Search the business registry

    United Kingdom business registry search

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in United Kingdom

    3 free lookups per day. No sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: Companies House

    How do I search the business registry in United Kingdom?

    The United Kingdom business registry is operated by Companies House. It covers Private Limited (Ltd), Public Limited (PLC). Search by business name to find the registered entity behind a trading name — free, no signup.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      Companies House records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      United Kingdom recognises Private Limited (Ltd), Public Limited (PLC). Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open Companies HouseAll United Kingdom records

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the United Kingdom business registry cover?

    Companies House records Private Limited (Ltd), Public Limited (PLC). Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the United Kingdom business registry by trading name?

    Yes, and that is usually the practical starting point. The registry will link the name to the registered legal entity where the two differ.

    Is a business registry search free in United Kingdom?

    Yes. Name search and the public entry on Companies House are free. Only certified documents are chargeable.

    What if a United Kingdom business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    How do I look up a UK company?

    You can search by company name or registration number. Companies House provides free public access to all registered company data including directors, filing history, and accounts. Enter a name above to try it.

    People also ask about search the business registry in United Kingdom

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the United Kingdom company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Companies House are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official United Kingdom business registry?

    The Companies House is the official public register of companies incorporated in United Kingdom. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house.

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