Company Search in the UK
Companies House is the UK’s official government registrar, offering a free, comprehensive online database through its “Find and Update Company Information” service, providing instant access to registration numbers, incorporation dates, director details, and filing history.
As of the financial year March 2025, the UK companies register stood at 5.4 million companies, reflecting 1.4% year-on-year growth, underscoring the scale and significance of accurate company search in the United Kingdom for businesses and investors alike.
What Has Changed for UK Companies Under ECCTA 2023?
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House has transitioned from a passive record-keeper to a proactive regulatory body directly impacting how a UK company search is conducted and interpreted.
Key changes now in effect:
- From 18 November 2025, the Identity verification (IDV) is mandatory for all new directors and PSCs, with a 12-month transition period for existing officers.
- Non-Compliance Consequences include unlimited financial fines for individuals, their company, and fellow directors. From Spring 2026, only verified officers and ACSPs can file documents with Companies House.
- From 1 May 2024, the incorporation and filing fees increased to fund expanded regulatory powers.
- From 4 March 2024, all new companies must declare a lawful purpose at incorporation, reaffirmed annually via confirmation statement.
These reforms make accurate and timely company search in the United Kingdom more critical than ever for businesses, investors, and compliance professionals.
What Information Can You Access Through a UK Company Search?
The Companies House search service allows users to access a wide range of information about UK-registered companies, including registered addresses, incorporation dates, company status, officer details, financial accounts, and business activities. Specifically, a company search may reveal:
- Company registration number and incorporation date
- Registered office address (current and previous)
- Company status, whether it’s active, dissolved, in administration, or liquidation
- Nature of business (SIC code)
- Directors and secretaries, current and resigned
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), individuals owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights
- Filing history confirmation about statements, annual accounts, and other statutory documents
- Charges and secured debts registered against the company
- Insolvency and disqualification records
The ‘Find and Update Company Information’ service makes all public company data available free of charge, with no limitation on the number of searches performed
How to Use Companies House to Conduct a UK Company Search?
- Access the Official Service
Visit the GOV.UK portal and navigate to the “Find and Update Company Information” service, the primary and most authoritative platform for all UK company registration checks.
- Enter Your Search Terms
Search by company name, company registration number (CRN), or an individual’s name, such as a director or person with significant control (PSC).
- Refine Your Results
Add location details or additional keywords to filter results and accurately identify the correct entity from the register.
- Review Company Records
Select the relevant company to access its registration status, incorporation date, registered office address, filing history, director details, and PSC information.
- Verify Identity Compliance (New From November 2025)
Under ECCTA 2023, all directors and PSCs must now have verified identities on record. When conducting a company search in the United Kingdom, confirm that the company’s officers have met mandatory identity verification requirements, a critical step in due diligence from 2025 onwards.
What Does a UK Company Search Reveal?
- Company Overview: Current status (active, dissolved, or dormant), incorporation date, registered address, and SIC code.
- Filing History: Annual accounts, confirmation statements, and certificates of incorporation.
- People with Significant Control (PSC): Individuals or entities holding more than 25% ownership, voting rights, or significant control.
- Company Officers: Current and former directors and secretaries with appointment and resignation dates.
- Financial Accounts: Filed annual financial statements available for download and analysis.
- Charges and Secured Debts: Registered charges indicating secured borrowing or financial liabilities.
- Identity Verification Status: Under ECCTA 2023, director and PSC identity verification is now a mandatory compliance record within the UK company register.
How Can You Use UK Company Search Results Effectively?
- Verify Legitimacy: Confirm registration status, filing compliance, and director verification under ECCTA 2023 before engaging with any UK company.
- Conduct Due Diligence: Assess ownership structure, PSC details, and financial stability prior to any investment, lending, or partnership decision.
- Research Competitors: Analyse filed accounts, director changes, and confirmation statements for strategic business intelligence.
- Support Compliance Processes: Use verified Companies House data to fulfil AML, KYC, and regulatory reporting obligations accurately.
UK Company Search Starts with the Right Expertise
A UK company search provides the foundation for sound business decisions, but interpreting Companies House data accurately requires professional knowledge. Our corporate secretarial team ensures you retrieve the right information, identify compliance gaps, and act with confidence.
From registration verification to PSC analysis and ECCTA 2023 compliance, 3E Accounting delivers end-to-end corporate support tailored to your business needs. Whether you are an investor, a director, or an overseas entity operating in the UK, we are your trusted partner for every Companies House matter.
