Many thanks all. Most helpful. Stay safe!
I have checked with my accountant and their advice mirrors you all that I can use a sole personal account for the short term until the banks start to open up for new business. Although not perfect it will allow me to get going.

Hi Michael,

Limited Companies should have their own separate bank account, and I believe all banks (as Sarah has said) specify that you shouldn't use a personal account for business purposes. Although typically people do still use a personal account whilst their business account is in the 'opening phase'.

However, there are some good app based business bank accounts which may be useful in the interim: Tide, Starling, Coconut, to name but a few... They may be still opening accounts at this time.

Let me know how you get on, and if you need any further support please feel free to get in touch.

Cheers,
Chris

Michael, I think you can trade without a Business Account - I quote from Rapid Formations. - There is no legal requirement to open and operate a business bank account for a limited company. However, you will find it very difficult to trade and manage your business successfully without one.
As Sarah said an accountant could assist.

Michael I will put you in direct contact with Sarah - their website is clear, see below, so it would be good to hear the outcome, Ian

"We’ve taken the difficult decision to temporarily stop accepting new business account applications to ensure colleagues can continue to provide vital support to existing customers at this unprecedented time. This also applies to any applications that have already started.
This is undoubtedly going to cause a level of inconvenience, but please be reassured that we’ll either contact you to continue your application, or reinstate the ability to accept new account applications at the earliest opportunity. Thank you for your understanding at this time. "

Hi. Sorry you are having issues. We are still open for new business and you can open the account online. In terms of trading....if you are a Ltd company I think it would cause issues with your accountant but check with them as they will need to do the books....if sole trader then shouldnt be an issue but the banks do specify that personal accounts shouldnt be used for business purposes. Hope that helps but please do drop me an email if you need to. Good Luck! Sarah

Hi. Sorry you are having issues. We are still open for new business and you can open the account online. In terms of trading....if you are a Ltd company I think it would cause issues with your accountant but check with them as they will need to do the books....if sole trader then shouldnt be an issue but the banks do specify that personal accounts shouldnt be used for business purposes. Hope that helps but please do drop me an email if you need to. Good Luck! Sarah

Hi. Sorry you are having issues. We are still open for new business and you can open the account online. In terms of trading....if you are a Ltd company I think it would cause issues with your accountant but check with them as they will need to do the books....if sole trader then shouldnt be an issue but the banks do specify that personal accounts shouldnt be used for business purposes. Hope that helps but please do drop me an email if you need to. Good Luck! Sarah