Setting up and Operating a UK business 设立并运营英国业务

With a stable regulatory and trading environment, and a sophisticated legal system, the UK is an attractive destination for overseas investors. There are no real statutory restrictions on companies having foreign shareholders, and no exchange controls in the UK.
英国因其稳定的监管和交易环境，以及成熟的法律体系，成为了海外投资者的理想目的地。英国对公司拥有外国股东的架构不设定法律限制，且不存在外汇管制。
Whilst there are a range of legal and commercial considerations associated with setting up and operating a new UK business, for example on employment, real estate, litigation, finance, data protection and/or IP, this article focuses on the most common forms of UK entities and the principal on-going matters which investors generally need to consider whilst operating a business or company in the UK.
与此同时，设立和运营一项新的英国业务时还需要进行广泛的法律和商业上的考量，例如员工雇佣、不动产、诉讼、金融、信息保护和/或知识产权，本文重点介绍最为常见的英国法律实体的组织形式，及投资者在英国运营业务或公司时通常需要考虑的主要问题。
Types of UK Business Entities
英国商业实体种类
The below are the most common types of legal entities which it is possible to form and register in England and Wales :
以下是在英格兰和威尔士设立并注册的最为常见的法律实体种类：
Private company limited by shares
私人股份有限责任公司
This type of company is, by far, the most common form of business entity in the UK. The liability of the shareholders of this type of company is normally limited to the extent of their payment for the shares acquired by them.
此种公司类型是目前英国最为常见的商业实体形式。该类公司的股东责任一般以其取得股权所支付的价款为限。
Setting up this type of company in the UK is relatively straightforward and can be completed online within one working day provided that all required information (including constitutional documentation) is complete (see below). A private limited company can be set up with a single shareholder. There are no minimum capital or investment requirements. The company can have one or more directors. There is no requirement for any director to be a UK resident or national. However, there must at least one director who is a natural person aged over 16.
在英国设立此种类型的公司较为便捷，如所有要求的信息（包括组织文件）齐备（见下文），可在一个工作日内通过在线申请完成。私人有限责任公司可由单个股东设立。私人股份有限责任公司对最低资本或投资金额无要求。该类公司可设一名或多名董事，未规定董事必须为英国居民或英国国民。但是，至少应有一名年满十六周岁的自然人董事。
A private limited company generally has the designation 'Limited' or 'Ltd.' at the end of its name.
私人有限责任公司的英文名称结尾通常带有“Limited”或“Ltd.”的字样。
Broadly, UK resident companies are liable to UK corporation tax on their worldwide income, profits and gains. Companies are generally deemed to be resident in the UK for tax purpose if they are incorporated or are managed and controlled in the UK.
一般而言，英国常驻公司须为其全球所得收入、利润和利得缴纳英国公司税。若公司在英国设立、管理或控制，就税收目的而言，该等公司一般被认定为英国常驻公司。
Public company limited by shares
公众股份有限责任公司
A public limited company is distinguishable by the words 'public limited company' or 'plc' at the end of its name. The shareholders of a public company also enjoy limited liability.
公众有限责任公司可通过其英文名称结尾的“public limited company”或“plc”来识别。公众公司的股东同样承担有限责任。
Only public (not private) companies are authorised to offer securities/shares to the public. As a result, a UK incorporated company must be a public company in order to list on the London Stock Exchange or other market. A company which is incorporated as a private company can later change to a public company, subject to meeting the conditions for a public company.
只有公众公司（非私人公司）有权向公众发行证券/股票。因此，必须在英国设立公众公司，方可在伦敦证券交易所或其他市场上市。私人公司在满足公众公司的设立条件后可变更为公众公司。
A public company can only start trading after the UK companies registry (commonly referred to as Companies House) has issued a trading certificate. In order to receive a trading certificate, a public company must satisfy the statutory minimum share capital requirements by allotting share capital to a value of not less than £50,000, of which at least one-quarter (i.e. £12,500) must be paid up by the subscribers.
公众公司仅可在公司登记处（在英国一般被称为公司登记局）颁发营业执照之后开展交易。为取得营业执照，公众公司必须满足法律规定的最低股本要求，发行不少于50,000英镑的股本，其中至少四分之一（在最低股本要求情形下为12,500英镑）须由认购人支付。
Public companies are generally subject to slightly more company law regulation than private companies. For example a public company must have at least two directors and a company secretary.
