October 3, 2024
If you’re a sole trader earning over £1,000, you’ll need to register your company. For incorporated companies, you need to register as soon as you start trading. Learn more in our blog.
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If you're looking to confirm whether a company is legally registered in the UK, the easiest way is to use the Companies House checker tool. This government service provides access to important information about registered companies, including their legal status, directors, and filing history. However, it’s important to note that this tool only applies to certain types of companies. If you're trying to search for a business operating under a different structure—such as a sole trader—you'll need to look elsewhere for information.
You can only check if a company is legally registered if they belong to one of the following categories:
Since these company types are incorporated, they are required to be listed on the Companies House register. This makes it straightforward to confirm their registration and gather more information about them online.
The Companies House search tool allows you to check the registration details of any incorporated company in the UK. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
When you locate a company on Companies House, you'll have access to various details, including:
If the business you're looking for isn't incorporated, such as a sole trader, it won't appear in the Companies House database. However, you can still find useful information by checking other sources:
Many unincorporated businesses register a Google My Business profile, especially customer-facing companies. You can search for the company name on Google, and if they have a profile, it will usually appear in the right-hand column of the search results. This profile often includes the company's address, contact information, and customer reviews.
Businesses may also list themselves on various online directories to boost visibility. Some places to search include:
These directories often provide useful contact details, customer reviews, and further information about a company.
If the business has a website, the about us or contact pages can provide details about the company, and you may find further information on its legal pages (such as privacy and terms of business). Website’s will also commonly include business information in the footer of their website.
If you’ve received communication from the business, their email footers may be another place to reference when looking for information about them, such as their address and contact details.
Finally, check any official postal communications you’ve received from the company. Business letters often include important details such as the company’s registration number, VAT number, and official business address.
If you’re looking for company information so that you can contact them, the above methods should give you at least one option for getting in touch. Every incorporated company legally must be contactable at their registered office address, so you may wish to start there first. Otherwise, try their email, phone numbers or social profiles.
If you’re a sole trader earning over £1,000, you’ll need to register your company. For incorporated companies, you need to register as soon as you start trading. Learn more in our blog.
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