(This note is not part of the Order)

This is the eighth Commencement Order made under the Companies Act 2006 (c.46) ("the Act"). Part 47 and certain provisions in Parts 43, 44 and 46 of the Act came into force on the passing of the Act.

Article 3 brings into force on 1st October 2009 provisions about -

a company's formation and constitution

the capacity of a company, powers of directors to bind it and formalities of doing business under the law of England and Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland

a company's name, including change of name and similarity to other names

a company's registered office

re-registration as a means of altering a company's status

a company's members

directors, including the register of directors and protecting directors' residential addresses from disclosure

the register of secretaries

a company's share capital

the acquisition by a limited company of its own shares

a company's annual return

company charges

dissolution of a company and restoration to the register

UK companies not formed under companies legislation

overseas companies

the registrar of companies

offences under the Act and other companies legislation

company records

service addresses

disqualification of foreign directors

business names