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Coddan CPM Ltd. – Company Registration Agent in the UK

Learn to use Form AP04 for appointing a corporate body as your company secretary in the UK. File online and keep your business compliant with ease.

Step 1
Obtain Consent to Act
Step 2
Fill Company & Appointee Details
Step 3
Record Appointment Date
Step 4
Declare Registration Details
Step 5
Confirm Consent & e-Sign
Step 6
File with Companies House

Top Benefits of Appointing a Corporate Secretary (using Form AP04)


Ensure your UK company is compliant by using form AP04 to notify Companies House of a corporate body or firm appointed as secretary. Learn more!

Expert Corporate Secretarial Services Without the Stress
Wave goodbye to late filings, missed deadlines, and unnecessary compliance pressure. Coddan CPM provides professional corporate secretarial services that help keep your business organised, compliant, and protected in the evolving 2026 regulatory environment. Appointing a new company secretary is more than an administrative step—it is a practical way to strengthen governance, improve filing accuracy, and reduce the risk of avoidable penalties. Our experienced team helps directors stay on top of Confirmation Statements, Annual Accounts coordination, officer changes, statutory registers, and ongoing obligations with Companies House.
We offer a fast and efficient process for appointing a corporate body or firm as secretary. You may use our electronic form to request the appointment, allowing us to prepare and manage the filing smoothly from start to finish. Our corporate secretarial team carefully monitors key deadlines and supports accurate submissions, helping your company avoid disruption, rejected filings, and unnecessary scrutiny. For directors, that means more confidence and less time spent worrying about compliance administration.
Whether you are replacing an existing provider, appointing your first secretary, or improving internal controls, Coddan CPM makes the process straightforward and dependable. With over 25 years of experience, we deliver practical support tailored to startups, SMEs, overseas owners, and established companies. Use our electronic form today. Appoint with confidence. Stay compliant with Coddan CPM.

Ensure your business stays compliant with our AP04 Appointment of Corporate Secretary service. Streamline governance and reduce filing risks with expert support.

AP04 Appointment of Corporate Secretary – Fast, Professional & Compliant
Keeping your business compliant requires more than good intentions. Accurate filings, maintained registers, and dependable governance processes are essential. That is why the appointment of a new company secretary can be a smart operational decision for companies that value control and efficiency. Coddan CPM offers a professional AP04 Appointment of Corporate Secretary service, helping businesses appoint a corporate body or firm as secretary quickly and correctly.
You may use our electronic form to request the appointment, allowing our experienced team to manage the process efficiently from preparation through submission to Companies House. A corporate secretary can provide valuable support for public companies, growing businesses, and companies with more complex structures. Our expert company secretary services help manage statutory obligations such as officer updates, governance records, confirmation statements, filing deadlines, and Pvt Ltd Company administration.
Professional support helps reduce the risk of late filings, rejected submissions, inaccurate registers, and avoidable compliance issues. It also gives directors greater peace of mind that critical responsibilities are being handled properly. Whether you are replacing an existing provider or appointing a UK secretary for the first time, Coddan CPM makes the process straightforward and dependable. With over 25 years of experience, our Corporate Secretarial team delivers responsive support tailored to your business needs. Use our electronic form today. Appoint a corporate secretary with confidence. Stay compliant with Coddan CPM.


Fast selling packages. FREE delivery Wednesday, April 29th 2026. 29 orders are in the queue. The last order was sent 00h 04m ago.

Discover how secretarial packages have transformed into essential regulatory tools under the ECCTA, ensuring compliance and safeguarding your business.

Learn how the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reshapes secretarial roles, turning them into crucial regulatory insurance for businesses in 2026.
£199.00
+VAT

Buy “Compliance Shield”

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Buy Now Compliance Shield Bundle – Keep Your Company in Good Standing. Protect your business with Coddan CPM’s Compliance Shield Bundle, created for SMEs that want certainty, continuity, and full UK compliance. This comprehensive package helps keep your company in Good Standing with Companies House by reducing the risk of missed filings, strike-off action, rejected submissions, or banking disruptions caused by poor records. Your business receives dedicated company secretarial support to manage key deadlines, statutory obligations, and annual maintenance requirements. We handle your Confirmation Statement, monitor Companies House fees and filing dates, and carry out a detailed company data review to identify inconsistencies before they become problems.

The bundle also includes digitised statutory registers maintained accurately and synchronised with current filings, giving you organised records and a reliable audit trail. Our proactive PSC monitoring helps track shareholding changes and control thresholds, ensuring your Persons with Significant Control information remains accurate and up to date. With Coddan CPM managing compliance in the background, you can focus on growth, operations, and strategy—while we keep your company protected and regulator-ready. Stay compliant, stay organised, and stay in Good Standing with the Compliance Shield Bundle.



£500.00
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“SecureID Solutions”

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Buy Now Director’s Protection Package – Compliance Support for UK Directors. Prepare for evolving UK compliance requirements with Coddan CPM Director’s Protection Package. Built for directors who want stronger administrative controls, privacy safeguards, and practical support, this service helps reduce filing errors, missed obligations, and unnecessary compliance risk. As Identity Verification (IDV) requirements develop, our Accredited Corporate Service Provider support assists with mandatory verification processes for new and existing directors, helping ensure submissions are handled correctly and efficiently. Protect your personal privacy through the use of a professional registered service address, helping keep residential addresses off the public record where legally permitted.

