Guides

A complete guide to verifying a UK company: Companies House, company number, PSC register, accounts, status, and checking a UK VAT number with HMRC (no VIES after Brexit).

Companies House: what the British company register is, what you find in it, what it does not show and how to use a Ltd company's data. Clearly explained, in your language.

A Ltd company (private limited company) — what it means, how it works, who runs it (director, PSC) and how to check a British Ltd before doing business. In your language.

Ltd company charges: what they mean, what a fixed and floating charge is, why they signal secured debt and how to check them at Companies House. In your language.

Invoice from a British Ltd: what it should contain, how to confirm the issuer (company number), VAT after Brexit and how to avoid the bank-change scam. Practical, in your language.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is overhauling Companies House: identity verification for directors and PSCs, stronger data checks and new rules. Here is what changes and what it means when you verify a UK counterparty.

Since Brexit, UK VAT numbers are no longer in the EU's VIES. Here is how to verify a UK VAT number with HMRC's official service, the Northern Ireland “XI” exception, and what to keep as proof.