How to build your Company Secretarial practice

As an accountant, offering company secretarial services to your clients makes perfect sense. You already handle complex regulations and compliance on their behalf – so extending that expertise into company secretarial work is a natural progression.

You’re well-placed to ensure clients stay compliant with Companies House and other statutory requirements, while saving them time on administrative tasks that can easily become a source of stress.

At the same time, building a company secretarial practice is a smart way to grow your firm, strengthen client relationships, and create a dependable recurring revenue stream.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and scaling your company secretarial services.

1. Work out how you’ll deliver it

Company secretarial work is about more than simply submitting confirmation statements. It’s a crucial part of your clients’ corporate governance, statutory compliance, and overall business integrity.

From filing director changes and maintaining shareholder registers to handling annual returns and statutory record-keeping, these tasks ensure a company meets its legal obligations under the Companies Act.

Start by considering your capacity and structure:

• People – do you already have team members who can take this on, or could you train a junior staff member to manage day-to-day filings?
• Processes – how will company secretarial work fit into your existing client workflows?
• Technology – which systems or software can automate the repetitive elements and reduce admin time?

For many firms, it makes sense to start small – perhaps by offering company formations and annual statement filings – before expanding into more advanced services like share restructuring, director changes, and registered office management.

The goal is to plan your service delivery first, so you have the infrastructure to support growth as demand increases.

2. Invest in the right Company Secretarial software

Scalability is key to profitability – and that’s where cloud-based company secretarial software makes all the difference.

Using digital tools allows you to manage multiple clients efficiently while ensuring every submission to Companies House is timely, accurate, and compliant.

Look for software that integrates directly with Companies House to automatically update records and sync key data. That way, you can cut down on duplication, reduce risk, and maintain a single, up-to-date source of truth for each client.

Key features to look for include:

• Integration with Companies House – submit and synchronise company information automatically.
• Confirmation statement filing (CS01) – generate and file with ease, using automated reminders to prevent late submissions.
• PSC management – update people with significant control (PSCs) without manual data entry.
• Dormant accounts production and filing – handle inactive entities efficiently.
• Automated reminders and workflows – create checklists, trigger alerts, and track deadlines.
• Audit trails and digital document storage – maintain transparent records for clients and regulators.

A well-chosen system not only helps you stay compliant but also supports hybrid working – enabling your team to manage company secretarial tasks securely from anywhere.

Cloud tools like Capium’s company secretarial software are built specifically for accountants, helping firms handle company formations, filings, and confirmations directly within the same platform used for accounts and tax.

This level of integration saves time, reduces re-keying, and makes your practice more efficient.

3. Build repeatable processes

Once you have the right software in place, focus on process consistency. Your company secretarial service should be as structured and predictable as your year-end workflow.

Consider developing:

• Client onboarding templates for new incorporations and statutory records.
• Annual compliance calendars that align with Companies House deadlines.
• Internal checklists for each stage of the process – from verifying PSC details to sending clients confirmation reminders.

The more consistent your processes, the easier it becomes to delegate, train team members, and deliver the same level of service across your portfolio.

Automation can also play a big role here – for example, by triggering reminders when confirmation statements are due or automatically logging Companies House acknowledgements in your client files.

4. Decide on your pricing model

Pricing company secretarial services can feel tricky at first, but the principle is the same as any other professional service: align your price with the time, expertise, and value you deliver.

Consider these factors when setting fees:

• Time – estimate how long it takes to manage each client’s filings and compliance checks.
• Risk – remember that company secretarial work carries legal and reputational responsibility.
• Expertise – clients are paying for your knowledge of corporate law and your ability to keep them compliant.
• Value – for clients, the real benefit lies in peace of mind and freeing up their time to focus on their business.

There are two common pricing approaches:

• Ad-hoc billing – charge a fixed fee for specific tasks, such as company formation, director updates, or Companies House submissions.
• Subscription or retainer model – offer an annual package that covers everything from routine filings to ongoing support.

Bundling your company secretarial services alongside existing packages (like accounts production or payroll) can help build long-term client loyalty and predictable revenue.

5. Communicate clearly with clients

Even the best service needs clear communication to succeed.

Start by speaking to your existing client base – they already trust you with sensitive business information, and many will welcome the opportunity to consolidate their compliance work with one provider.

• Send a dedicated email explaining your new company secretarial service.
• Highlight key benefits such as Companies House integration, accurate filings, and reduced admin time.
• Offer to include the service in existing monthly packages if it adds convenience and value.

Next, focus on marketing to new and prospective clients.

• Update your website with a dedicated page for company secretarial services for accountants.
• Include clear examples of how you can help – e.g. company formations, PSC management, and digital confirmation statement filing.
• Share helpful content on social media about Companies House deadlines or the risks of non-compliance.
• Use educational content (like blog posts, guides, or short videos) to position yourself as an expert in governance and compliance.

By focusing your communication on peace of mind and simplicity, rather than the technical details, you’ll make your service appealing to a wider audience.

6. Strengthen your relationship with Companies House

Building your company secretarial practice also means developing a deeper understanding of how Companies House operates – and how to use its digital services to your advantage.

The government has been steadily modernising Companies House systems, moving toward greater transparency and more stringent reporting requirements. Accountants who keep pace with these updates will be able to offer even greater value to clients.

Practical ways to strengthen your connection with Companies House include:

• Regularly checking updates and guidance on the Companies House website.
• Ensuring your software is API-integrated so it syncs seamlessly with Companies House data.
• Keeping accurate digital records of all filings, acknowledgements, and deadlines.
• Using client data dashboards to track compliance status across your portfolio.

By staying proactive and digitally connected, you’ll help your clients avoid penalties and build trust through reliable, transparent reporting.

7. Set goals and measure success

Finally, treat your new company secretarial service like any other business development initiative.

Set clear goals and KPIs – such as:

• Number of clients signed up in the first quarter.
• Average time saved per filing.
• Percentage of filings submitted on or before deadline.
• Profit margin per client for the service.

Review these metrics regularly, and don’t hesitate to refine your process or pricing as your client base grows.

The firms that succeed with company secretarial services are the ones that treat them as a strategic offering, not just an admin add-on.

Build a future-ready Company Secretarial practice

By taking a structured approach – combining the right people, processes, and software – you can build a company secretarial practice that adds value for your clients and growth potential for your firm.

Cloud-based solutions like Capium’s company secretarial software make it easier than ever to manage filings, form new companies, and stay compliant with Companies House.

It’s an opportunity to expand your services, enhance client trust, and future-proof your practice for the digital era.

If you’d like to see how Capium can help, get in touch for a demo.