feature Nominee Director (Privacy/Basic) Standard UK Resident (Non-Exclusive) Exclusive Dedicated Director (E-commerce Focus)
Companies House Registration
Personal Code (11-char IDV) Pre-verified Pre-verified Unique & Dedicated
Provision of Service Address
Provision of Residential Address Optional ✔ (for Platform KYC)
Power of Attorney (PoA)
Pre-signed Resignation Letter
UK Utility Bill Supply Limited / Extra Fee
Bank Mandate Signatory Optional
Live Video/Biometric Verification Extra Fee ✔ TikTok/Amazon/Etsy)
Board Minute Drafting ✔ (Annual) ✔ (Quarterly for Tax)
HMRC/VAT Liaison Basic Active Representation
Physical Mail Forwarding Basic Priority / Scanned Same-Day
Exclusive Appointment ❌ No (Shared with 100s) ❌ No (Shared with 10s) ✔ Yes (1:1 or 1:3 ratio)

Key Exclusions to Watch For
Regardless of the package, most service providers exclude the following unless specifically negotiated as an "Active Management" or "Umbrella" contract:

  • Day-to-Day Trading: The director will not source products, manage staff, or run your social media ads.
  • Legal Liability for Debt: While they are legally responsible for filings, they will not personally guarantee your business loans or credit lines.
  • Tax Payment: They provide the "substance" for the £90,000 VAT threshold, but they are not responsible for paying your Corporation Tax or VAT bills from their own funds.
  • Bookkeeping: While they sign the accounts, they usually do not perform the daily bookkeeping unless you buy a combined Accounting + Director package.

Why "Exclusions" Matter for TikTok/Amazon
If you choose the Nominee (Basic) package, the primary exclusion is Physical Presence Evidence.

The 2026 Risk: TikTok Shop now frequently requests a "Live Selfie" or a video call with the director. Because Nominee directors are shared across hundreds of companies, they cannot and will not perform these calls for you. This often leads to a permanent account ban for "unverifiable business identity."

Summary Recommendation

  • Use Nominee/Basic if: You only need a name for a dormant company or a private holding structure.
  • Use Standard Resident if: You have a small UK business and only use digital banks like Wise.
  • Use Exclusive Dedicated if: You are a non-resident selling on Amazon, TikTok, or eBay. The inclusion of Utility Bills and Live Verification is the only way to protect your account health and your VAT status.


Responsibilities of an Exclusive Company Director

A dedicated UK company director is responsible for ensuring the company meets its legal obligations, including:

  • Companies House filings
  • Confirmation statement
  • Annual accounts filing
  • Maintaining statutory registers
  • Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2006
  • Acting in the best interest of the company
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Maintaining proper corporate governance
  • Receiving official correspondence from HMRC and Companies House
  • Liaising with accountants and corporate service providers

They may act as:

  • Managing Director
  • Executive Director
  • Non-Executive Director
  • Corporate Director (where permitted)
  • Resident Director (for non-resident owners)


Exclusive Director vs Nominee Director

Exclusive Director Nominee Director
Works only for one client May act for multiple clients
Conflict-free role May hold multiple directorships
Often more involved Usually administrative role
Higher level of control Limited involvement
Used for substance Used for representation
Used for subsidiaries Used for non-resident owners

Because of regulatory scrutiny, many banks and institutions now prefer dedicated or exclusive directors rather than traditional nominee directors.


When Companies Use an Exclusive Director

Companies typically appoint an exclusive or dedicated director when they need:

  • A UK resident director
  • A local managing director
  • A director for a UK subsidiary
  • To demonstrate UK management and control
  • To support UK tax residency position
  • To open a UK business bank account
  • To register for UK VAT
  • To demonstrate economic substance
  • To satisfy compliance or regulatory requirements
  • To appoint a professional independent director


Legal Duties of a UK Company Director

Under the Companies Act 2006, all directors (including exclusive or dedicated directors) must comply with statutory duties, including:

  • Duty to act within powers
  • Duty to promote the success of the company
  • Duty to exercise independent judgment
  • Duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence
  • Duty to avoid conflicts of interest
  • Duty not to accept benefits from third parties
  • Duty to declare interest in transactions

These duties apply whether the director is:

  • Executive
  • Non-executive
  • Nominee
  • Resident
  • Dedicated
  • Corporate director


Summary
An exclusive, unique, dedicated company director is typically a formally appointed de jure director who works solely in relation to one company, ensuring compliance, governance, and local management presence, without conflicts of interest or involvement in other businesses.

