The Role of Companies House: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know

Starting and running a business in the UK involves navigating a complex web of paperwork and regulations. One of the most important organisations you will need to be aware of is Companies House. Understanding the role of Companies House, what it expects from you, and why it matters can save you time, money, and stress, while also helping your business appear professional and trustworthy.

Company Registers

When you incorporate a company in England and Wales, you must maintain a number of company registers at its registered office or at the Companies House. This template includes these company registers.

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What is Companies House?

Companies House is the official government register of companies in the UK. It acts as a directory,  where details about all the limited companies in the UK are kept. When you start a limited company, you register it with Companies House, and it becomes a legally recognised entity.

Unlike sole traders or general partnerships, limited companies are separate legal entities. That means the company is its own “person” in the eyes of the law. It can own assets, sign contracts, and be responsible for debts, separate from the individuals who own or run it.

What Does Companies House Do?

1. Register Your Company

The first role of Companies House is to register your company. You will be required to file some initial information about your company, including its name, the names of its directors and shareholders, and its registered office address. Companies House will record this information. Once registered, you receive a unique company number and a certificate confirming that your company legally exists.

2. Keeps Company Information Public

Companies House maintains all company details on its website, which is publicly accessible. This includes your:

• company name and address;
• names of directors and shareholders;
• annual accounts (financial reports); and
• confirmation statements (updates about your company).

3. Collects Important Documents

Your company is required to submit specific documents to Companies House on an annual basis. This includes your annual accounts (which show how your business is doing financially) and your confirmation statement (which updates your company details).

Companies House processes these documents and makes them public. Keeping up with these filings is a legal requirement.

4. Dissolves Companies That Don’t Comply

If a company fails to send its required documents for an extended period, Companies House can remove it from the register, which means it ceases to exist legally. This process is called “strike-off.” You can also request Companies House to close your company if you decide to stop trading in certain circumstances.

Why Should Business Owners Care About Companies House?

It Makes Your Business Official

Registering your company with Companies House is your first step to making your business official and separate from you personally. This protects your personal belongings, such as your house or car, in the event that your business encounters financial difficulties.

It Keeps You Honest and Transparent

Because the information Companies House holds is public, it encourages you to keep your company information accurate and up-to-date. This transparency makes others more likely to trust and do business with you.

Avoid Fines and Problems

If you do not file your annual accounts or confirmation statements on time, Companies House can fine your business. These fines can add up quickly, and in extreme cases, your company could be shut down. Directors can also face personal penalties if filings are seriously late.

Helps You When You Want to Grow or Sell

Investors, lenders, and buyers often review Companies House records to assess a company’s financial performance before lending money or entering into a deal. Having your filings in order shows that your business is well-run and trustworthy.

What Do You Need to Do for Companies House?

Keep Your Information Up to Date

If any changes occur, such as a change to your company’s address, the names of the directors, or the ownership of the shares, you must notify Companies House. This keeps the public record accurate.

File Your Annual Accounts

Each year, you must send Companies House a set of financial statements showing how your company performed. 

Send a Confirmation Statement

At least once a year, you send a simple form to confirm that the company confirms the records held by Companies House are correct.

Use the Online System

Most filings can be done online, which is quick and easy. You can log in to Companies House’s website and submit your documents yourself or through a professional, such as a lawyer.

Key Takeaways

Companies House registers all UK limited companies and keeps a public record of them. You must keep your company details and accounts up to date and file the required documents every year. Failing to comply with Companies House rules can result in fines, legal issues, or the closure of your company. Keeping your Companies House filings in order builds trust and helps when you want to grow or sell your business. Ensure you use the online system or seek professional help to simplify the filing process and minimise mistakes.

Running a business involves many responsibilities, but staying on top of your Companies House obligations doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re unsure about any of your Companies House responsibilities or want to avoid common mistakes, our experienced business lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to solicitors to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a deadline for filing with Companies House?

If you miss a deadline, Companies House will send you reminders. However, late filing for accounts, for example, usually results in fines starting at £150 for private companies, and the fines increase the later you file. Repeated late filing of accounts can even lead to your company being removed from the register, which means it will cease to exist legally. Directors can also face personal fines or disqualification.

Can anyone see my company information on Companies House?

Yes, most company details are publicly available on the Companies House website for free. This includes your company’s registered address, director names, and financial accounts. This openness helps build trust with customers, suppliers, and investors; however, it is essential to maintain accurate and professional information.