Stay informed with monthly solicitor-written briefings covering director duties, fiduciary responsibilities, governance developments, and relevant changes in UK company law. Where board changes arise, we manage unlimited director appointments and resignations, including preparation of Forms AP01 and TM01 and drafting supporting Board Minutes for accurate internal records and filings with Companies House. Whether you are a first-time director or managing a growing company, this package provides structured support to help you meet obligations confidently and maintain good corporate governance. Protect your privacy. Strengthen compliance. Manage director changes efficiently. Enquire about the Director’s Protection Package today.



£1099.00
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Buy “EntryPoint CorpSec”

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Buy Now International Market Entrant Bundle – UK Market Entry Support for Overseas Owners. Expand into the UK market with confidence through the Coddan CPM International Market Entrant Bundle. Designed for non-UK resident business owners, this package provides practical administrative support, a credible UK presence, and assistance with key setup requirements to help streamline market entry. Benefit from the appointment of a resident UK Company Secretary who can support corporate administration, assist with routine compliance coordination, and help respond to standard onboarding requests such as KYC checks, banking enquiries, and correspondence relating to HM Revenue & Customs matters where appropriate. A prestigious registered office in London provides an established UK address for official mail and statutory communications, helping enhance your company’s professional image while maintaining an operational UK contact point.

For companies requiring international document recognition, we also provide fast-track notarisation and apostille support to help keep overseas transactions and registrations progressing efficiently. This bundle is structured to support businesses seeking stronger UK commercial credibility, smoother administrative onboarding, and reliable local assistance. While regulatory outcomes depend on your specific circumstances, we help you prepare the documentation and corporate framework commonly required for UK expansion. Build your UK presence. Improve credibility. Simplify international setup. Start your UK market entry with confidence today.



£1800.00
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“Governance & Growth”

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Buy Now Governance & Growth Bundle (Premium Support) – Built for Scaling UK Companies. When growth accelerates, governance must keep pace. The Coddan CPM Governance & Growth Bundle (Premium Support) is designed for ambitious UK companies seeking stronger corporate controls, cleaner records, and investor-ready administration. Receive structured Board and AGM support, including preparation of formal notices, agendas, resolutions, attendance records, and accurate minute-taking. Whether preparing for investment discussions, regulatory scrutiny, restructuring, or a future exit, your company benefits from organised governance processes and professionally maintained records. We also manage share capital administration, including allotments, transfers, shareholder updates, and preparation of Form SH01 filings with Companies House where required. This helps reduce errors, maintain accurate registers, and support future fundraising or due diligence activity.

If your group structure includes a dormant holding company, we help keep annual filings current and compliance obligations on track, ensuring dormant status is properly maintained where applicable. An annual statutory health check reviews company records, historic filings, registers, and governance documentation to identify legacy issues before they become obstacles during banking reviews, investment rounds, transactions, or audits. This premium support package is ideal for companies focused on expansion, funding readiness, acquisitions, succession planning, or stronger board-level discipline.





Fast selling packages. FREE delivery Wednesday, April 29th 2026. 12 orders are in the queue. The last order was sent 00h 04m ago.

Appoint your company secretary quickly and correctly with Coddan CPM. Our expert service ensures accurate Form AP03 filing, keeping you compliant and stress-free.

Required steps & information to start a new company formation
£18.99
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Buy “GovernSure Pack”

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package

Buy Now Appoint Your Company Secretary Quickly & Correctly with Coddan CPM. If your UK company needs to appoint a new secretary, our professional Form AP03 filing service ensures the process is handled accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with Companies House requirements. We manage the appointment from start to finish, helping you avoid delays, rejected filings, and unnecessary administrative stress. Our service includes collecting and reviewing the required details, preparing the appointment documents, and securely submitting Form AP03 within the statutory 14-day filing deadline. Every submission is checked carefully to reduce errors and ensure all mandatory information is correctly recorded. This protects your company’s compliance position while maintaining accurate public records.

We use secure digital filing wherever possible because it is faster, safer, and more reliable than paper submission. Online filing also allows quicker processing and immediate confirmation once the application has been lodged. Paper filing remains available if required, but electronic submission is generally the most efficient route. Appointing a secretary through a professional provider also supports stronger corporate governance. Accurate filings and properly maintained records help build confidence with lenders, investors, suppliers, and business partners, while demonstrating that your company is professionally managed. Whether you are replacing an outgoing secretary, expanding your management structure, or restructuring your company, Coddan CPM makes the process simple and dependable. Focus on running your business while we handle the compliance. Fast Turnaround. Secure Filing. Professional Support. Start your Company Secretary appointment today.



£25.00
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Buy “SwiftSec Solutions”

Recommended for

2
package

Buy Now Appointing a new company secretary is simple and efficient with Coddan CPM and our professionally managed Form AP03 filing service. We ensure your appointment is completed correctly and reported to Companies House within the required 14-day statutory deadline, helping your company remain fully compliant while avoiding delays, errors, or rejected filings. Our service manages the entire process from start to finish, including collecting the necessary details, preparing the appointment documentation, and arranging secure online submission. Digital filing is generally faster, safer, and more efficient than paper filing, ensuring all mandatory information is accurately recorded and processed without unnecessary delay. Paper submissions remain available where required.

The appointment of a company secretary also supports stronger internal governance by ensuring records are properly maintained and corporate procedures are followed. This can enhance confidence among lenders, investors, suppliers, and professional advisers who value well-managed companies with accurate statutory records. Included within our SwiftSec Pack is everything needed for a complete and professionally documented appointment. This includes a board resolution approving the appointment, the new secretary’s consent to act, and the creation or update of the statutory register of secretaries. This ensures the internal legal process is completed as carefully as the external filing itself. Whether you are replacing an outgoing secretary, expanding your management team, or restructuring your company, Coddan CPM allows you to stay focused on business growth while we manage the compliance. Fast, accurate, and professionally handled from start to finish.



