An LLC means "Limited Liability Company". It's more of a tax decision as to whether one creates an LLC or an S-Corporation - both of them shield you from lawsuits (to some extent), but they're structured slightly differently. I'm NOT a lawyer or accountant - far from it - but that's my understanding. Regarding the UK, here's what the
Wikipedia article says:
"In 2002, the UK legislated limited liability partnerships ("LLPs") into existence, which more closely proximate LLC's in the USA. Member partners are taxed at the partner level, yet the LLP provides limited liability from LLP liabilities for the member partners."