Do I still need a company secretary for my limited company

Your accountant was right: before the Companies Act 2006, every private limited company had to appoint a company secretary. That requirement was abolished for private limited companies — a company secretary has been entirely optional since 1 October 2008, when the relevant provisions took effect. Your friend's advice is not so much wrong as aimed at larger businesses.

Do you need one?

For a small owner-managed Ltd with a single director, no. Companies House does not require it, and your confirmation statement and accounts are filed with or without one — your accountant handles those regardless. Public limited companies must still have a secretary, and larger private companies sometimes choose to appoint one as good governance.

What would they actually do?

A company secretary's classic duties are administrative: maintaining the statutory registers (members, directors, people with significant control), filing confirmation statements and accounts with Companies House, keeping minutes of board meetings, and making sure filing deadlines are met. In a small company these are already covered by you and your accountant, so a secretary adds little. The role earns its keep when governance gets complex — multiple shareholders, investor reporting, or regulated activity.

Can you do it yourself?

Yes. A sole director can also act as company secretary; there is no rule requiring a separate person. If you want the title for credibility with banks or clients, you can appoint yourself or someone else and notify Companies House of the appointment. Just note that if an appointed secretary later resigns, that must be notified too.

My practical advice: unless you are planning to take on investors or a complex share structure, spend the money on decent bookkeeping software or an extra hour of your accountant's time instead of a company secretary. Keep in mind that the PSC register and confirmation statement remain the directors' responsibility either way.