一般而言，公司相关法律法规对公众公司的规定要比私人公司稍多。例如，公众公司必须设立至少两名董事和一名公司秘书。
General Partnership
普通合伙企业
General partnerships are often used for professional advisory businesses. Each partner is an agent of the partnership and can bind all the other partners with potentially unlimited liability. There must be at least two partners at all times. If at any point there are fewer than two partners, the partnership will automatically cease to exist by law. The main advantages of adopting this structure are that there are no public disclosure requirements and they benefit from a transparent tax structure (i.e. partners could avoid a double tax charge).
普通合伙企业通常用于专业咨询业务，每一合伙人均是合伙企业的代理人，其他所有合伙人为其承担潜在的无限责任。普通合伙企业必须保持拥有至少两名合伙人，若任何时刻少于两名合伙人，合伙企业将从法律意义上自动消灭。采用此种结构的主要优点为该类企业无公开披露要求，以及受益于透明的税收结构（即合伙人可避免双重征税）。
Limited Partnership
有限合伙企业
A limited partnership is broadly the same as a general partnership. However, there are two categories of partner. The general partner or partners have responsibility for managing the business of the partnership and have unlimited liability for the partnership's debts and obligations. In contrast the limited partner or partners do not take an active role in the partnership's operations, and have limited liability up to the amount of capital that they have contributed.
有限合伙企业与普通合伙企业大体相同。但是，合伙人有两种类型：第一种类型为普通合伙人或负责管理合伙事务并对合伙企业的债务和义务承担无限责任的合伙人；与此相对应的是有限合伙人或不在合伙企业运营中发挥主动作用并以其出资额为限承担有限责任的合伙人。
Limited partnerships have the benefit of being tax transparent in the same way as general partnerships. They are governed by a relatively light statutory and regulatory regime compared to companies.
有限合伙企业与普通合伙企业一样，都有透明税收的优势。与公司相比，法律法规对有限合伙企业的约束相对较少。
Limited partnerships are often found in venture capital and private equity investment funds and real estate and film finance.
有限合伙企业常见于风险资本与私募股权投资基金以及房地产和电影融资产业。
Limited Liability Partnership
有限责任合伙企业
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are also commonly used for professional advisory businesses. Like general partnerships, each member is an agent and can bind the LLP, and there must be at least two partners. Where there is only one partner left, the LLP can be compulsorily wound up or struck off from the register.
同样，有限责任合伙企业（LLPs）也常用于专业咨询业务。与普通合伙企业相同，每一成员作为合伙企业的代理人，该有限责任合伙企业为其承担责任。有限责任合伙企业须有至少两名合伙人，当仅剩一名合伙人时，有限责任合伙企业可被强制停止营业或从登记处撤销。
The main advantages of adopting this structure are (i) the limited liability status, so that members have no liability for the LLP's debts above their capital contributions in the LLP, and (ii) the LLP can be governed by a fairly flexible structure, particularly when distributing capital and profits (which are typically distributed as set out in an LLP agreement between the members and the LLP). The other main advantage is that LLPs are normally tax transparent (so members can avoid a double tax charge). However, unlike a general partnership, LLPs have stricter disclosure requirements, including filing of accounts and details of members at Companies House.
采用此类结构的主要优点在于（i）有限责任地位，成员对超出其对有限责任合伙企业股本投入的债务不承担责任；和（ii）相对灵活的结构管理，特别是在分配股本和利润时（一般根据各成员和有限责任合伙企业之间的有限责任合伙协议进行分配）。其它主要的优点在于有限责任合伙企业一般是税收透明的（成员可避免双重征税）。然而，不同于普通合伙企业，有限责任合伙企业有更严格的信息披露要求，包括向公司登记局备案公司报表和成员的资料。
UK establishment
英国境内机构
If an overseas company decides not to set up a separate UK entity but to undertake business activities in the UK itself, it must, within one month of opening a UK place of business or branch, register that establishment at Companies House.
若海外公司决定不在英国设立独立的实体，但决定在英国自行开展商业活动，在其开设英国境内办事处或分支机构的一个月内，其应向公司登记局登记该机构。
Generally, there is a place of business if the UK establishment performs activities which are only ancillary or incidental to the entity's principal business while a branch involves a management operation in the UK.
一般而言，办事处仅在英国开展该实体主营业务下辅助的或偶发的商业活动，分支机构则在英国参与运营管理。
Neither a place of business nor a branch has a separate legal personality. As a result, the parent company is fully liable for the debts and obligations of the place of business or branch.
