Words, explained · 25
Every word, said plainly once.
What each is, what people wrongly take it to be, and where an island’s rule differs. Every journey lights these words where they appear.
25 words
- Company secretaryAn officer of the company who looks after its paperwork. Required in Jersey and Alderney; optional in Guernsey and for a private UK company.
- DirectorA person who runs the company and answers for it.
- MemberAn owner of the company — usually, somebody who holds its shares.
- Registered officeThe company’s official address, where letters and legal notices reach it.
- OccupierWhoever occupies the premises used as the registered office — you, a landlord’s tenant, your family.
- Nominated personThe company’s main contact with the Jersey Registry, who makes its filings.
- Beneficial ownerThe real person who ultimately owns or controls a company, whoever holds its shares on paper.
- Resident agentIn Guernsey and Alderney: the local person or firm responsible for the company on the island.
- Corporate services providerA licensed firm that forms and runs companies for other people.
- Memorandum and articlesThe company’s rules: who owns it and how it is run.
- Standard tableThe ready-made set of articles the law provides, so you need not write your own.
- Certificate of incorporationThe Registrar’s certificate: from its date, the company exists.
- Certified copyA copy of a document that a suitable person has signed to confirm it matches the original.
- myRegistryThe Jersey Registry’s online portal, where companies are incorporated and every change is filed.
- Special resolutionA decision of the members, under the stricter rules the law sets for the biggest changes.
- Business licenceJersey’s permission to run a business and to employ people, under the Control of Housing and Work Law.
- Manpower returnA free return of who works in a Jersey business — twice a year, or monthly once you employ.
- Class 2 contributionsJersey Social Security paid by the self-employed — including a company’s owners and directors.
- ITISJersey’s Income Tax Instalment Scheme: the income tax an employer takes from wages.
- Combined employer returnJersey’s monthly return for employers: income tax, Social Security and the manpower return together.
- Annual confirmation statementThe company’s yearly confirmation of its details to its Registry.
- GSTA tax a registered business adds to its prices and pays to the government.
- Data controllerWhoever decides why and how personal data is used. A processor handles it on the controller’s behalf.
- Sole traderWorking for yourself, without a company — personally responsible for the business’s debts.
- Limited companyA separate legal person: its money is its own, and its owners can lose only what they put in.