£75.00
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Buy “BoardEase Solutions”

Recommended for

3
package

Buy Now Take the pressure out of company compliance with the third option – Coddan CPM’s Secretarial Service, a fully managed solution designed for directors who want reliable, professional support with ongoing statutory obligations. Operating discreetly in the background, Coddan CPM helps ensure your company remains organised, compliant, and up to date with the requirements of Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs. This service covers the key administrative duties that often consume valuable management time. You receive timely reminders and assistance with annual confirmation statements, filing obligations, and the circulation of important company accounts and statutory notices. By keeping deadlines under control, the service helps reduce the risk of missed filings, penalties, or avoidable compliance issues.

Coddan CPM also maintains your essential statutory registers, including records of directors, secretaries, members, and shareholdings. Changes in ownership, share transfers, or updates to company details are monitored carefully so that records remain accurate and aligned with legal requirements. This is particularly valuable for growing businesses or companies with multiple shareholders where record-keeping can quickly become complex.The service further assists with day-to-day dealings involving government bodies, helping manage correspondence and routine matters with Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs. You also benefit from oversight of evolving legislation, helping your business stay informed and responsive to regulatory changes that may affect governance or reporting obligations. For those entitled to inspect company records, access can be managed efficiently and professionally, ensuring transparency while preserving proper internal controls.



£150.00
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Buy “SecEase Solutions”

Recommended for

4
package

Buy Now Bring effortless order to your company administration with the fourth option – Coddan CPM’s Secretarial Service, a fully managed compliance solution designed for directors who want professional support without the daily administrative burden. Working discreetly behind the scenes, Coddan CPM helps keep your company organised, compliant, and fully aligned with the requirements of Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs. This service ensures timely management of key statutory obligations, including annual confirmation statements, circulation of important company accounts, and the procurement of a Certificate of Good Standing when required. Whether you need documentation for banks, investors, overseas transactions, or commercial due diligence, your corporate records remain ready and professionally maintained.

The fourth option also includes close monitoring of share ownership changes, statutory register maintenance, and efficient handling of routine government correspondence. By keeping company records accurate and up to date, the service helps reduce the risk of filing errors, missed deadlines, or compliance breaches that can disrupt operations or damage credibility. As regulations continue to evolve, you benefit from experienced oversight of legislative changes affecting UK companies. This proactive approach helps ensure your business remains compliant without requiring directors to track every rule change themselves. Access to company records for authorised parties can also be managed efficiently and professionally, supporting transparency and good governance. Designed for busy directors, entrepreneurs, and overseas company owners, this is the practical “set-and-forget” solution for maintaining strong corporate administration.




Enhance your company's efficiency with our expert company secretary services, ensuring compliance and meticulous management of all company records

Trust our company secretary to assist directors in management duties, ensuring legal compliance and accurate maintenance of essential company records.

Step-by-step guide on applying for a private limited company secretary position. Visual guide illustrating the application process for a private limited company secretary

Coddan CPM has introduced a new company secretary service designed to simplify business compliance for directors.
This service ensures that timely filings and documentary requirements are managed efficiently, helping businesses avoid late filing penalties.
The convenience of an electronic form allows for the easy appointment of a corporate body or firm as secretary, ensuring that no important tasks are overlooked.
By utilizing expert company secretary services, businesses can automate their statutory obligations, allowing directors to focus on more significant decisions.
This service is particularly beneficial for companies experiencing growth or those in need of a compliance refresh.
With comprehensive Corporate Secretarial guidance available at every step, Coddan CPM's offerings make business compliance straightforward and stress-free.


Essential Steps for Appoint a Secretary(e-Form AP03).

Use Form AP03 to Add a Company Secretary

Add a secretary with ease! Coddan offers a compliant service from just £ 18.99 filing your termination within 24 hours. Ensure legal adherence today!

What Form AP03 Is For.
  • Most private companies limited by shares are not legally required to have a company secretary, but many appoint one for governance, filing administration, and compliance support.
  • Check the company’s Articles of Association for any rules on appointing, powers, or removing a company secretary.
  • Select an individual who can carry out administrative and compliance responsibilities such as filing confirmation statements, maintaining records, and handling statutory correspondence.
  • Confirm the proposed secretary agrees to act in the role and understands their responsibilities.
  • Pass a board resolution or written directors’ decision approving the appointment of the company secretary.
  • Enter the company name, company number, full name of the secretary, service address, and appointment date on Form AP03.
  • File Form AP03 online through Companies House WebFiling or submit by post for registration of the appointment.
  • Update company registers, governance records, letterheads, and internal contact lists to reflect the appointment.
  • Inform accountants, solicitors, banks, and relevant stakeholders if the secretary will handle correspondence or filings.
  • Ensure the company secretary supports timely filing of annual accounts, confirmation statements, and statutory changes.

How to Ensure Compliance Adding a Secretary.

Step-by-Step to Add a Secretary

Appointing a company secretary is easy! Follow our guide on using Form AP04 for your UK limited by shares company in 2026. Ensure compliance effortlessly.