办事处和分支机构均不具有独立的法人人格。因此，母公司对办事处或分支机构的债务和义务承担全部责任。
For tax purposes, the test of what constitutes a taxable establishment is slightly different. Generally, a taxable UK permanent establishment will exist if there is a fixed place of business in the UK through which the business of the company is wholly or mainly carried on. In addition, a taxable establishment can exist if an agent acts on behalf of the entity and has (and habitually exercises) authority to do business on behalf of the company in the UK.
就税收目的而言，评准一个应纳税机构的标准略有不同。一般而言，若在英国拥有固定的营业场所，且公司的业务完全地或主要地在该营业场所开展，则认定为英国应纳税常设机构。另外，若代理人在英国代表公司或享有（及日常行使）公司授权开展业务，也认定为英国应纳税常设机构。
Forming a Private Company – the most commonly used corporate vehicle in the UK
设立私人公司——英国最常见的公司载体
Private limited liability companies are by far the most common form of business vehicle used in the UK. Apart from the limited liability advantage explained above, investors are usually more willing to invest in companies because of their familiar capital structure and legal framework.
私人有限责任公司是至今在英国最为常见的公司载体形式。除了前述有限责任的优势以外，由于投资人较为熟悉该种形式下的资本结构和法律框架，其一般更愿意投资该类公司。
Basic requirements of a private company limited by shares
私人股份有限责任公司的基本条件
On its establishment, a private limited liability company requires the following basic components:
私人有限责任公司在设立时须满足下列要素：
a. a memorandum and articles of association. These are the company's basic constitutional documents and Dentons can prepare them for you;
公司章程。公司章程是公司基本的组织文件，大成可为您提供；
b. a company name. This must not be the same, or deemed to be the same, as another company that is already incorporated in the UK;
公司名称。公司名称不应与其他已在英国设立的公司的名称相同或被认定为相同；
c. a registered office. This must be located in England and cannot be a PO Box address. Dentons can, however, provide one of our office addresses in London or in Milton Keynes for incorporation and company secretarial service purposes;
一间注册办公室。注册办公室必须位于英格兰，且不能为邮政信箱地址。为注册设立和公司秘书服务之目的，大成可提供我们位于伦敦或米尔顿凯恩斯的办公室地址；
d. at least one director (of any nationally or residence) who is an individual and at least 16 years of age. There may also be one or more corporate directors, though the law is likely to change shortly to ban corporate directors;
至少一名年满16周岁的自然人董事（不限国籍或居住地）。亦可以设立一名或多名公司董事，尽管法律可能不久后便会修改以禁止设立公司董事;
e. a company secretary. It is not compulsory for a private company to have a company secretary, but it is recommended for foreign investors where all directors are based overseas. Dentons can provide this service;
一名公司秘书。私人公司并不强制要求有公司秘书，但当所有董事都位于海外时，我们建议有公司秘书。大成可提供此服务；
f. at least one shareholder. There must be at least one issued share in the share capital of the company at all times; and
至少一名股东。在任何时刻，公司股本须至少有一股已发行股份；和
g. an accounting reference date. This is a company's financial year - the date to which a company must prepare its annual accounts to show its financial performance and activities. It is automatically set to the first anniversary of the last day in the month in which the company is incorporated. For example, if a company was incorporated on 20 November 2016, its accounting reference date would be 30 November in each year. A company's accounting reference date can be shortened or extended, subject to certain limitations.
一个会计参照日。即为公司的财务年度——公司须按照该会计参照日准备年度报表以显示其财务绩效及活动）。会计参照日为公司设立当月的最后一天起算的一周年之日。例如，若公司于2016年11月20日设立，其会计参照日为每年的11月30日。公司的会计参照日可根据某些限制缩短或延长。
Incorporation process
设立流程
To incorporate a private company, the following must be sent to the Companies House:
以下材料须在设立私人公司时向公司登记局提交：
a. form IN01 - this sets out the proposed name, type of company, registered office address, constitution, directors and secretary (if applicable), share capital and initial shareholder(s) of the company;
IN01表格——含拟议公司名称、公司类型、注册办公室地址、组织类型、董事和公司秘书（如适用）、股本和公司初始股东；
b. memorandum of association and articles of association; and
公司章程；和
c. appropriate fee. The charge varies depending on how quickly the company is required and how the application is submitted. The current maximum Companies House fee is £100.
