Documents to support Company Secretary Service

[Nemesis]

My company secretary service company seems to require tons of documents
about all directors, shareholders, etc for my company. Documents like
passports, drivers licences, household bills, etc.

The reason given is that they are required by law to have these
documents, in a bid to reduce money laundering. Anyone with half a
brain can see that this will have zero impact on money laundering, so
it seems like a waste of time, but they insist that it is against the
law for them not to have these documents.

What I really object to, is that photocopies are "acceptable", but they
must be certified by a solicitor (or similar), which means paying loads
of money to a law firm for all of the documents. So much money, that it
will be more than the cost of the company secretary service, which is
plain daft.

Does anyone know if this is really "against the law", and if so, can
they give a source. Or, is this just a giant con, a way to bump up the
coffers of the solicitors ?

 

[DoobieDo]

My company secretary service company seems to require tons of documents
about all directors, shareholders, etc for my company. Documents like
passports, drivers licences, household bills, etc.
correct

The reason given is that they are required by law to have these
documents, in a bid to reduce money laundering. Anyone with half a
brain can see that this will have zero impact on money laundering, so
it seems like a waste of time, but they insist that it is against the
law for them not to have these documents.
correct

What I really object to, is that photocopies are "acceptable", but they
must be certified by a solicitor (or similar), which means paying loads
of money to a law firm for all of the documents. So much money, that it
will be more than the cost of the company secretary service, which is
plain daft.
correct

Does anyone know if this is really "against the law", and if so, can
they give a source. Or, is this just a giant con, a way to bump up the
coffers of the solicitors ?

the former.


either pay up and look good or find yourself a Company Secretary

 

[troysteadman]

My company secretary service company seems to require tons of documents
about all directors, shareholders, etc for my company. Documents like
passports, drivers licences, household bills, etc.

The reason given is that they are required by law to have these
documents, in a bid to reduce money laundering. Anyone with half a
brain can see that this will have zero impact on money laundering, so
it seems like a waste of time, but they insist that it is against the
law for them not to have these documents.

What I really object to, is that photocopies are "acceptable", but they
must be certified by a solicitor (or similar), which means paying loads
of money to a law firm for all of the documents. So much money, that it
will be more than the cost of the company secretary service, which is
plain daft.

Does anyone know if this is really "against the law", and if so, can
they give a source. Or, is this just a giant con, a way to bump up the
coffers of the solicitors ?

"Company secretary service company" is a euphemism meaning "superfluous
company which charges you a fortune for doing almost zilch". Why don't
you become Company Secretary yourself because it will mean less work
and cost nothing?

 

[Nemesis]

"Company secretary service company" is a euphemism meaning "superfluous
company which charges you a fortune for doing almost zilch". Why don't
you become Company Secretary yourself because it will mean less work
and cost nothing?

Sounds good, but you can't be company secretary and the only director
at the same time.

 

[Tim]

Why don't you become Company
Secretary yourself because it will
mean less work and cost nothing?

Perhaps (s)he's the *sole* director?

 

[David]

"Company secretary service company" is a euphemism meaning "superfluous
company which charges you a fortune for doing almost zilch". Why don't
you become Company Secretary yourself because it will mean less work
and cost nothing?

Suggest you verify your facts before making generic claims ....

Some CS nominees offer excellent service for realistic fees .... and take
the hassle out of compliance issues !

 

[Peter Saxton]

My company secretary service company seems to require tons of documents
about all directors, shareholders, etc for my company. Documents like
passports, drivers licences, household bills, etc.

The reason given is that they are required by law to have these
documents, in a bid to reduce money laundering. Anyone with half a
brain can see that this will have zero impact on money laundering, so
it seems like a waste of time, but they insist that it is against the
law for them not to have these documents.

What I really object to, is that photocopies are "acceptable", but they
must be certified by a solicitor (or similar), which means paying loads
of money to a law firm for all of the documents. So much money, that it
will be more than the cost of the company secretary service, which is
plain daft.

Does anyone know if this is really "against the law", and if so, can
they give a source. Or, is this just a giant con, a way to bump up the
coffers of the solicitors ?

Have you used someone many miles away? If you used your local
accountant and paid him a visit it wouldn't be much of an hassle. If
you try to save five pounds by using a company off the internet you'll
regret it.