Option 2: Add a Corporate Secretary.
  • Private companies limited by shares are not generally required to appoint a secretary, but many choose a corporate secretary for governance, filing support, and administrative continuity.
  • Check the Articles of Association for any restrictions, approval procedures, or powers relating to appointing a corporate secretary.
  • Choose a properly incorporated company or firm capable of acting as company secretary and providing administrative or compliance services.
  • Confirm the corporate body has agreed to accept the appointment and has authorised an officer or representative to act on its behalf.
  • Pass a board resolution or written directors’ decision approving the appointment of the corporate secretary.
  • Collect the corporate secretary’s full legal name, registered office address, registration number, legal form, and jurisdiction of incorporation.
  • Enter the appointing company details and the corporate secretary’s registered information, together with the effective appointment date.
  • File Form AP04 online where available or submit it using the accepted Companies House filing method.
  • Update registers, governance documents, internal contact records, and authorised contacts to reflect the new corporate secretary.
  • Ensure the corporate secretary supports annual accounts, confirmation statements, statutory filings, and company record maintenance.

Does a Company Secretary Appointment or Resignation Require Official ID Verification?
Identity verification requirements in the UK are evolving under reforms linked to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. However, it is important to distinguish between company officers who must verify their identity and people authorised to file documents.

As of 2026, mandatory identity verification is primarily focused on directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and individuals who submit filings as authorised presenters or through an Companies House authorised route. A company secretary is not automatically subject to ID verification solely because they hold the title of secretary, unless they fall into one of those verified categories or are acting as the person making filings where verification is required.

Appointment of a Company Secretary
Appointing a company secretary does not necessarily mean the individual must complete ID verification simply because of the appointment. The requirement depends on the role they perform in practice and the applicable filing rules at that time.

Resignation of a Company Secretary
A resignation filing is normally a company record update. The filing itself may be submitted by an authorised person or provider. The resigning secretary is not automatically required to re-verify identity solely because they are resigning.

Why Professional Guidance Matters
Because implementation timelines and filing rules continue to develop, businesses should use current procedures when making officer changes. Coddan CPM helps companies manage secretary appointments, resignations, AP03/AP04 filings, and compliance updates accurately.

Need to appoint or remove a company secretary? Use Coddan CPM for fast, compliant support.

Appoint a New Company Secretary – Fast, Simple & Stress-Free.
Say goodbye to paperwork headaches, missed deadlines, and last-minute filings. Coddan CPM makes the appointment of a new company secretary straightforward, efficient, and fully supported from start to finish. Our expert company secretary services help businesses stay organised and compliant by managing key administrative responsibilities, statutory records, and ongoing obligations with Companies House. With a dedicated professional overseeing the process, your company can meet documentary requirements accurately and on time.

There is no need to worry about filing deadlines, complex forms, or time-consuming administration. Our Corporate Secretarial solutions take care of the detail so directors can focus on strategy, growth, and day-to-day operations. You may use our electronic form to appoint a corporate body or firm as secretary, giving you a fast and convenient route to professional support. We prepare the necessary documentation, review details carefully, and help ensure the appointment proceeds smoothly.

Whether you need the appointment of a new company secretary, a replacement provider, or ongoing secretarial support, Coddan CPM delivers dependable service tailored to your business. With over 25 years of experience, we help startups, SMEs, overseas owners, and established companies simplify compliance and strengthen governance. Use our electronic form today. Appoint with confidence. Stay compliant with Coddan CPM.



Named Corporate Secretary Services for New and Growing Companies

Many businesses choose a Named Corporate Secretary model because it provides more than one individual contact—it gives access to a professional team with broader expertise, stronger continuity, and dependable day-to-day support. Coddan CPM offers professional Named Corporate Secretary services designed for startups, established companies, overseas owners, and growing groups.

Instead of relying on a single person, clients benefit from a team of experienced specialists who can manage governance, filings, and corporate administration efficiently. This team-based structure helps ensure continuity during holidays, illness, or peak workload periods, while giving clients access to wider technical knowledge and faster response times.

For new businesses, a Named Corporate Secretary can play a valuable role during the formation process. We assist with incorporation administration, governance setup, statutory records, registered office arrangements, and the initial company secretarial framework needed to launch with confidence.

Our services also support ongoing compliance obligations, including confirmation statements, officer changes, statutory registers, board minutes, and filings with Companies House where required.

As your business grows, the same structure can scale with you—supporting share changes, restructures, investor readiness, governance upgrades, and multi-entity administration.

Using a professional corporate provider allows founders and directors to focus on strategy, sales, and growth while specialists manage the administrative detail.

With over 25 years of experience, Coddan CPM delivers practical, responsive support built around modern businesses.

Expert team support. Stronger governance. Launch and grow with Coddan CPM today.

Named Corporate Secretary Services for New and Growing Companies

Many businesses choose a Named Corporate Secretary model because it offers far more than a single point of contact. Instead of relying on one individual, your company gains access to a professional team with broader expertise, stronger continuity, and dependable day-to-day support.

Coddan CPM provides professional Named Corporate Secretary services for startups, established companies, overseas owners, and growing business groups that require reliable governance and administrative support.

A team-based structure gives clients access to multiple specialists who can manage filings, governance matters, and company administration efficiently. This helps ensure continuity during holidays, staff absence, or busy trading periods, while also providing faster response times and wider technical knowledge than a single in-house contact can usually offer.

For newly formed businesses, a Named Corporate Secretary can be particularly valuable during the launch stage. We assist with incorporation administration, governance setup, statutory records, registered office arrangements, and the company secretarial framework needed to start trading with confidence.