有关适当费用。此类费用因公司设立的快慢程度和申请提交方式而异。公司登记局现行的最高费用为100英镑。
On incorporation, Companies House will issue a Certificate of Incorporation stating the company's name and registered number. The company comes into existence when this certificate is issued.
公司设立时，公司登记局将签发载明公司名称和注册号码的公司设立证书。公司自设立证书签发之时成立。
Tailor-made or "shelf company"
量身定制或“壳公司”
Instead of incorporating a new company, companies can be acquired by buying a "shelf company". These are existing companies with no trading history formed specifically for persons who wish to set up a company. Dentons carries a stock of shelf companies. This route might be quicker than setting up a new company from scratch, depending on individual circumstances.
除了新设公司，亦可通过购买“壳公司”以取得公司。“壳公司”为无交易历史的公司，尤为适合希望设立公司的投资者。大成拥有现存的壳公司资源。取决于个别情况，这一途径可能比重新设立公司更为快捷。
On-going filing requirements
持续备案要求
Once a company has been incorporated, there will be the annual filing requirements with Companies House:
公司成立后，公司登记局每年有下列备案要求：
a. confirmation statement – this is an annual document that contains a snapshot of the company at a particular date. It covers matters such as the company's shareholders, issued share capital, registered office, directors and company secretary (if there is one). Every company must deliver to Companies House a confirmation statement at least every 12 months.
确认书——关于特定时间公司信息的年度文件。其中包含以下信息：公司股东、已发行股份、注册办公室、董事和公司秘书（如有）。所有公司均需每12个月向公司登记局提交确认书。
b. annual accounts (financial statements) showing the performance and activities of the company for the financial period ending on each accounting reference date. Accounts must be filed even if a company has not traded during the period, although these “dormant accounts” are generally in fairly standard form. With the possible exception of dormant company accounts, a company’s accounts, whether audited or not, are usually prepared by a firm of UK accountants.
年度报表（财务报告）显示在每一会计参照日前的会计期间内公司的绩效和活动。即使公司在该会计期间内未进行任何交易，公司仍应提交此类报表，该等“休眠报表”一般采用标准格式。除了可能存在的休眠报表的例外情形，年度报表（无论是否经过审计）通常由英国会计师事务所出具。
Whether or not a company is required to file audited accounts, as opposed to unaudited accounts depends on the size of a company’s business activities and those of the group of which it forms part of.
公司是否需要提交审计报表或未经审计报表，取决于公司商业活动的规模以及其所在集团商业活动的规模。
Companies House levies financial penalties, which escalate over time, if these filings are not made on time.
若此类报表未及时提交，公司登记局可对该公司进行经济处罚，处罚金额逐日提升。
A company will also have event driven obligations to make filings at Companies House, for example:
公司还应根据不同情形向公司登记局履行各项义务，例如：
a. on the resignation or appointment of any director or secretary, or any change to the company's registered office, accounting reference date and share capital;
董事或公司秘书的辞职或任命、注册办公室地址、会计参照日和股本的变更；
b. if the company creates a charge or security over its assets; and
如果公司将其资产进行抵押或作为担保；和
c. if its shareholder(s) pass certain resolutions, in particular those relating to the company's constitution and share capital.
如果公司股东通过某些决议，特别是关于公司组织结构和股本的决议。
Online filing
在线备案申报
There is option to file most documents at Companies House online which may be particularly useful for foreign investors.
可选择通过在线方式向公司登记局提交大部分文件，这对外国投资者特别便捷。
Tax filings
税务申报
A company will have other filing requirements that do not relate to Companies House, the main ones being tax-related:
除向公司登记局申报外，公司仍有其他备案申报义务，其中主要为与税务相关：
a) if the company will, or is expected to, generate a turnover of £85,000 or more, it must register for VAT with H.M. Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the UK tax authority. However, a company may voluntarily register if its turnover is less than this threshold. A company may appoint an agent (usually its accountant) to act on its behalf in relation to dealing with VAT; and
如公司将或预期将拥有超过85,000英镑的营业额，公司应向英国税务机关——英国税务与海关总署（HMRC）登记增值税。然而，如公司营业额未达到该阈值，公司也可自愿进行登记。公司可指定代理人（通常为其会计师）代表其处理增值税相关事宜；和
b) if a company starts trading, HMRC must be notified in writing. There are penalties for failing to do this. However, HMRC normally monitors new incorporations, and sends the relevant forms for to the new company’s registered office.
