Is a company legitimate? What public records can tell you

When dealing with a new UK limited company, it is important to verify their details using official sources. While no single check can guarantee a company's reliability, public records from Companies House can provide valuable indicators.

1. Confirm the Company Status

The first step is to check if the company is listed as Active on the Companies House register. A status of "Active" indicates the company is currently authorised to trade. Be cautious if the status shows "Dissolved", "Liquidation", or "Active - Proposal to Strike off", as this may suggest the company is no longer operating or is in the process of closing.

2. Review Filing Compliance

Legitimate trading companies are required to file annual accounts and confirmation statements. A history of valid, on-time filings may suggest the company is being managed responsibly. Conversely, overdue accounts or a pattern of late filings might indicate administrative or financial issues.

3. Check Director Appointments

You can view the list of officers appointed to the company. Public records show a director's concurrent (current) and past appointments. This data helps you understand who is controlling the company and whether they have a history of running other active businesses.

4. Registered Address

Every UK company must have a registered office address. Identifying whether this is a trading address, a residential address, or a virtual office service can provide further context about the business's operations.

Vetted uses this official data to provide a plain-English summary of these key points, helping you make an informed decision based on facts.