For established companies, our service supports ongoing compliance obligations and routine administration. This can include confirmation statements, officer appointments or resignations, statutory register maintenance, board minutes, shareholder resolutions, and filings with Companies House where required.

As your business grows, the same service can scale with you. We can support share allotments, share transfers, restructures, investor readiness, governance upgrades, and multi-entity administration, giving your company a stable compliance function as complexity increases.

Using a professional corporate provider allows founders and directors to focus on strategy, sales, recruitment, and growth while experienced specialists manage the administrative detail behind the scenes.

With more than 25 years of experience, Coddan CPM delivers practical, responsive support tailored to modern businesses.

Whether you are launching a startup, managing an overseas-owned UK company, or scaling a growing group structure, our Named Corporate Secretary service provides dependable support at every stage.

Why Choose Our Named Corporate Secretary Service?

Our clients value:

  • Access to an experienced support team
  • Stronger governance and compliance oversight
  • Continuity of service throughout the year
  • Fast assistance with filings and company changes
  • Scalable support as the business grows
  • Reduced administrative burden for directors

If your company needs reliable secretarial support without the cost of hiring in-house staff, our Named Corporate Secretary service offers a practical and cost-effective solution.

Contact Coddan CPM today to discuss your requirements and put the right governance structure in place.

The Historical Role of the Company Secretary in UK Limited Companies

Before reforms introduced in 2008, appointing a company secretary was a standard requirement for many UK private limited companies. Historically, limited companies were commonly expected to maintain both at least one director and a company secretary, making the role an important part of everyday corporate administration.

In many smaller businesses, the secretary was often a family member, business partner, or trusted associate appointed to help satisfy legal requirements and support the running of the company. In larger or more structured organisations, the role carried broader governance and administrative responsibilities.

Where a serving director also held company secretarial responsibilities, company structures often required additional director appointments under the rules in force at that time. As company law modernised, these requirements later changed for many private companies.

Despite being seen by some as a formality, the company secretary historically performed valuable duties across businesses of all sizes. Typical responsibilities included maintaining company books and statutory records, coordinating with the company accountant, handling correspondence, and managing filings with Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs.

The role also helped ensure that internal decisions were recorded properly and that key deadlines were not missed.

Today, although many private companies are no longer legally required to appoint a secretary, the practical value of professional secretarial support remains strong. Modern businesses still need accurate records, timely filings, governance discipline, and reliable compliance management.

That is why many companies continue to appoint professional providers such as Coddan CPM.

Historic requirement, modern advantage: the company secretary still adds real business value.

UK Company Secretary Law Changes After April 2008

Changes introduced under the Companies Act 2006 reduced the administrative burden for many private companies from April 2008 onward. Since then, a private limited company can generally operate with a sole director and does not usually need to appoint a company secretary, provided the director is an individual and the company’s constitutional documents do not require one.

This reform aimed to simplify company administration for small businesses and startups. In many cases, there was no need to amend Articles of Association unless the company later decided to create or reinstate the role of secretary.

Appointing a Company Secretary Today

Although no longer mandatory for many private companies, appointing a company secretary remains a popular and practical choice. Many directors still choose professional support to help manage compliance, filings, governance records, and statutory administration.

A company secretary is usually appointed by the directors in accordance with the company’s internal procedures and Articles of Association. If no secretary was appointed at incorporation, one can normally be appointed later when business needs change.

The secretary may be:

  • An individual person, or
  • A corporate entity where permitted

Filing the Correct Appointment Form

Appointments must be notified to Companies House using the appropriate form:

  • AP03 – appointment of an individual company secretary
  • AP04 – appointment of a corporate company secretary

Using the correct form and accurate details is important to avoid rejection or delay.

Internal Record Updates

Following appointment, the company should update statutory books, governance records, and internal registers to reflect the new officer.

Many businesses use Coddan CPM to handle the process professionally and efficiently.

Optional by law, valuable in practice: appoint a company secretary when your business needs expert support.

Key Things to Consider When Appointing a Company Secretary

Appointing a company secretary can be a valuable decision for businesses that want stronger governance, better compliance controls, and less administrative pressure on directors. While many UK private companies are not legally required to appoint one, public companies and more complex organisations often benefit significantly from professional secretarial support.

A company secretary commonly acts as the chief administrative and governance officer, helping manage statutory filings, records, board procedures, and communication with regulators. In smaller private companies, the role may sometimes be combined with other internal responsibilities, but many businesses now prefer outsourced professional support.

For private companies, formal qualifications are not always mandatory, although experience, competence, and knowledge of company law are highly important. Public companies and regulated entities may face stricter standards and more complex governance requirements.

Because company officers can face consequences for non-compliance, it is essential to appoint someone who understands their duties under the Companies Act 2006 and related regulations.

Reporting Changes to Companies House

If you appoint, remove, or amend the details of a secretary, the change should be reported to Companies House using the correct filing route, which commonly includes:

  • AP03 – Appointment of an individual secretary
  • AP04 – Appointment of a corporate secretary
  • TM02 – Termination of a secretary
  • CH03 – Change of personal details

Delegating Administrative Work
A secretary may use professional advisers such as accountants, solicitors, or specialist providers, but responsibility for governance oversight should remain clear.

Many businesses appoint Coddan CPM for reliable expert support. Choose carefully. File correctly. Protect your company with professional secretarial support.