如公司开始进行交易，须书面通知英国税务与海关总署。若该公司未发书面通知却已开始进行交易，将受到处罚。但是，英国税务与海关总署通常会监管新设公司，并向新设公司的注册办公室寄送相关表格。
Statutory Registers
法定登记册
The company secretary will usually be responsible for maintaining the statutory registers and minute books. The statutory registers are the:
公司秘书通常负责处理公司的法定登记册及会议记录簿。法定登记册包括：
• register of members;
• 成员登记册；
• register of persons with significant control (see below);
• 拥有重大控制权的个人登记册（见下）；
• register of directors;
• 董事登记册；
• register of directors' residential addresses;
• 董事住所地址登记册；
• register of secretaries (if applicable); and
• 公司秘书登记册（如适用）；和
• register of debenture holders (if applicable).
• 公司债券持有人登记册（如适用）。
Private companies have the option of keeping the statutory registers on a central public register at Companies House, though in practice few do this.
私人公司有权将法定登记册登记于公司登记局的中央公共登记处，但实际操作中很少有公司这样做。
Additional considerations
其他事项
Bank accounts
银行账户
If a company is trading it will usually need a bank account in the UK. UK banks will normally require certain identity documentation from the applicant company. The process to open a bank account can take some time, and should be considered at an early stage.
若公司进行交易，通常需在英国开立银行账户。英国银行通常要求申请的公司提供特定的身份证明文件。开立银行账户将花费一定时间，应尽早考虑。
Property
不动产
On setting up a company, the company often acquires an interest in a UK property, as it will need somewhere from which to operate. A UK property interest can be a freehold or a leasehold interest; although it is not necessary to own a property interest under law in the UK in order to set up a company or business in the UK. In practice, investors may choose to have a licence, tenancy or leasehold arrangement with the freeholder instead of acquiring the freehold interest. There is no restriction on foreign investors owning freehold or leasehold interests of properties in the UK.
设立公司时，由于公司需要场地进行运营，公司通常取得不动产利益。英国不动产利益可分为不动产所有权利益或租赁利益；根据英国法律，在英国设立公司无需拥有不动产利益。实践中，投资者可选择与不动产所有权人签订许可证、租赁或租赁权益合同，而非取得不动产所有权。本地法律对外国投资者在英国拥有不动产所有权或租赁权益并无限制。
Employment (PAYE and Employment Contracts)
雇佣（代缴职工所得税和劳动合同）
As a company hires employees in the UK, it will need to set up a system under which it deducts income tax and the employee's National Insurance contributions (NICs) from the employee's gross salary and pay them (together with the employer's NICs) to HMRC. A company needs to register as an employer with HMRC for PAYE purpose before it starts employing staff. Most new employers can register online. The rate of employer's NICs is currently 13.8% on earnings above certain salary thresholds for almost all employees. Some smaller employers in the UK choose to outsource their PAYE administration duties to external organisations.
在英国，公司雇佣员工，需建立内部制度，从员工的总收入中代缴所得税和员工的国民保险费（NIC），并（连同雇主的国民保险费）向英国税务与海关总署支付。出于代缴所得税制，公司雇佣员工前需向英国税务与海关总署注册登记为雇主。大多数新的雇主可线上注册。对于几乎所有员工而言，雇主的现行国民保险费率为员工超过特定工资线的收入的13.8%。一些英国的小雇主选择将其所得税代缴义务外包给外部组织。
There is a legal requirement for an employee to have a written statement of their employment terms within two months of starting employment. This typically takes the form of a contract of employment. It must include certain prescribed particulars. If an employer fails to comply, an employee can make a complaint to an Employment Tribunal.
法律规定雇主应与员工在劳动关系开始的两个月内签订劳动条款的书面陈述，通常采用劳动合同的形式。其中必须包含特定的细节。如果雇主不能遵守前述规定，则员工可向劳动法庭投诉。
Immigration
移民
Employers have a legal duty to check if an employee has the legal right to work in the UK before hiring him/her. Hiring an individual who does not have the legal right to work in the UK may attract a penalty substantial penalty from the Home Office.
