Running a small business can be as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns.
One of the essential components of this adventure is understanding the role of company shareholders.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, knowing what shareholders do and why they matter can help you steer your business to success.
So, let’s dive into the world of shareholders.
What Exactly is a Shareholder?
Imagine your business as a delicious pie. A shareholder is someone who holds a slice of that pie.
In more technical terms, a shareholder owns one or more shares in a limited company. These shares represent units of ownership, so if you hold all the shares, you own the entire company.
Why Do Shareholders Matter?
For small businesses in the UK, shareholders are crucial because they provide the necessary capital and sometimes valuable expertise to help the business grow.
They also have a vested interest in the company’s success, as their shares will increase or decrease in value based on the company’s performance.
What Does a Shareholder Do?
Shareholders don’t usually get involved in the day-to-day running of the company – that’s the directors’ job. However, they do have a say in major decisions.
Depending on the type of shares they own, shareholders might have voting rights that allow them to influence decisions such as:
- Changing the company structure or name
- Setting directors’ salaries
- Authorising the creation or transfer of shares
The extent of their influence depends on how many shares they own. For example, if you own 75% of the shares, you have more voting power than someone who owns just 25%.
Shareholders vs. Directors: What’s the Difference?
In simple terms, shareholders own the company, while directors run it. However, in many small businesses, the same person can be both a shareholder and a director. This is quite common and allows for streamlined decision-making.
Who Can Be a Shareholder?
Anyone can be a shareholder – individuals, groups, or even other companies. When you set up a limited company, you’ll need to name at least one shareholder.
There’s no maximum number of shareholders, and the price of individual shares can be set to any value, though many opt for a nominal value like £1 to limit liability.
Issuing Shares
When you register your company, you’ll provide details about the shares, including the number of shares, their total value, and the names and addresses of all shareholders. This is known as the ‘statement of capital’. For example, if you issue 500 shares at £1 each, your share capital is £500.
The Benefits of Being a Shareholder
Being a shareholder comes with several perks:
- Profit Sharing: Shareholders receive dividends, which are a portion of the company’s profits.
- Voting Rights: They can vote on significant company matters.
- Potential for Capital Gains: If the company does well, the value of the shares can increase, allowing shareholders to sell them at a profit.
Tax Implications
Shareholders must pay tax on dividends they receive. For the tax year 2024/25, each shareholder benefits from a £500 dividend allowance.
Beyond this allowance, dividends are taxed at different rates depending on the income tax band they fall into:
- Basic Rate: 8.75%
- Higher Rate: 33.75%
- Additional Rate: 39.35%
Fun Fact: Shareholders Can Be Stakeholders, But Not All Stakeholders Are Shareholders!
While shareholders are owners of company shares, stakeholders have a broader interest in the company’s success. Stakeholders can include employees, suppliers, customers, and even the community where the business operates.
Why This Matters for Your Small Business
Understanding shareholders is vital for small businesses because they can significantly influence the company’s direction and success.
Whether you’re considering bringing in new investors or managing your own shares, knowing the ins and outs of shareholder roles and rights can help you make informed decisions.
At Accounts Direct, we’re here to guide you through every step of your business journey. From setting up your company and managing shares to ensuring compliance with HMRC, our team of experts is ready to help you succeed.
Ready to make your business thrive? Contact us today and let’s get started!