This type of director is often used where companies require:

  • A high level of professionalism
  • Independent oversight
  • UK presence
  • Corporate governance
  • Banking and VAT support
  • Substance and credibility

It is a premium corporate service commonly used by international businesses, regulated companies, and UK subsidiaries of overseas companies.

Why Non-Resident Founders Choose a Dedicated UK Resident Director

1. Avoid “Bulk Nominee” Risk Flags

UK regulators and financial institutions, including HMRC, increasingly use automated systems to analyse director data.

If one individual is listed as director for hundreds of companies, they may be flagged as a high-risk professional nominee, which can trigger:

  • Payment account freezes
  • Platform verification failures
  • Bank compliance reviews
  • Source-of-funds checks

A dedicated director appears as a genuine UK-based company officer, which significantly reduces compliance risk.


2. UK Bank Account Opening and KYC Checks

High-street UK banks such as Barclays and HSBC often require:

  • Director identity verification
  • Proof of UK address
  • Video or face-to-face KYC interview
  • Director participation in onboarding

A dedicated UK resident director can attend KYC calls, provide proof of address, and sign bank mandates, making it significantly easier to open a Tier-1 UK business bank account.


3. Protecting the UK VAT Threshold

HMRC applies an “Establishment” test to determine whether a company is UK-established or a Non-Established Taxable Person (NETP).

Company Status VAT Threshold
UK Established £90,000
NETP £0

If classified as NETP, a company must register for VAT immediately and may pay 20% VAT from the first sale.

A dedicated UK resident director helps demonstrate:

  • UK management and control
  • UK economic substance
  • Proper board governance
  • UK decision-making

This can be an important factor in HMRC establishment assessments.


4. Director Liability and ECCTA Compliance

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) , Companies House has stronger enforcement powers, and directors can be held personally liable for incorrect filings or failure to maintain accurate company records.

A dedicated director helps ensure:

  • Confirmation Statements are filed correctly
  • PSC registers are maintained
  • Director ID verification is completed
  • Companies House personal codes are linked correctly
  • No “Notice of Inconsistency” is issued

This reduces the risk of company strike-off or compliance penalties.


5. TikTok Shop, Amazon and Platform Verification

Major platforms such as:

  • Amazon
  • TikTok
  • Shopify
  • eBay
  • Etsy

now often require:

  • Director identity verification
  • UK proof of address
  • Biometric face verification
  • UK bank account linked to a director
  • Ongoing re-verification checks

A dedicated UK resident director can complete these checks when required, helping prevent account suspension, payout blocks, or verification failures.


Dedicated UK Resident Director = Substance, Compliance, Stability

In 2026, appointing a dedicated UK resident director is no longer just a corporate formality. For many non-resident founders, it is a banking, VAT, and platform access strategy.

A dedicated director helps your company demonstrate:

  • UK presence
  • UK management and control
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Platform legitimacy
  • Banking credibility

This is why many TikTok sellers, Amazon FBA sellers, Shopify store owners, and international e-commerce businesses now choose a dedicated UK resident director instead of a shared nominee.


Appoint a Dedicated UK Resident Director

If you are a non-resident forming a UK company, appointing a dedicated UK resident director can help you:

  • Open a UK business bank account
  • Pass platform verification
  • Reduce VAT and NETP risk
  • Maintain compliance with Companies House
  • Demonstrate UK economic substance
  • Operate smoothly in the UK market

A dedicated director provides credibility, compliance, and operational stability — all essential for running a UK company in 2026.

Comparison: Shared Nominee vs. Dedicated Resident Director

Feature Shared Nominee Service Dedicated Resident Director
Bank Success Low (Flagged as professional nominee) High (Verified local executive)
VAT Threshold Risk of "NETP" (0 threshold) Standard £90k threshold
Platform KYC Usually fails "Live" or "ID" checks Succeeds (Active participation)
Risk Profile High (linked to many companies) Low (Unique, clean history)
Cost £500 – £1,000 / year £2,500 – £6,000+ / year

Active Management Duties of a Dedicated UK Resident Director (2026 Compliance)

In 2026, a “nominee” director who only signs documents once per year is no longer sufficient for UK compliance, banking, or platform verification. Platforms such as Amazon and TikTok, along with regulators like HMRC and Companies House, now expect active management and real UK substance.