雇主有义务在雇佣员工之前核查员工是否有权在英国工作。公司雇佣无权在英国工作的个人将遭到英国内政部处以高额罚款。
The UK immigration system for non-EU migrants coming to work, invest or set up in business is largely contained in a tiered points-based system (PBS). The PBS consists of five tiers and the most relevant tiers for foreign business and investors are Tier 1 (for high-value investors, entrepreneurs and individuals accepted as bringing exceptional talent to the UK) and Tier 2 (employer-sponsored routes of entry, covering a variety of skilled, general and sector-specific long-term and short-term categories of employment).
英国对非欧盟移民者工作、投资或新设公司的移民制度主要包含在其分层筛选系统中（PBS）。分层筛选系统包含五个级别，与外国业务和投资者最为相关的是第一级（高净值投资者、企业家和为英国提供特殊才能的个人）和第二级（雇主支持的进入途径，覆盖有技能的、全面的和特定领域内长期和短期雇佣类别）。
Auditors/Accountants
审计师/会计师
Depending on the projected turnover of the new company, investors may consider appointing auditors/accountants for the company for bookkeeping and financial accounts purposes.
根据新公司预期的营业额，投资者可考虑为公司的账簿管理和财务报告聘任审计师/会计师。
Trading disclosures
交易信息披露
A company must usually display a sign with its registered name at:
公司通常应在以下位置显示其注册名称:
• its registered office;
• 其注册办公室；
• the place at which its statutory registers are kept; and
• 法定登记册的保存地；和
• any location at which it carries on business.
• 任何营业地。
Business Stationery
商业文件设计
a. A company must state its registered name, in legible lettering, on its:
公司必须在以下载体之上清晰地显示其注册名称：
• business letters, invoices and order forms;
• 商业信函、发票和订货单；
• notices and other official publications;
• 通知和其他正式出版物；
• bills of exchange, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and orders for money or goods purporting to be signed by, or for, the company;
• 计划由公司签署的或为公司签署的现金或货物相关的汇票、本票、批单、支票和订单；
• invoices, receipts and letters of credit; and
• 发票、收据和信用证；和
• websites.
• 网站。
b. On all of its business letters, order forms and websites, the company must also show, in legible lettering:
在公司所有的商业信函、订货单和网站上，公司也必须清晰地显示：
• the part of the UK in which it is registered;
• 公司在英国的注册地；
• its registered number; and
• 注册号码；和
• its registered office address.
• 注册办公室地址。
These requirements apply to all formats - hard copy, electronic or any other form.
这些要求适用各种形式——打印件、电子件或任何其它形式。
Insurance
保险
Investors will also need to ensure that the new company either has its own insurance or is added to an existing group's insurance policy.
投资者还需要保证新公司有自己的保险或已加入现存集团的保险合同中。
Data Protection
数据保护
If a company is processing personal data (e.g. a customer database or employee data) it will need to register under the UK's data protection legislation with the Information Commissioner's Office. Processing is broadly defined to include obtaining, recording, holding, using, disclosing or erasing personal data. Failure to register may result in a fine being imposed on the company by the Information Commissioner's Office. Most companies operating in the UK need to make such a registration.
若公司处理个人数据（例如客户数据库或员工数据），公司须根据英国的数据保护法向信息委员办公室注册登记。处理行为概括定义为获取、记录、持有、使用、披露或删除个人数据。若公司未注册登记，将受到信息委员办公室的罚款。大多数在英国运营的公司需要进行此项登记注册。
Anti-corruption regime
反腐败制度
The UK has wide-ranging anti-bribery legislation. As well as catching bribery which takes place in the UK, this legislation has significant extra-territorial reach. It covers bribery that takes place outside the UK, if the person engaging in the bribery has a close connection with the UK. Having a close connection includes being a British citizen, an individual usually resident in the UK or a body incorporated in any part of the UK.
英国的反贿赂法律非常广泛。除了打击英国境内贿赂行为，英国法律还具有重大的域外效力，该等法律适用于发生在英国境外的贿赂行为，前提是实施该等贿赂行为的人士与英国有“密切关联”。“密切关联”指，有着英国国民的身份，或者通常以英国为居住地的个人，或者在英国某地设立的公司。
The legislation catches bribing private individuals and organisations as well as public officials, and has no exemptions for facilitation payments.
法律禁止向个人、私营机构以及公职人员行贿，通融费亦不允许。
It also creates an offence of failing to prevent bribery. Any organisation (a partnership or incorporated body) formed or carrying on business in the UK commits an offence if it or anyone associated with it bribes another person or a foreign public official intending to get or keep business or a business advantage for the organisation. However, it is a defence for an organisation to prove it had in place adequate procedures to prevent persons associated with it from engaging in this conduct.