Form AP04 Explained – Appointing a Company Secretary to a UK Limited Company

When starting or growing a UK private limited company, understanding the correct Companies House forms is essential. One form that is often misunderstood is Form AP04. In UK company administration, Form AP04 is not used to appoint an administrator in an insolvency process. Instead, Form AP04 is the Companies House form used to appoint a corporate body as company secretary.

This means that if a business wishes to appoint a professional corporate service provider, management company, or another legal entity to act as company secretary, Form AP04 is the correct filing.

What Is Form AP04 Used For?

Form AP04 is used to notify Companies House that a company is appointing a corporate secretary rather than an individual secretary. Examples of corporate secretaries may include:

  • Professional company secretarial firms
  • Corporate administration providers
  • Governance support companies
  • Group companies acting as secretary for subsidiaries

For many growing businesses, appointing a corporate secretary can provide stronger continuity, broader expertise, and dependable compliance support.

When Is Form AP04 Required?

Form AP04 is required when a UK company decides to appoint a corporate entity as company secretary after incorporation. This may be useful when:

  • Founders want professional compliance support
  • Overseas owners need UK administrative assistance
  • A company is preparing for growth or investment
  • Directors want to outsource governance tasks
  • A group company manages secretarial functions centrally

Private limited companies are generally not required to appoint a secretary, but once one is appointed, the appointment must be properly recorded and filed.

Benefits of Appointing a Corporate Secretary

Many businesses prefer a corporate secretary model rather than relying on one individual. Advantages can include:

  • Access to a team of specialists
  • Better continuity during holidays or absence
  • Faster response times
  • Broader technical knowledge
  • Reliable filing and governance support
  • Reduced administrative burden on directors

This is particularly valuable for startups and scaling companies that need structure without hiring in-house staff.

How to Complete Form AP04

The appointment process is straightforward when handled correctly.

  1. Step 1 – Review Company Requirements
    Check the company’s Articles of Association and internal governance arrangements to confirm the appointment can proceed.
  2. Step 2 – Obtain Consent to Act
    The corporate body being appointed should confirm that it agrees to act as company secretary.
  3. Step 3 – Approve the Appointment
    The directors usually approve the appointment through a board resolution or written decision.
  4. Step 4 – Prepare Form AP04
    The form will require company details, the name of the corporate secretary, registered office details, and the appointment date.
  5. Step 5 – Submit to Companies House
    File the completed form with Companies House. Electronic or agent-assisted filing is usually the quickest option.
  6. Step 6 – Update Internal Records
    The company should also update its internal records and governance documentation.

Why Timing Matters

Delaying the appointment of a professional secretary can leave directors handling complex administrative tasks themselves. For new businesses, appointing a corporate secretary early can help establish proper systems from the beginning.

For growing companies, it can provide the governance support needed before expansion, investment, or restructuring.

Common Misunderstanding About AP04

Form AP04 is often confused with insolvency-related procedures because of similar terminology around “administrators.” However, AP04 is a Companies House officer appointment form relating to a corporate secretary, not insolvency administration.

Our Corporate Secretary Appointment Service

We provide a complete Form AP04 filing service for UK companies. This includes preparing the form, submitting the appointment, updating records, and providing ongoing company secretarial support where required.

Our services are suitable for startups, established companies, overseas owners, and group structures requiring dependable UK compliance support.

Need Help Filing Form AP04?

If you want to appoint a professional corporate secretary to your company, our team can handle the entire process quickly and efficiently.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and strengthen your company’s governance framework.

Form AP03 vs Form AP04 – What’s the Difference?

For owners and directors of UK private limited companies, understanding Companies House forms is essential for maintaining compliance and accurate company records. Two forms that are frequently misunderstood are Form AP03 and Form AP04.

These forms do not relate to appointing or removing directors. Instead, they are used when appointing a company secretary after incorporation.

The confusion often arises because many business owners assume all “AP” forms relate to directors. In practice, different AP forms are used for different officer appointments.

What Is Form AP03?

Form AP03 is the Companies House form used to appoint an individual person as company secretary.

This form is used when a company wishes to appoint a named individual to the role, either as an employee, trusted advisor, or external professional. Typical examples include:

  • An individual compliance officer
  • An in-house administrator
  • A named professional secretary
  • A consultant appointed personally

The form records the appointment of that individual secretary on the public register maintained by Companies House.

What Is Form AP04?

Form AP04 is the Companies House form used to appoint a corporate body as company secretary.

This means a company or legal entity, rather than a natural person, is appointed to the role. Typical examples include:

  • Professional secretarial firms
  • Corporate governance providers
  • Group companies acting for subsidiaries
  • Business administration service companies

Many businesses choose this route because it provides access to a team rather than relying on one individual.

Key Difference Between AP03 and AP04

The difference is simple:

  • AP03 = appoint an individual company secretary
  • AP04 = appoint a corporate entity as company secretary

Both forms are used to notify Companies House of a new company secretary appointment, but the correct form depends on whether the appointee is a person or a company.

Are These Forms for Directors?

No. These forms are not used to appoint or remove directors. Director-related forms are different, such as:

  • AP01 – appoint an individual director
  • AP02 – appoint a corporate director (where permitted and subject to applicable rules)
  • TM01 – terminate a director appointment

This is a common area of confusion for company owners.

Why Appoint a Company Secretary?

Although private limited companies are generally not required to appoint a secretary, many businesses still choose to do so for governance and compliance support. A company secretary can assist with:

  • Companies House filings
  • Statutory registers
  • Board minutes and resolutions
  • Confirmation statements
  • Governance administration
  • Ongoing compliance support

This is especially useful for overseas-owned companies, growing businesses, and companies with multiple shareholders.