A dedicated UK resident director must perform ongoing duties that demonstrate management and control in the UK, support banking compliance, and ensure the company remains in good standing.

Below is a typical 6-part Active Management Schedule for a dedicated UK resident director in 2026.


1. Identity Verification & Companies House Personal Code

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, director identity verification is now a core legal requirement.

Director duties include:

  • Completing identity verification
  • Securing and maintaining the 11-character Companies House Personal Code
  • Using the GOV.UK ID Check system
  • Ensuring all filings are linked to the verified identity

Why this matters:
Failure to maintain verified director status can result in a Notice of Inconsistency, which can lead to company strike-off procedures.

Platform impact:
When Amazon or TikTok requests Primary Representative verification, the director must provide:

  • Verified identity
  • Personal Code
  • UK ID (passport or driving licence)


2. Platform Live Verification & Proof of UK Address

E-commerce platforms now conduct random or risk-based re-verification.

Director duties include:

  • Attending live video verification calls
  • Completing biometric face verification checks
  • Providing UK proof of address (utility bill or council tax)
  • Confirming UK physical presence when requested

Why this matters:
Virtual office documents are often rejected. Platforms require proof that a real person is physically based in the UK and actively involved in the company.


3. Management & Control (Economic Substance / NETP Protection)

To avoid being classified as a Non-Established Taxable Person (NETP) by HMRC, the company must demonstrate “mind and management” in the UK.

Director duties include:

  • Holding quarterly board meetings in the UK
  • Signing major contracts and supplier agreements
  • Approving strategic business decisions
  • Maintaining board meeting minutes

Why this matters:
If HMRC determines the company is controlled entirely from overseas, the business may lose the £90,000 VAT threshold and be required to register for VAT from the first sale.


4. Banking Signatory & AML Compliance

UK banks now require a UK-based director to be involved in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and banking operations.

Director duties include:

  • Acting as bank signatory
  • Participating in bank KYC checks
  • Acting as AML contact person
  • Approving large transactions
  • Receiving corporate debit cards at a UK residential address

Why this matters:
Banks may freeze accounts if they detect that all activity is controlled from overseas without a UK-based officer.


5. Regulatory Correspondence & Registered Email Monitoring

All UK companies must maintain a registered email address and respond to official correspondence.

Director duties include:

  • Monitoring Companies House registered email
  • Monitoring registered office post
  • Responding to HMRC compliance letters
  • Handling VAT and tax correspondence
  • Ensuring deadlines are not missed

Why this matters:
Missing a compliance letter from HMRC can result in:

  • VAT number cancellation
  • Penalties
  • Platform account suspension


6. Statutory Filings & Confirmation Statement Approval

A dedicated director must ensure the company remains in Good Standing.

Director duties include:

  • Reviewing and approving annual accounts
  • Reviewing and approving Confirmation Statement (CS01)
  • Confirming PSC (Persons with Significant Control) information
  • Confirming lawful purpose statement
  • Ensuring Companies House records are accurate

Why this matters:
Companies House can now suspend or strike off companies for incorrect or unverified information under new compliance rules.


Dedicated Director = Active Director (2026 Reality)

In 2026, regulators, banks, and platforms are no longer accepting “paper directors.”

They expect real people, real presence, and real management activity in the UK.

A Dedicated UK Resident Director provides:

  • UK management and control
  • Identity verification support
  • Platform verification support
  • Banking compliance support
  • HMRC correspondence handling
  • Companies House compliance
  • Protection against NETP classification risks

For non-resident founders, this is no longer just a compliance formality — it is a banking, VAT, and platform survival requirement.


Appoint a Dedicated UK Resident Director

If you operate:

  • TikTok Shop
  • Amazon FBA
  • Shopify Store
  • eBay Business
  • Etsy Shop
  • UK E-commerce Company

Then a Dedicated UK Resident Director with Active Management Duties can help ensure your company remains:

  • Compliant
  • Bankable
  • VAT-efficient
  • Platform-approved
  • In Good Standing with Companies House and HMRC

This is the difference between a company that operates smoothly and a company that gets blocked, frozen, or investigated.

