There is no longer a requirement for all companies to appoint a company secretary. The private limited companies do not generally need to appoint a company secretary to deal with this paperwork. This is unless they either wish to do so, or their Articles of Association requires them to do so.
The public limited companies must still have a company secretary who must have specialist, up to date knowledge of company law.
The company secretary is an officer of the company. Due to that they may be criminally liable for company defaults. For example, failing to file a document in the time allowed, or to submit the company’s annual return.
If a private company decides not to have a company secretary, then first it should check its Articles of Association. This is to ensure that its own regulations do not require it to appoint one. After that the company should inform Companies House of the resignation of any existing company secretary.
Where a private company chooses not to have a company secretary, any item that would normally be sent to the company secretary is treated as being sent to the company. Any duties which would normally be the responsibility of the company secretary will be carried out either by a director or a person authorised by the directors.
If your company is in Hayes, Bromley, Kent and London areas we, at Adiva Accountants in Hayes, can provide assistance with company secretarial matters. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Adiva Accountants in Hayes.