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Company Secretarial Support

Ensuring Compliance and Governance

Expert team providing practical company secretarial services

Running a company involves more than just day-to-day operations — it requires compliance with company law, governance obligations, and regulatory filings. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, reputational damage, and even personal liability for directors.

At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we provide comprehensive company secretarial support for private companies, family companies, start-ups, and growing enterprises. Our team works with you to ensure your company complies with their legal obligations and maintains good corporate governance, and operates efficiently.

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0115 972 5222

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Smiling solicitor in an orange blazer, representing Ellis-Fermor & Negus, offering legal advice in the East Midlands.

‘Excellent response times from Charlotte all supported by a very competent team at EFN. Having used EFN for many years, I couldn’t recommend their services highly enough, excellent!’

Charlotte Stojak

Solicitor and Head of Corporate

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Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?

Expertise in company law, corporate governance, and compliance.

Tailored support for private companies, start-ups, and family-owned companies.

Practical advice to minimise risk and ensure legal compliance.

Proactive monitoring of statutory obligations and filings.

Trusted by companies across the East Midlands for decades.

Speak to our team today to explore your options with no obligation

Meet the team

Smiling female solicitor wearing an orange blazer, representing Ellis-Fermor & Negus, a solicitors' firm in the East Midlands.

Charlotte Stojak

Charlotte joined the firm in 2024 and was appointed Head of Department for Corporate in April 2025. Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2015, after studying Law (LLB) at Derby University and the Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University. Charlotte has worked at a number of large law firms, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. Charlotte’s…

0115 972 5222

charlotte.stojak@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Charlotte Stojak is based at our Long Eaton Office.

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Smiling solicitor from Ellis-Fermor & Negus wearing a blue blazer against a neutral background

Jennifer Geary

Jennifer grew up in Long Eaton and first worked for Ellis-Fermor & Negus during her University summer holidays in 2003. She graduated from Derby University in 2004 with a Law Degree and returned the same summer to Ellis-Fermor & Negus as an Assistant to David Negus in the Commercial and Litigation Department to complete her…

01159 835 221

jennifer.geary@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Jennifer Geary is based at our Long Eaton Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Company secretarial support encompasses all the administrative, legal, and compliance tasks necessary to ensure a company operates within the law. Key responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining statutory registers and records.
  • Preparing and filing annual confirmation statements at Companies House.
  • Advising on directors’ duties and corporate governance.
  • Organising board meetings and shareholder meetings.
  • Advising on any changes to share capital and share classes.
  • Updating the company’s articles of association as required.
  • Drafting and maintaining resolutions, minutes, and corporate documentation.

By providing these services, a company secretary and/or company directors ensure the company is compliant with the Companies Act 2006 and other relevant regulations.

A company secretary ensures compliance for a company with statutory obligations, maintains corporate records, advises directors, and supports corporate governance.

Many directors and company owners underestimate the importance of proper company secretarial services. Without expert support, companies may face:

  • Missed statutory filing deadlines.
  • Penalties or fines from Companies House.
  • Personal liability for directors due to non-compliance.
  • Inadequate corporate governance leading to disputes.
  • Difficulty in securing investment or funding.
  • Unintentional striking off of the company meaning that the company’s assets are frozen and pass to the Crown and requires an expensive court application to have it restored.

Our team help mitigate these risks, giving directors peace of mind and allowing them to focus on the day to day running and management of their company.

1. Statutory Compliance

  • Maintaining registers of members, directors, and secretaries.
  • Filing annual confirmation statements, and other statutory forms.
  • Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2006 and corporate regulations.

2. Board and Shareholder Administration

  • Organising and minuting board meetings.
  • Preparing shareholder resolutions and maintaining records.
  • Documenting decisions to ensure legal enforceability.

3. Governance Advice

  • Advising directors on statutory duties and responsibilities.
  • Drafting articles of association and amending governance documents

4. Corporate Restructuring Support

  • Supporting on internal restructures of a company for example on the retirement of a shareholder or to bring in new shareholders.
  • Advising on changes needed to share capital or share classes for tax or succession planning purposes.
  • Supporting mergers, acquisitions, or disposals with correct Companies House filings.
  • Updating statutory registers, shareholdings, and director information.
  • Advising on internal approvals and compliance requirements.

5. Risk Management

  • Identifying potential compliance risks.
  • Ensuring adherence to statutory obligations.
  • Advising on directors’ personal liability and protection measures.

Step 1: Assessment of Needs

  • Assess your company’s size, structure, and current compliance arrangements to determine the level of support required.
  • Identify potential areas of conflict and risk.

This ensures services are tailored to your company rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Step 2: Implementation of Processes

  • Maintain accurate statutory registers.
  • Schedule and manage board and shareholder meetings.
  • Ensure timely filing of statutory documents.

This provides confidence that your company operates within legal requirements.

Step 3: Ongoing Support

  • Updates on changes in company law and regulations.
  • Assistance with new directors, share allotments, transfers, or constitutional changes.
  • Corporate governance advice to reduce risk and improve decision-making.
  • Use of our office address through our Registered Office Service.

1. Missed Filings – Late submission of accounts or confirmation statements can result in fines and the striking off of the company.

2. Director Liability – Ensuring directors understand their duties and are protected from personal liability.

3. Inadequate Record-Keeping – Maintaining accurate registers and minutes is critical for legal compliance.

4. Shareholder Disputes – Proper documentation and governance can prevent disagreements escalating into legal disputes.

5. Corporate Changes – Reorganisations, share transfers, or acquisitions require careful company secretarial management.

Our team work with you to anticipate these challenges and provide practical solutions to protect your company and its directors.

Private companies are not legally required to have a company secretary, but professional support is highly recommended for compliance and governance.

Late filings can result in fines, penalties, potential director liability and striking off of a company. Our team works with our clients to ensure all deadlines are met.

Yes. We advise on statutory duties, decision-making, board procedures, and compliance policies.

Yes. We update registers, draft resolutions, and manage compliance for share issues, transfers, or changes to articles of association.

Records should be updated whenever there are changes to directors, shareholders, or company structure, and at least annually for statutory filings.

Yes. We provide full support for filings, resolutions, registers, and corporate governance throughout M&A transactions.

Yes. We offer continuous company secretarial support to keep your company compliant and directors informed.

Professional company secretarial support is essential for compliance, governance, and risk management. Our team provide practical, commercially focused guidance, helping companies operate smoothly while meeting all legal obligations.

Phone: 0115 972 5222 • Contact form: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us

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