Summary: The "Safety" Checklist

Duty Platform Frequency
Biometric ID Check TikTok Shop On-demand/Annual
UK Utility Bill Supply Amazon/Etsy Every 90 days
HMRC Mail Response All Continuous
VAT Substance Review HMRC Quarterly
Bank Mandate Signing Barclays/HSBC Initial/Annual

Resident Director Service UK – Legal, Compliance and Governance Guide

Setting up a company in the UK offers strategic advantages due to its stable legal system, global reputation, and business-friendly regulatory environment. Under the UK Companies Act 2006, every company must appoint at least one director who is a natural person. While there is no legal requirement for a director to be a UK resident, appointing a Resident Director Service UK can significantly improve compliance, banking access, and operational efficiency, particularly for foreign-owned companies registered with Companies House and regulated by HMRC.

A UK company director is responsible for ensuring the company meets statutory obligations, including filing annual accounts, Confirmation Statements, maintaining statutory registers, and complying with UK corporate law. Although a non-resident director can manage a UK company remotely, many banks, financial institutions, and payment platforms prefer companies to have a UK-based director to demonstrate local management and control.

For foreign businesses, appointing a Nominee Director UK or Resident Director helps ensure smoother interaction with Companies House, HMRC, banks, and payment providers while maintaining full ownership and operational control by the beneficial owner.


What Is a Resident Director in the UK?

A Resident Director in the UK is a director who is physically based in the UK and appointed to help a company meet legal, administrative, and operational requirements. While UK law does not require a resident director, appointing one helps demonstrate UK substance, local management, and corporate governance, which is increasingly important for banking, VAT, and platform compliance.

For overseas business owners, a Nominee Director UK can act as a local representative of the company. Depending on the service structure, the nominee director may perform administrative and compliance duties while strategic control remains with the beneficial owner and shareholders.

Using a Resident Director Service UK allows international companies to:

  • Establish a UK presence
  • Improve credibility with banks and suppliers
  • Simplify compliance with HMRC and Companies House
  • Support UK bank account opening
  • Maintain corporate governance standards


Legal Requirements for Appointing a Director in a UK Company

Under the Companies Act 2006, the legal requirements for a UK company director include:

  • Must be a natural person
  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must not be disqualified as a director
  • Must not be an undischarged bankrupt
  • Must consent to act as a director
  • Must complete identity verification (mandatory from 2025 onwards)

All director appointments must be filed with Companies House, typically using Form AP01, within 14 days of appointment.

Directors are legally responsible for:

  • Filing annual accounts
  • Filing Confirmation Statements
  • Maintaining Persons with Significant Control (PSC) register
  • Keeping company records and statutory registers
  • Ensuring compliance with UK tax laws and filing deadlines

Failure to meet these obligations can result in penalties, director disqualification, or company strike-off.


Who Can Be a Director in a UK Company?

Any individual aged 16 or over can be a UK company director, regardless of nationality or country of residence. A foreign national can be a director and shareholder of a UK company and does not need to live in the UK.

However, many foreign-owned UK companies appoint a UK resident director to:

  • Assist with compliance
  • Handle official correspondence
  • Support banking and payment provider verification
  • Demonstrate UK management and control
  • Improve credibility with suppliers and clients

While a corporate entity can sometimes act as a director, a company must always have at least one natural person as a director.


Responsibilities and Liabilities of a UK Resident Director

A UK resident director has legal duties and fiduciary responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006. These include:

  • Acting in the best interests of the company
  • Exercising reasonable care, skill, and diligence
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Maintaining accurate accounting records
  • Filing accounts and Confirmation Statements on time
  • Ensuring tax filings are submitted to HMRC
  • Maintaining statutory registers and PSC records

Failure to comply with these duties can lead to:

  • Financial penalties
  • Director disqualification
  • Personal liability
  • Criminal charges in serious cases

This is why appointing a professional Resident Director Service UK is often preferred by foreign business owners who want to ensure compliance is handled correctly.


Appointment Process for a Resident Director in a UK Company

The process of appointing a UK resident director typically includes:

  1. Board resolution approving the appointment
  2. Director consent to act
  3. Identity verification completion
  4. Filing Form AP01 with Companies House within 14 days
  5. Updating statutory registers
  6. Updating bank and HMRC records if required

The company’s Articles of Association and any Shareholders’ Agreement may also set out rules regarding director appointment and removal.


Do Foreign-Owned Companies Need a Resident Director in the UK?

