DOWNING LLP

What is a Vetted Score?

The Vetted Score is a 0–100 rating calculated automatically from publicly available Companies House data. It considers factors such as the length of time the company has been active, whether filings are up to date, the number of active directors, outstanding charges, and any insolvency history. A higher score indicates fewer administrative risk signals — it is not a credit rating and does not reflect on the quality of a company's products or services.

What does “active” company status mean?

An “active” status means the company is currently registered and has not been dissolved or struck off by Companies House. It does not necessarily mean the company is currently trading — many registered companies are dormant. Always verify trading activity through direct contact or financial accounts.

What are charges and mortgages on a company?

A charge (also called a debenture or mortgage) is a form of security given by a company over its assets in favour of a lender. If a charge is “outstanding”, it means the underlying debt has not yet been repaid or discharged. Charges are registered at Companies House and are a matter of public record. An outstanding charge is not necessarily a problem — many healthy businesses borrow money secured against their assets.

How can I verify a UK company is legitimate?

You can verify any UK company by checking its record on the official Companies House register at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Look for: an active status, recent confirmation statements and accounts filed on time, a registered office address, and at least one active director. Cross-referencing the company's website, VAT registration, and professional body memberships also helps.

What does a dissolved company mean?

A dissolved company has been removed from the Companies House register and no longer exists as a legal entity. It cannot enter contracts, employ staff, or trade. The dissolution may have been voluntary (the owners chose to close it) or compulsory (struck off by Companies House for failing to file documents). Dissolved company records remain publicly searchable.

Where does this data come from?

All company data on Vetted is sourced directly from the Companies House public API. Companies House is the UK's official registrar of companies, responsible for maintaining public records of all limited companies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This data is updated regularly but may not reflect changes made within the last 24–48 hours.