Which Option Is Better – Individual or Corporate Secretary?

That depends on the company’s needs.

An individual secretary may suit a smaller company wanting a named point of contact.

A corporate secretary may suit businesses wanting broader expertise, continuity, and access to a team-based support model.

Many modern businesses prefer a corporate provider because service continues during holidays, absence, or growth periods.

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Businesses often make errors such as:

  • Using AP03 when appointing a company instead of a person
  • Using AP04 when appointing an individual
  • Assuming these forms are for directors
  • Failing to update internal records after appointment
  • Missing filing deadlines

Using the correct form from the outset avoids delays and rejected submissions.

Our Company Secretary Appointment Service

We help UK companies appoint both individual and corporate secretaries quickly and correctly. Our services include:

  • AP03 filing for individual secretaries
  • AP04 filing for corporate secretaries
  • Ongoing company secretary support
  • Governance and compliance assistance
  • Registered office and administrative services

Need Help with AP03 or AP04?

If you are unsure which form applies to your business, our team can advise you and handle the entire appointment process on your behalf.

Contact us today to appoint a professional company secretary and keep your company fully compliant.

What Do Outsourced Company Secretarial Services Really Mean?

Outsourced company secretarial services mean appointing an external specialist provider to manage all or part of your company’s governance, compliance, and board administration functions. Rather than employing a full in-house company secretary team, the company engages experienced professionals who deliver the same expertise on a flexible and cost-effective basis.

The direction of travel is clear: governance and company secretarial support are no longer viewed as a narrow administrative function. They are now recognised as an essential part of board effectiveness, regulatory compliance, risk management, and long-term value creation.

For many businesses, outsourcing is the most practical way to access that capability at the right scale and cost.

What Does an Outsourced Company Secretary Do?

An outsourced provider can act as the company’s named secretary where appropriate, or operate as a dedicated governance support function working alongside directors, finance teams, and legal advisers. Typical responsibilities include:

  • Acting as outsourced or named company secretary
  • Managing board and committee calendars
  • Preparing agendas, board packs, minutes, and action logs
  • Organising annual general meetings and shareholder meetings
  • Maintaining statutory registers and company records
  • Preparing resolutions and governance documentation
  • Coordinating Companies House filings and deadlines
  • Supporting governance frameworks and internal controls

This allows directors to focus on strategic leadership rather than administrative detail.

For Listed and Growth Companies

For Main Market, AIM, AQSE, and JP Jenkins companies, outsourced secretarial support can extend into more complex regulatory matters. This may include guidance on:

  • Companies Act obligations
  • Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs)
  • AIM Rules
  • AQSE Rules
  • Market Abuse Regulation (MAR)
  • Corporate governance codes
  • Shareholder communications
  • Corporate transactions and restructuring support

For quoted companies, governance quality is often closely scrutinised by investors and advisers.

For Private Limited Companies

Outsourced company secretarial services are not only for listed companies. They are increasingly popular with UK private limited companies, overseas-owned companies, startups, and growing groups.

Private companies commonly outsource support for:

  • Confirmation statements
  • Statutory registers
  • Director and shareholder changes
  • Share allotments and transfers
  • Board minutes and resolutions
  • Compliance calendars
  • Companies House administration

This gives smaller companies access to professional governance support without hiring internal staff.

Why Companies Choose to Outsource

Businesses often outsource company secretarial functions because it provides:

  • Specialist expertise on demand
  • Lower cost than a full in-house hire
  • Better continuity during absence or staff changes
  • Faster turnaround for filings and documentation
  • Scalable support as the business grows
  • Reduced compliance risk

Instead of relying on one employee, the company gains access to a wider team of specialists.

Strategic Value Beyond Compliance

Modern governance support goes beyond filing forms. A strong secretarial function helps boards operate effectively by improving decision-making processes, information flow, accountability, and meeting discipline.

This can enhance:

  • Board effectiveness
  • Investor readiness
  • Risk oversight
  • Transaction execution
  • Organisational credibility

Good governance is increasingly seen as a commercial advantage, not just a legal necessity.

Is Outsourcing Right for Your Business?

Outsourced company secretarial services are often ideal if:

  • You do not need a full-time in-house secretary
  • Directors are spending too much time on administration
  • The business is growing quickly
  • Ownership is overseas
  • You need stronger governance processes
  • You are preparing for funding, sale, or listing

Our Outsourced Company Secretarial Services

We provide practical and responsive outsourced company secretarial support for private companies, growth businesses, and overseas-owned UK companies.

Our services can include:

  • Named company secretary appointments
  • Companies House compliance support
  • Board minutes and resolutions
  • Shareholder documentation
  • Governance administration
  • Ongoing compliance management

Get Expert Governance Support

If your directors want to focus on strategy while maintaining strong governance and compliance standards, outsourced company secretarial support can be the ideal solution.

Contact us today to discuss a tailored support package for your business.

Give Time Back to the Board, CEO and CFO

Company secretarial work is essential, but it is also complex, deadline-driven, and highly time-consuming. Preparing board packs, drafting minutes, maintaining statutory registers, coordinating AGM processes, managing filings, and overseeing governance administration can consume valuable executive time that should be spent on growth and leadership.

Coddan CPM helps businesses reclaim that time through professional outsourced company secretarial support.

When these responsibilities are handled by experienced specialists, the Board, CEO, CFO, and senior management can focus on strategy, performance, financing, transactions, and operational priorities rather than chasing signatures, reviewing paperwork, or managing last-minute governance tasks.

