Private limited company - Types of business organisations - National 5 Business management Revision - BBC Bitesize (2024)

Private limited company

Unlimited liability can be a major disadvantage for sole traders and partnerships. Private limited companies have , meaning an investor only loses the initial stake if a company goes bust.

In law, a private limited company is separate from the people who own it. Its finances are separate from their personal finances. Because limited companies have their own legal identity, their owners are not personally liable for the firm's debts.

The ownership of a limited company is divided up into equal parts called shares. Whoever owns one or more of these is called a shareholder. Rather than owning the company, they are investors in this separate .

Advantages

Private limited companies are owned by one or more shareholders. Quite often these shareholders are supportive family members.

Profits are only shared between shareholders. They receive this as a .

Limited companies are able to raise money by borrowing and through the of .

If the company fails, the investors in a limited company are protected by the rules of limited liability.

Disadvantages

Limited companies must be registered with the Registar of Companies.

The legal set up costs are expensive. Limited companies must use documents called Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.

Because profits are only shared with shareholders it is harder to motivate and control workers who do not hold shares.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Owner can retain controlMust be registered with the Registrar of Companies
More able to raise moneyHigh set-up costs (legal and administrative)
Limited liabilityHarder to motivate and control workers
AdvantagesOwner can retain control
DisadvantagesMust be registered with the Registrar of Companies
AdvantagesMore able to raise money
DisadvantagesHigh set-up costs (legal and administrative)
AdvantagesLimited liability
DisadvantagesHarder to motivate and control workers
Private limited company - Types of business organisations - National 5 Business management Revision - BBC Bitesize (2024)

FAQs

What is a private limited company in BBC? ›

Private limited companies have limited liability close limited liabilityWhen shareholders are only liable for the amount invested in a company., meaning an investor only loses the initial stake if a company goes bust. In law, a private limited company is separate from the people who own it.

What are the types of private limited business? ›

In India, a private limited company is a type of company that is privately held and has limited liability. It is one of the country's most popular types of business structures due to its various advantages, including limited liability protection, ease of formation and maintenance, and separate legal entity status.

What is a private limited company in business management? ›

A private limited company, also called a private company, provides limited liability protection to its shareholders. It provides a legal framework for entrepreneurs to establish and operate a business while safeguarding their personal assets. Shareholders are only liable for the amount they invested in the company.

What is a private limited company business study? ›

A business that is owned by its shareholders, run by directors and where the liability of shareholders for the debts of the company is limited.

What is a private limited company example? ›

A private limited company can be a small or large business. A private limited company has limited liability. and often these types of business have 'Ltd' after the business name. An example of this would be 'Green Construction Ltd'.

Is a private limited company safe? ›

Key Benefits of Forming a Private Limited Company

This means that if your company encounters financial problems or faces legal action, your personal assets, such as your home, car, and savings, are generally safe from creditors.

Who owns private limited companies? ›

The shareholders of a private limited company own shares of the company which entitles them to part ownership. How much they own typically depends on how much money they have invested in the company by buying shares. Shareholders are also entitled to a percentage of their company's profits (if there is any).

Who gets the profit in a public limited company? ›

Public limited companies are the only type of company that can raise capital by selling shares to the public, these shares may also be listed on a stock exchange. When there is a surplus of income, company profits are distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends.

How many directors are in a private limited company? ›

Minimum Number of Director in Company are as follows: Private Limited Company – Minimum two Directors in case of Private Limited Company. Limited Company – Minimum three Directors in case of Limited Company.

What is private limited company? ›

A private limited company is a privately held business entity held by private stakeholders. The liability arrangement, in this case, is that of a limited partnership, wherein the liability of a shareholder extends only up to the number of shares held by them.

What businesses have limited liability? ›

Limited liability

This means that a creditor. can only take assets or finances belonging to the company. Limited liability only applies to certain types of business, such as private limited companies. Often, these types of business have 'Ltd' after their business name. .

Is BBC a private corporation? ›

In 1925, upon recommendation of a parliamentary committee, the company was liquidated and replaced in 1927 by a public corporation, the British Broadcasting Corporation. Although ultimately answerable to Parliament, the BBC has virtually complete independence in the conduct of its activities.

What is the name of private limited companies in the UK? ›

Some private limited company examples in the UK are local retailers. Such as restaurants and shops that do not have a national presence. To name a few of UK private limited company, there are Virgin Atlantic, John Lewis Partnership, Greenergy, B&M Retail, River Island, Anglian Water, and Brakes Group.

What is the difference between Ltd and private limited company? ›

A public limited company (PLC) is an organisation that is owned by shareholders, and managed by directors. Members of the public can purchase stock, and most pay out dividends once or twice a year. A private limited company (Ltd) does not publically trade shares and is limited to a maximum of fifty shareholders.

Is BBC Studios a public company? ›

BBC studios (West London) is a Private company.

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