防范贿赂的不作为行为也会受到处罚。任何在英国成立或进行商业活动的组织（合伙企业或公司），或任何与该组织具有关联关系的个人向任何人士或外国公职人员行贿以获得或维持其业务或业务优势的行为均为犯罪行为。但是，机构或者公司如实施了防范关联人行贿的充分措施，则可将此作为抗辩理由。
The potential consequences of being convicted of a bribery offence include criminal penalties for both individuals and companies. Companies can receive an unlimited fine, while individuals face ten years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.
被控贿赂犯罪的潜在后果包括对个人和公司的刑事处罚。公司可能受到无上限的罚款，而个人若被判有罪将面临十年监禁和/或无上限的罚款。
PO Box Trading Address
邮政信箱交易地址
A company can apply to Royal Mail for a PO Box. However, a PO Box cannot be used as the company's registered office or for a director's service address.
公司可向英国皇家邮政申请邮政信箱。但是，邮政信箱不能用作公司的注册办公室地址或用作董事的服务地址。
Trading Terms
交易条款
If foreign investors wish to contract in the UK under English law, it is advisable to review any existing standard terms and conditions of sale, or standard-form trading agreements to bring them in line with English law.
若外国投资者希望根据英国法在英国订立合同，我们建议审查所有现行标准销售条款和条件，或标准格式交易合同以符合英国法的规定。
Establishing a presence in the UK – whether establishing a new business/company, acquiring a local business/company or appointing an agent 在英国开展商业——设立新业务/公司、收购当地业务/公司或聘用代理人
Whether establishing a new business/company in the UK from scratch or acquiring an existing local business/company ultimately depends on each individual investor's commercial strategy and circumstances. If the investor has strong and worldwide recognised brands or products, it may be easier to build a customer base by setting up a UK subsidiary rather than having to acquire an existing business in order to enter the UK market.
在英国新设公司或收购现存的当地业务/公司将最终取决于每一个人投资者的商业战略和具体情况。若投资者拥有实力雄厚的和全球知名的品牌或产品，在英国设立子公司更易于建立客户基础，而不必收购现存公司以进入英国市场。
Both share and business acquisitions are common in the UK. Among other factors, investors will need to have regard to the tax position, commercial and strategic considerations, and the liability position of the target. Broadly, on a share acquisition, the liabilities of the target will still remain with the target following transfer, whilst on a business acquisition, the buyer can 'cherry pick' which specific assets and liabilities it is to acquire. It is advisable to seek both accounting and legal advice when acquiring a local business/company. Investors may often prefer business/asset acquisition since they have an opportunity to choose and acquire only those assets which they are interested and leave behind those liabilities that they are not prepared to assume.
在英国，股权收购和业务收购均为常见。除了别的因素以外，投资者需要考虑目标公司的税务、商业和战略因素，以及负债情况。一般而言，在股权收购中，目标公司的负债将在并购交易后仍由目标公司保留；而在业务收购中，收购方可随意选取需要收购的特定资产和负债。我们建议在收购当地业务/公司时进行会计咨询和法律咨询。由于投资者有机会选择和单独收购其有意投资的资产，并留下其不愿承担的负债，投资者一般倾向于业务/资产收购。
If the investors decide to acquire a public company limited by shares, the provisions of the Takeover Code may also apply (even if the target is not listed on the London Stock Exchange).
若投资者决定通过股权收购公众股份有限责任公司，收购守则的规定应当同时适用（即使目标公司并未在伦敦证券交易所上市）。
Alternatively, investors may also consider a joint venture with a local partner and this can be structured through a company or partnership, or simply by a contractual arrangement. The main advantage is that the local partners are likely to have a good market knowledge and existing contacts. Joint venture arrangements are also common in the UK. The management, financing, profit share and exit arrangements are often the subject of negotiation in a joint venture arrangement.
另外，投资者可选择与当地合作伙伴通过公司或合伙企业的结构，或单纯通过合同安排设立合资企业。这一做法的主要优势在于当地合作伙伴可能有良好的市场信息和已有的合同。在英国合资企业安排也很常见。管理、财务、利润分配、退出安排是合资企业安排中常见的谈判主题。
Investors may also consider appointing local agent(s) to represent them in the UK rather than establishing a branch or subsidiary or acquiring a business/company. This route can involve less up-front costs than establishing a branch or subsidiary or acquiring a business/company. There is generally no requirement to publish accounts or other details of the agency arrangement. However, the main disadvantage is that the investors will most likely rely heavily on the local agent rather than having direct access and control of the business/company. This arrangement is purely contractual.
