# Articles of Incorporation > Download our Memorandum and Articles of Association template or generate a bespoke version tailored to your needs. Fast, editable, and fully compliant with England & Wales law. **Document type:** Articles of Incorporation **Category:** other **Jurisdiction:** England & Wales **Governing law:** England and Wales **Last updated:** 2026-06-16 ## What is a Memorandum and Articles of Association? The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the founding constitutional documents that legally establish a private company in England & Wales. When you register these documents with Companies House, your business officially becomes a recognized private company limited by shares, complete with its own legal identity separate from its owners. These documents set out the essential details about your company: its name, registered office, objects (business purpose), and share capital structure. They also establish the framework for managing the company, protecting members' limited liability, and defining the rights and responsibilities of directors and shareholders. Companies House requires specific information in your Memorandum and Articles, though you may adapt standard forms to suit your company's particular circumstances. ## When should you use Memorandum and Articles of Association? You need Memorandum and Articles of Association when establishing a new private company or converting an existing business into a corporate structure. This critical step must be completed before registering with Companies House, opening a business bank account, or trading as a company. Many entrepreneurs file these documents when ready to scale beyond a sole proprietorship or partnership. Filing becomes essential when your business needs limited liability protection, plans to issue shares to investors, or requires a formal corporate structure to work with larger clients or obtain government contracts. Timing often aligns with securing significant funding, hiring employees, or expanding into new markets where company status brings credibility and legal advantages. ## What are the different types of Memorandum and Articles of Association? - **Standard Articles for private companies limited by shares**: Focus on basic company details, share structure, and registered office information - **Professional Practice Articles**: Include special provisions for licensed professionals such as solicitors, accountants, or medical practitioners - **Community Interest Company Articles**: Omit standard share structures but add community benefit statements and asset lock requirements - **Family Company Articles**: Limit share transfers and include specific management and succession provisions for family-owned businesses - **Employee Share Scheme Articles**: Add provisions for employee share ownership and specific governance arrangements for employee shareholders ## Who should typically use Memorandum and Articles of Association? - **Business Founders**: File the Memorandum and Articles and serve as initial directors, making key decisions about company structure and management - **Company Solicitors**: Draft and review documents to ensure compliance with Companies House requirements and relevant legislation - **Companies House Officials**: Review, process, and maintain filings through the Companies House register - **Shareholders**: Rely on the Articles to establish their ownership rights and governance participation - **Banks and Investors**: Reference the documents when opening accounts, extending credit, or considering investments ## How do you write Memorandum and Articles of Association? - **Company Name**: Choose and verify availability of your desired company name through the Companies House register - **Registered Office**: Select a registered office address in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland as appropriate - **Objects Clause**: Prepare a statement describing your company's business activities and authorised purposes - **Share Capital**: Determine the number and types of authorized shares and their nominal value - **Director Details**: Gather names, addresses, and consent from initial directors - **Secretary Information**: Identify the company secretary (if appointing one) with full details - **Filing Requirements**: Prepare documents in the correct format for Companies House submission ## What should be included in Memorandum and Articles of Association? - **Company Name**: Legal business name with required designator (Limited or Ltd) - **Registered Office Address**: Full physical address in the United Kingdom - **Objects Clause**: Statement of the company's permitted business activities - **Share Capital**: Authorized share capital, number of shares, and nominal value - **Liability Statement**: Clause limiting shareholders' liability to the amount unpaid on their shares - **Director Provisions**: Powers, duties, and appointment procedures for directors - **Shareholder Rights**: Voting rights, dividend entitlements, and meeting procedures - **Administrative Provisions**: Details regarding accounts, audit, and financial year end ## What's the difference between Memorandum and Articles of Association and other constitutional documents? The Memorandum and Articles of Association are sometimes confused with other corporate documents, but they serve distinct purposes in establishing and governing a company. Both elements together form the complete constitutional framework for a private company under England & Wales law. - **Memorandum versus Articles**: The Memorandum contains the objects and external constitutional matters; the Articles regulate internal management and shareholder relations - **Company Type**: Memorandum and Articles apply to private companies limited by shares; different documents apply to limited partnerships, unlimited companies, or public companies - **Regulatory Framework**: These documents must comply with the Companies Act 2006 and related regulations, unlike partnership deeds or sole trader documentation - **Registration Requirements**: Both documents must be filed at Companies House before the company can commence trading, unlike internal policies or shareholder agreements - **Flexibility**: The Articles can be amended by special resolution of shareholders, whereas fundamental changes to objects may require more extensive procedures ## Templates in this category - 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