Is there a minimum age for company directors?

Since 1 October 2008, a person must be 16 years of age in order to serve as a director (previously there was no minimum).  A person can be appointed prior to reaching 16 years of age provided the appointment does not actually take effect prior to that person’s 16th birthday.

Can a company be a director of another company?

A limited company can be appointed as a director of another limited company.  However, since the Companies Act 2006 came into force, every company must have at least one director who is a natural person (i.e. it is no longer permitted for all the directors of a company to themselves be limited companies).  There is a transitional period for companies who had no natural persons among their directors when the Act came into force – they were given until October 2010 to come into line with this requirement.

How is a company director appointed?

Under the Companies Act 2006, a private limited company director may be appointed either by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders or by a resolution of the directors.  The company’s articles of association should be checked for any additional requirements.

How many directors must a company have?

Under the Companies Act 2006, a private limited company need only have one director.  A public limited company must have two directors.  A company’s articles of association may however specify a higher number.  There is no maximum number under the Act but again the company’s articles may impose a limit.