投资者另外可选择聘任当地代理人在英国代表投资者，而非设立分支机构或子公司或收购业务/公司。这种方法比设立分支机构或子公司或收购业务/公司需要更少的先期成本。一般而言，不存在要求公开报表或其他代理安排细节的法律规定。然而，这一做法的主要的缺陷在于投资者很有可能严重依赖于当地代理人，而非对业务/公司拥有直接的控制。这一安排完全是基于合同的。
Recent Major Reforms
近期主要改革
Persons with significant control
拥有重大控制权的个人
It is now compulsory for UK companies to keep a register of persons with significant control (PSCs), and companies must file their PSC information publicly at Companies House.
英国公司现在必须保存拥有重大控制权的个人（PSCs）登记册，公司必须向公司登记局公开申报拥有重大控制权的个人的信息。
Broadly, a person has significant control over a company if any of the following apply:
一般而言，若以下任一条件成立，个人即对公司拥有重大控制权：
• they hold more than 25% of the company's shares/voting rights;
• 其拥有超过25%的公司股份或表决权；
• they can appoint or remove a majority of the directors; or
• 其可任命或解聘过半数董事；或
• they have the right to exercise, or actually exercise, significant influence or control over the company.
• 其对公司有权施加、或实际施加重大影响或控制。
This regime also applies to LLPs with some modifications.
除了部分修改外，这一制度同样适用于有限责任合伙企业。
This means that it is possible that even if an investor is not named as a shareholder/director of a company, his/her control over the company is a matter of public record.
这意味着，即使投资者不作为公司的股东或者董事，其对公司的控制可能记录于公共记录。
Slavery and human trafficking statements
奴役和人口贩卖申明
Commercial organisations, whether or not incorporated in the UK, that carry on all or part of their business in the UK (and meet the relevant turnover test) must publish a slavery and human trafficking statement on their website each year. This must state the action they have taken to ensure their business and supply chains are slavery free, or that they have taken no such steps. The requirement to publish a statement applies to any commercial organisation which has a turnover of over £36 million per year (taking into account any subsidiary undertakings’ turnover).
在英国从事全部或部分商业活动（并符合相关营业额标准）的商业组织（无论是否在英国设立），均必须每年在其网站上发布奴役和人口贩卖申明。其必须说明已经采取的行动，确保其商业活动和供应链中没有而且也不涉及奴役。公布申明的要求适用于年营业额超过3,600万英镑（包括其子公司的营业额）的任何商业组织。
Payment policies and practices
支付政策与惯例
Large companies and LLPs will from October 2017, be required to publish their payment policies and practices twice a year on a government hosted website. Under new rules, they will have to disclose payment terms, average time taken to pay, proportion of invoices paid outside of agreed terms, proportion of invoices paid and any late payment interest owed and paid.
从2017年10月起，大型公司和有限责任合伙企业将被要求每年两次在政府托管网站上发布支付政策和惯例。在新规则下，其将披露支付条款、平均支付时间、约定条款以外的发票支付比例、发票支付比例以及任何所欠的和支付的延期支付利息。
Large companies and LLPs are broadly those that meet any two of the following criteria: turnover of over £36 million per year and/or a balance sheet total of over £18 million and/or have over 250 employees.
大型公司和有限责任合伙企业一般应符合下列标准的任何两条：（1）年营业额超过3,600万英镑，和/或（2）资产负债表总额超过1,800万英镑，和/或（3）员工超过250名。
Reduction of Corporation Tax
公司所得税税率下降
The main rate of corporation tax currently stands at 19%. In March 2016, the UK government announced that the corporation tax would be reduced to 17% in 2020 to encourage investment in companies.
公司所得税现行的主要税率为19%。2016年3月，英国政府宣布于2020年将公司所得税下调至17%，以鼓励对公司的投资。
Brexit
英国脱欧
Most of the law governing the establishment and operation of companies in the UK has remained a matter of domestic law. The Brexit process is therefore unlikely to have any significant impact on UK corporate law as described in this note.
有关在英国设立并运营公司的大多数法律为国内法。因此，英国的脱欧进程不会对在该文中所阐述的英国公司法产生重大影响。