A UK resident director is not legally required, but in practice, many foreign-owned companies appoint one because it helps with:

  • UK bank account opening
  • VAT registration
  • Payment processor approval
  • Platform verification (Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopify, eBay, Etsy)
  • HMRC correspondence
  • Demonstrating UK management and control
  • Corporate governance and compliance

For many international businesses, a Resident Director Service UK is a practical business requirement, even if not strictly a legal requirement.


Hiring a Professional Resident Director or Nominee Director Service in the UK

Many foreign entrepreneurs use a professional Resident Director Service UK to ensure compliance and maintain a UK presence without relocating to the UK.

Benefits include:

  • Compliance with UK company law
  • Local representative for HMRC and Companies House
  • Support with banking and verification
  • Maintaining company good standing
  • Reduced administrative burden
  • Improved credibility with financial institutions

When choosing a provider, it is important to select a reliable and experienced service provider, as directors have legal responsibilities and must ensure the company remains compliant.


What Happens if a UK Company Fails to Appoint a Director?

Every UK company must have at least one director at all times. If a company fails to appoint or maintain a director:

  • Companies House may issue compliance notices
  • The company may be struck off the register
  • Directors may face penalties or disqualification
  • The company may lose bank accounts and trading ability

To restore compliance, the company must appoint a new director and update Companies House immediately.


Resident Director Service UK – Summary

A Resident Director Service UK helps foreign-owned companies:

  • Meet UK company director requirements
  • Maintain compliance with Companies House and HMRC
  • Improve banking and payment provider approval
  • Demonstrate UK presence and corporate substance
  • Maintain good corporate governance
  • Reduce the risk of penalties or strike-off

For international entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, and overseas companies entering the UK market, appointing a UK resident director is often a key step in building a compliant and credible UK business.

UK Resident Director Service – For Non-Resident Company Owners

If you are a non-UK resident opening or running a UK limited company, appointing a UK resident director can make the difference between smooth operations and constant compliance, banking, and platform verification problems. While UK law does not require a resident director, many banks, payment providers, and regulators expect a company to demonstrate UK management and control, especially when dealing with Companies House and HMRC.

Our UK Resident Director Service is designed specifically for non-resident founders, e-commerce sellers, TikTok Shop businesses, Amazon sellers, and international companies that need a reliable UK presence.


Why Non-Residents Appoint a UK Resident Director

In today’s compliance environment, a UK company managed entirely from overseas can face:

  • Difficulty opening a UK business bank account
  • Payment processor verification issues
  • VAT and tax classification risks
  • Platform payout delays or account reviews
  • Compliance and correspondence delays

A UK resident director helps demonstrate that your company has real presence, real management, and proper corporate governance in the UK.


What Our UK Resident Director Service Includes

Our fully managed service includes everything required to appoint and maintain a UK resident director:

  • Appointment of a UK-based private individual as director
  • Director consent and legal documentation
  • Identity verification (Companies House requirements)
  • Preparation and filing of director appointment (Form AP01)
  • Guidance on board resolutions
  • Support with UK bank account opening
  • Ongoing compliance and corporate governance support
  • Assistance with Companies House and HMRC correspondence

This ensures your company remains compliant, operational, and in good standing.


Who This Service Is For

Our UK Resident Director Service is ideal for:

  • Non-UK residents opening a UK company
  • TikTok Shop UK sellers
  • Amazon UK sellers
  • Shopify store owners
  • eBay and Etsy sellers
  • Dropshipping businesses
  • Digital creators and online businesses
  • Overseas companies expanding into the UK
  • Businesses needing a UK bank account
  • Companies that need UK substance and local representation


Legal Compliance – Companies Act 2006

Under the Companies Act 2006, every UK company must have at least one director who is a natural person. Directors are responsible for:

  • Filing annual accounts
  • Filing Confirmation Statements
  • Maintaining statutory registers
  • Reporting Persons with Significant Control (PSC)
  • Ensuring compliance with UK tax and company law

We help ensure your company meets all obligations filed with Companies House and HMRC correctly and on time.


Benefits of Appointing a UK Resident Director

Appointing a UK resident director can help your company:

  • Open a UK business bank account
  • Pass payment processor verification
  • Demonstrate UK management and control
  • Improve credibility with partners and suppliers
  • Maintain compliance with UK regulations
  • Ensure official correspondence is handled properly
  • Maintain company good standing

For many non-resident business owners, this is not just about compliance — it is about being able to operate your business smoothly in the UK.

