Limited company or sole trader?

[soundtracker]

Shouldn't PLC be LTD Pete?

PLC is a company that has floated on the stock market is it not?

Sorry Daz, your right, should have let the Jack Daniels wear off first! Now amended!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

As for the 'earnings' comment, I was under the impression that once you got to a certain figure, you either had to or should really declare yourself as a limited company?

Nope.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thanks, at least that's cleared that up.

[A1DL]

there are a few things that I could say about the quality of customer service of some COMPANIES, limited or not, who I have had the 'pleasure' of speaking to over the past year when doing some 'Market Research' and some (very close to home) who I have seen operate in the flesh.

I'm sure there are Gary, as indeed within many industries, however I don't believe there is any correlation between the legal status of a business and its customer service offering.

Some people may expect a more personal service from a small business than a larger entity, other people may expect a more professional service with better guarantees from a larger entity than a sole trader. However, that does not mean a sole trader cannot offer just as professional service as a company, nor does it mean a multi-op company cannot offer the same or indeed a better level of personal service than an individual, as the company may have more skilled resources in different areas of their business.

I'll keep quiet for now though as I really don't want to get into a slanging match at the moment.

I thought the purpose of this forum was to promote healthy, professional discussion. Opinions will differ - that's healthy - however let's keep it professional. I have never believed in putting individuals or other businesses down and that is the work ethic I promote within my businesses.

As for the 'earnings' comment, I was under the impression that once you got to a certain figure, you either had to or should really declare yourself as a limited company?

As has already been stated, there is no legal requirement to do this. However, as I'm sure the other multi-ops on here will agree, there comes a time when it is prudent to incorporate - a good accountant will advise on this better than I ever could.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I thought one of the better reasons to register was that you gat a better tax break than a sole-trader?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I thought one of the better reasons to register was that you gat a better tax break than a sole-trader?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Eh, thats basically how my accountants selling it.

[OllieJames]

Who would get mislead by someone calling their 'business' or whatever you want to call it a company? A member of the public is more than likely unaware about Companies House, and will not know the difference between a company and a sole trader anyway. You either know the differences or you don't.

Personally, i find it more natural calling my service a company, quite obviously from this thread am i being 'incorrect'.

Nevermind

[A1DL]

Personally, i find it more natural calling my service a company, quite obviously from this thread am i being 'incorrect'.

Nevermind

Ollie, as you are a 15 year old schoolboy, surely a "hobby" would be the best description for your activities?

That's certainly how it was many moons ago, when I was your age.

[OllieJames]

Ollie, as you are a 15 year old schoolboy, surely a "hobby" would be the best description for your activities?

That's certainly how it was many moons ago, when I was your age.

Yes, but if you were 15, would you put hobby on your website?