Companies House Check: Complete UK Company Verification Guide (2025)
Master the art of Companies House checks with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to verify companies, search directors, navigate the website, use WebFiling, and conduct advanced searches using official UK government databases.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Companies House Check Tutorial
Follow this comprehensive tutorial to perform a thorough Companies House check from start to finish.
Access Companies House Website
Navigate to the official Companies House website and locate the "Search the register" section.
Perform Company Name Check
Enter the company name in the search box. Try different variations if initial search doesn't return results.
Review Company Information
Examine company status, incorporation date, registered address, and key overview details on the company profile page.
Check Filing History
Navigate to the 'Filing history' tab to view submitted documents like accounts, confirmation statements, and changes.
Verify Directors and Officers
Go to the 'People' tab to check current and past directors, their appointment dates, and other roles.
Download Documents (Optional)
Download available company documents like accounts or incorporation certificates for a detailed review.
Companies House Website Overview
The Companies House website is the official portal for accessing UK company information. As the government's central repository for corporate data, it provides comprehensive access to business records, filing services, and regulatory information.
Key Website Features
- Free company search and information access
- Director and officer search functionality
- Document filing and submission services
- Company formation and registration
- Compliance monitoring and alerts
Website Navigation
- Search the register - main search portal
- File your documents - WebFiling access
- Start a company - incorporation services
- Guidance - help and information section
- Developer zone - API access and tools
Website Access Information
The Companies House website is accessible 24/7 and optimized for both desktop and mobile use. Most search functions are free, while some services like document ordering may incur small fees.
Companies House Name Check
A Companies House name check is essential for verifying company identities, checking name availability, and conducting due diligence. The system allows precise searches using various company identifiers.
Types of Name Searches
Exact Name Search
- Search complete company name
- Include legal suffixes (Ltd, PLC)
- Most precise results
Partial Name Search
- Search parts of company name
- Useful for variations
- Broader search results
Company Number Search
- 8-digit company number
- Most accurate method
- Direct company access
Name Check Best Practices
Companies House Director Search
The Companies House director search function provides access to over 6.5 million current and former director records. This powerful tool enables comprehensive background checks and due diligence investigations.
Director Search Methods
Search by Name
- Enter director's full name
- Try different name formats
- Include or exclude middle names
- Check common abbreviations
Search Filters
- Date of birth (month/year)
- Postcode or location
- Company association
- Appointment status
Information Available
Personal Details
- • Full legal name
- • Month/year of birth
- • Nationality
- • Country of residence
- • Service address
Appointments
- • Current directorships
- • Former positions
- • Appointment dates
- • Resignation dates
- • Role descriptions
Company Data
- • Associated companies
- • Company status
- • Business activities
- • Filing history
- • Network connections
Companies House Login & Register
Creating a Companies House login and completing the Companies House registerprocess unlocks additional features and services beyond basic free searches.
Account Registration Process
Visit Registration Page
Navigate to the "Sign in" section on the Companies House website and select "Create account".
Provide Personal Information
Enter your email address, create a secure password, and provide required personal details.
Verify Email Address
Check your email for verification link and click to activate your account.
Complete Profile Setup
Add additional information as required and set up two-factor authentication for security.
Benefits of Registration
Enhanced Services
- WebFiling access for document submission
- Company formation services
- Bulk document ordering
- API access credentials
Account Management
- Order history and tracking
- Saved searches and alerts
- Personalized dashboard
- Email notifications
Companies House WebFiling
Companies House WebFiling is the online platform for submitting statutory documents and forms to Companies House. This secure system enables companies to meet their legal filing obligations efficiently.
WebFiling Services
Annual Returns & Accounts
- Annual confirmation statements
- Company accounts filing
- Dormant company returns
- Small company exemptions
Company Changes
- Director appointments/resignations
- Address changes
- Share capital alterations
- Company name changes
WebFiling Process
Login to WebFiling
Access your Companies House account and navigate to the WebFiling section.
Select Company
Choose the company for which you're filing documents from your account.
Complete Forms
Fill in the required information using the online form system with validation checks.
Pay and Submit
Pay any required fees and submit your documents for processing by Companies House.
WebFiling Benefits
Efficiency
- • Instant submission
- • 24/7 availability
- • Automatic validation
- • Real-time processing
Cost Savings
- • Lower filing fees
- • No postage costs
- • Reduced processing time
- • Digital receipt
Security
- • Encrypted transmission
- • Authentication required
- • Audit trail
- • Backup systems
Advanced Company Search
The Advanced company search feature provides sophisticated filtering and search capabilities for comprehensive business intelligence and research projects.
Advanced Search Filters
Company Criteria
- Company status (active, dissolved, liquidation)
- Company type (private, public, LLP)
- Incorporation date ranges
- SIC codes and activities
Location & Geography
- Postcode and area searches
- County and region filtering
- Address-based searches
- Jurisdiction specifications
Search Techniques
Boolean Search
- AND/OR operators
- Wildcard searches
- Phrase matching
Date Filtering
- Incorporation periods
- Filing date ranges
- Status change dates
Bulk Analysis
- Export search results
- API integration
- Automated monitoring
Professional Use Cases
Contact Companies House
When you need to contact Companies House directly, multiple channels are available for different types of enquiries and support requirements.
Contact Methods
Telephone Support
Online Support
Enquiry Types
General Information
- Company search assistance
- Account registration help
- Website navigation
- Service explanations
Filing Support
- WebFiling technical issues
- Document submission queries
- Rejection explanations
- Fee payment problems
Specialist Services
- Company formation
- Dissolution procedures
- Legal compliance issues
- API and developer support
Before You Contact
Preparation Checklist
- Have your company number ready
- Check the online help section first
- Gather relevant documents
- Note any error messages received
- Prepare specific questions
- Have account details available