Simple Appointment Process

We make the process simple and fast:

  1. We provide a qualified UK resident director
  2. Director completes identity verification
  3. Board resolution and consent to act are prepared
  4. Director appointment is filed with Companies House
  5. Director is officially appointed within statutory deadlines

In most cases, the process can be completed within 24–48 hours.


UK Resident Director Service – Designed for Non-Residents

If you are running a UK company from overseas, a UK resident director helps ensure:

  • Your company remains compliant
  • Your bank account can be opened and maintained
  • Your payment processors remain active
  • Your company maintains a credible UK presence
  • Your business can grow without regulatory obstacles

Appoint a UK Resident Director and run your UK company with confidence, compliance, and credibility.


Step-by-Step Guide: How to Appoint a Dedicated Director in the UK

Appointing a dedicated director is an important step for UK companies, particularly for non-resident business owners, growing businesses, and companies undergoing restructuring. A dedicated director ensures that the company meets its legal obligations, maintains compliance with Companies House, and manages corporate governance effectively.

Coddan provides professional support to help you appoint a dedicated director in the UK quickly, correctly, and in full compliance with UK regulations, including the latest identity verification requirements.


What Is a Dedicated Director?

A dedicated director is a formally appointed company director who is responsible for statutory compliance, company filings, and corporate governance. This may include:

  • A UK resident director
  • A nominee director
  • A corporate director
  • A replacement director during restructuring

If the appointment of a dedicated director is part of a wider ownership change or company restructuring, it is important to understand the broader process of
Change of Control and Corporate Restructuring, where director appointments and ownership changes are closely connected.


Step-by-Step: How to Appoint a Dedicated Director in the UK

Step 1 – Choose the Type of Director

You must decide whether to appoint:

  • An individual UK resident director
  • A nominee director
  • A corporate director
  • A replacement director

If you are an eCommerce business selling on UK platforms, you may need a local director:
Assign a Local Director for the UK for the Businesses of eBay, Amazon, TikTok, and Etsy
You can also appoint a resident director through an authorised provider:
How to Appoint a UK Resident Director Effectively via ACSP Provider
Learn more about the advantages here:
How UK Resident Director Services Benefit Non-Residents


Step 2 – Complete Identity Verification (ECCTA Requirement)

Under new regulations, directors must complete identity verification before appointment:
ECCTA 2026 ID Verification Service

This step is essential to ensure Companies House accepts the appointment.


Step 3 – File the Director Appointment

To officially appoint a director, the company must file the appropriate form:
Why Choose Coddan for Electronically Filing Form AP01?

If appointing a corporate entity instead of an individual:
Steps to Appoint a Corporate Director in the UK Using Form AP02


Step 4 – Update Company Records

After appointment, the company must update:

  • Statutory registers
  • Companies House records
  • PSC register (if control changes)

If the new director appointment is connected to ownership changes, you may also need to complete related filings such as:



Step 5 – Remove or Replace an Existing Director (If Required)

If you are replacing a director, you must also file a termination:
How to Simplify Director Removal (Form TM01) for Your Business

Handling both appointment and removal together ensures company records remain accurate.


When Do Companies Appoint a Dedicated Director?

Businesses typically appoint a dedicated director when:

  • Expanding into the UK market
  • Opening a UK bank account
  • Meeting compliance requirements
  • Restructuring ownership or management
  • Replacing an existing director
  • Bringing in investors or partners

A dedicated director helps ensure the company operates smoothly and remains compliant.


Why Choose Coddan to Appoint Your Dedicated Director?

✔ Fast Director Appointment
We handle the entire process from identity verification to Companies House filing.

✔ ECCTA Compliance
We ensure all identity verification requirements are met.

✔ Support for Non-Residents
We specialise in helping overseas entrepreneurs manage UK companies.

✔ Corporate Restructuring Support
We assist with share transfers, allotments, and company restructuring.

✔ Complete Company Services
We support director appointments, removals, and ownership changes.


Appoint Your Dedicated Director Today

Ensure your director appointment is handled correctly, compliantly, and without delays.

  • ✔ ECCTA-compliant appointment
  • ✔ Companies House filing
  • ✔ Full compliance support

Contact Coddan today to appoint your dedicated UK director.