For Chairs and CEOs, this creates real peace of mind. The governance engine room continues to run efficiently in the background, with organised board calendars, timely meeting preparation, accurate records, and fewer pre-meeting scrambles.

Our support can include:

  • Board and committee packs
  • Agendas and meeting notices
  • Accurate minutes and action tracking
  • Statutory registers
  • AGM and shareholder meeting support
  • Ongoing filings with Companies House
  • Governance calendars and deadline control

For CFOs and finance leaders, it also means cleaner records, better coordination during year-end reporting, and smoother due diligence readiness. Outsourcing company secretarial work is not simply an admin decision—it is a productivity decision that releases senior leadership capacity.

With over 25 years of experience, Coddan CPM provides dependable, discreet, and efficient support tailored to growing businesses. Free executive time. Reduce governance friction. Focus on growth with Coddan CPM today.


Top Benefits of Appointing a Corporate Secretary

Appointing a Corporate Secretary is one of the smartest ways to improve company governance, maintain compliance, and reduce administrative pressure on directors. Whether you run a growing UK company, manage overseas ownership, or are restructuring your board, a professional company secretary can help your business stay organised and legally compliant.

Coddan provides expert company secretarial support, helping businesses appoint a qualified secretary quickly and efficiently while improving governance standards.


What Is a Corporate Secretary?

A corporate secretary is a professional officer who supports the company with:

  • Companies House filings
  • statutory registers
  • board resolutions
  • governance procedures
  • internal administration
  • director support
  • shareholder communications

Although not always mandatory for private limited companies, appointing one can create substantial operational and compliance benefits.

If your business is also changing management or ownership, it is useful to understand
Change of Control and Corporate Restructuring, where secretary, director, and shareholder changes often happen together.


1. Better Companies House Compliance

A corporate secretary helps ensure deadlines and filings are completed accurately and on time. This includes support with:

  • officer appointments
  • officer removals
  • annual filings
  • statutory updates

Related services:
Simplify Your AP03 Filing: Appoint a Company Secretary Today
How to Transition to a Professional ACSP Secretarial Service Provider

Where corporate secretaries are appointed as entities, businesses may also use Form AP04 depending on the appointment structure.


2. Reduced Administrative Burden on Directors

Directors should focus on strategy and growth—not paperwork. A corporate secretary can handle administration so directors can focus on running the company.

Useful director-related resources:
How to Appoint a Company Director in the UK – AP01 vs AP02 with ID Verification
Director Appointments & Resignations – Expert Filing, Zero Hassle
Appoint or Remove a Director Online – Fast, Secure and UK-Wide


3. Stronger Corporate Governance

Good governance improves credibility with banks, investors, and partners. A corporate secretary helps maintain:

  • board minutes
  • meeting records
  • governance procedures
  • director accountability

Related leadership pages:
How to Strengthen Leadership Through Director Duties
Appointing a Professional Independent Director or a UK-Based Executive Director
Understanding the Role of a Statutory Independent Director Based in the UK


4. Support During Director Changes

When appointing or removing directors, a secretary can coordinate filings and records updates.

Useful related pages:
Form AP01 vs AP02 – Director vs Corporate Director Appointment
Simplifying the Process of Director Removal (Form TM01) for Your Business
Why Should I Care About Companies House Forms AP01 & AP02 Compliance?

To appoint directors:
Why Choose Coddan for Electronically Filing Form AP01?
Steps to Appoint a Corporate Director in the UK Using Form AP02


5. Better Support for Overseas Owners

If directors are based outside the UK, a company secretary can help maintain a strong UK administrative presence.

Helpful services:
UK Resident Director Service & Nominee Director UK – Requirements and Responsibilities
How UK Resident Director Services Benefit Non-Residents
Assign a Local Director for the UK for the Businesses of eBay, Amazon, TikTok, and Etsy


6. Easier Corporate Restructuring

During growth, investment, or ownership changes, a secretary helps coordinate documents and filings.

Useful pages:
Navigating Director Changes with Coddan CPM (UK Licensed ACSP Provider)
The Complete Guide: How to Appointing a Corporate Director in the UK
Corporate Director Appointment UK – New Rules and Form AP02


7. Improved Professional Image

Having a named company secretary demonstrates structure, organisation, and professionalism.

This can help with:

  • banks
  • investors
  • suppliers
  • due diligence reviews

Useful page:
Reasons to Hire a UK-Named Expert Company Secretary Within 24 Hours


8. Support for Private Limited Companies

Growing private companies often benefit significantly from secretarial support.

Useful guide:
How to Appoint a Private Limited by Shares Company Director Effectively

For executive leadership:
Legally Appoint an Executive or Non-Executive Director for a Private Ltd Company


Why Choose Coddan for Corporate Secretary Services?

  • ✔ Fast Appointment Support
    We help appoint company secretaries quickly.
  • ✔ Full Companies House Compliance
    We ensure filings and records are maintained correctly.
  • ✔ Director & Secretary Combined Support
    Ideal for management changes or restructuring.
  • ✔ Support for UK & International Clients
    We work with resident and overseas owners.
  • ✔ Professional Governance Assistance
    Improve your business structure and credibility.


Appoint a Corporate Secretary Today

Strengthen compliance, reduce director workload, and improve governance with professional secretarial support.

  • ✔ Fast appointment service
  • ✔ UK-wide support
  • ✔ Full compliance assistance

Contact Coddan today to appoint your corporate secretary quickly and professionally.