How to check a UK company

Before paying a supplier, signing a contract or giving credit, a quick company check tells you whether a UK business really exists and is in good standing. Everything below is free.

1. Confirm it is registered

Search the company name or number on UK Company Lookup. A real limited company has an 8-character company number and a registered office address. If the name on an invoice or website doesn't match the register, ask why.

2. Check the status

"Active" is what you want. Be careful with Active – Proposal to Strike off (the company may be removed from the register), Liquidation, Administration or Dissolved. See company status meanings.

3. Look at filing deadlines

Overdue accounts or an overdue confirmation statement are a warning sign: companies in trouble often stop filing. Each company page shows the next due dates and flags overdue ones.

4. Check age and history

A company incorporated a few weeks ago, or one that has changed name several times, deserves extra questions. Previous names are listed on each company page.

5. Check what it does and where it is

The SIC code shows the declared activity. Many companies registered at the same address can mean a formation agent or virtual office, which is legal but means the address isn't where the business operates.

6. Directors, owners and accounts

Directors, people with significant control and filed accounts are published free on the official Companies House service. Each company page here links straight to its official record.

Company credit check

The register doesn't give a credit score. For credit limits, use a credit reference agency; the free checks above catch most red flags first.