Company Search in the UK
n today’s digital-first business landscape, conducting a company search in the UK has never been more efficient or transparent. Companies House, the official government registrar of all limited companies in the United Kingdom, offers an extensive, easily accessible online database for verifying company details. Through its “Find and Update Company Information” service, users can freely access vital data, including company registration numbers, incorporation dates, directors’ details, and filing history.
With over 5 million active companies registered as of 2025, Companies House plays a crucial role in promoting corporate transparency and accountability. Thanks to ongoing digitalisation, conducting a UK company search today is a seamless process—empowering investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with accurate, up-to-date business information at their fingertips.
Rooting out Corporate Information
Information that is recorded in the public registry can be accessed by any member of the general public for free. There are many reasons to perform a company search. You may be evaluating at the viability of a chosen name for your company. You may need the official or registered address of an existing business.
You may even want to check if a particular director has been disqualified or banned from being a director. It is also possible to check if a company has been struck off or is insolvent. All of these and more are reasons why people and businesses utilise the company search function.
Some types of information can be obtained and searched for free. Free email alerts can also be set up for changes or updates that occur in relation to this information. Conversely, you can avail the services of company formation specialists who provide customised or selective search data reports.
These address specific search criteria and can be pertinent when deciding on commercial or investment matters. You can request reports on shareholder details as well as share capital, or details of charges on a business. It is also possible to search the directors’ report, auditors’ report, and accounting details, amongst others.
Currently, a free search is available via Companies House Beta Service and includes:
- Basic company information, such as name, incorporation details, registered address, etc.
- Information on officers of the company, such as directors, company secretaries, etc., as well as shareholders. This includes both current and resigned members.
- Company type, previous name if any, share capital, etc.
- Insolvency information, mortgage data, etc.
Other types of information may require registration and a small monthly charge or a nominal fee. These provide more specific information on:
- Company reports
- Banned directors
- Liquidation details, bankruptcy, comprehensive mortgage information, etc.
How to Use Companies House for a Company Search?
1. Access the Official Website
Visit the official Companies House service via the GOV.UK portal and navigate to the “Find and Update Company Information” page. This is the primary and most reliable platform for accessing company data in the UK.
2. Enter Your Search Terms
Use the search bar to look up a company by its name, company registration number (CRN), or individual name—such as a director or person of significant control.
3. Refine Your Search
If the company name is familiar, add additional keywords or a specific location to filter results. This helps narrow down the listings and locate the correct entity efficiently.
4. Review the Search Results
The results page will display key details, including the company name, registration number, and registered office address. Click on the relevant company to access more comprehensive records and documents.
Information Available from a Companies House Search
When you open a company profile, you can access several categories of public information:
- Company Overview – View the company’s current status (e.g., active, dissolved), incorporation date, registered office address, and nature of business.
- Filing History – Review all documents filed with Companies House, including annual accounts, confirmation statements, and certificates of incorporation.
- People with Significant Control (PSC) – Identify individuals or entities holding over 25% ownership or control in the company.
- Company Officers – Find details of current and former directors and other appointed officers.
- Financial Accounts – Download PDF copies of previously filed annual financial statements for further analysis.
How to Use This Information Effectively
- Verify Legitimacy – Before engaging with a new company, confirm its legal status, registered address, and compliance with filing requirements. Look for warning signs such as missing registration details or inconsistent filings.
- Research Competitors – Analyse competitors’ financial statements, leadership changes, and filing patterns to understand their business strategy and performance.
- Conduct Due Diligence – Investors, lenders, and partners can use public financial and ownership data to assess a company’s stability, credibility, and governance structure.
If you are looking to procure a thorough report on a business, then engaging a company formation specialist is a good place to start. This can save you time and spare you the headache of sorting through thousands of results. 3E Accounting offers some of the most comprehensive formation services, including company searches in the United Kingdom. Contact 3E Accounting today to explore viable and customizable business solutions for all your needs. Our team of professionals are ready to answer all your queries.
