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small company

Source:
A Dictionary of Business and Management
Author(s):
Jonathan LawJonathan Law

small company 

Under UK company law, a private company that satisfies at least two of the following criteria for the current and preceding financial year:

  • • its net worth does not exceed £3.26 million;

  • • its turnover does not exceed £6.5 million;

  • • the average number of employees does not exceed 50.

A company that is in its first financial year may still qualify as a small company if it falls within these limits. Alternatively, if the company has qualified in the two preceding financial years, it may qualify.

Certain small companies may prepare abridged accounts for their members and for delivery to the Registrar of Companies.

Many small companies can also claim total exemption from statutory audit.

However, if a company is a member of a group containing a public company, a banking or insurance company, or an authorized person under the Financial Services Act 1986, it is not eligible for the exemptions for small companies. See also micro-entity; SME.