Companies House Name Search
Your comprehensive guide to searching UK companies by name, finding business information, and verifying company details through Companies House in 2025.
Why Use Companies House Search?
Companies House name search is an essential tool for anyone looking to:
- Verify the existence and legal status of UK businesses
- Research potential business partners or suppliers
- Conduct due diligence before entering business agreements
- Find information about company directors and officers
- Access a company's filing history and financial information
How to Search Companies House by Name
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Visit Companies House Search Service
Navigate to the official Companies House website and select the "Find company information" service.
- 2
Enter Company Name
Type the full company name or keywords in the search field. You don't need the exact name - the search will find similar matches.
- 3
Filter Search Results
Narrow down results using available filters such as company status (active/dissolved), location, or incorporation date range.
- 4
Select the Correct Company
From the list of results, identify and click on the specific company you're looking for. Pay attention to similar names and registration numbers.
- 5
Review Company Information
Explore the company profile, which includes registration details, filing history, officers, and more.
Different Ways to Search Companies House
Company Search Options
- Search by name: Find companies using full or partial name
- Search by number: Look up using company registration number
- Officer search: Find companies by director or secretary name
- Disqualified directors: Check if a person is disqualified
- Advanced search: Use multiple filters for precise results
Specialized Searches
- Scottish companies: Filter specifically for Scottish-registered businesses
- Irish companies: Companies registered in Northern Ireland
- Jersey companies: Access Jersey Financial Services Commission
- Persons with significant control: Find beneficial owners
- Sole trader search: Limited information on unincorporated businesses
Information Available on Companies House
When you search for a company on Companies House, you'll have access to a wealth of information:
Basic Company Information
- Company name and registration number
- Registered office address
- Company status (active, dissolved, in liquidation)
- Date of incorporation
- Company type (Ltd, PLC, LLP, etc.)
Detailed Records
- Officers (directors and secretaries)
- Persons with significant control (PSCs)
- Filing history (annual accounts, confirmation statements)
- Mortgage charges and insolvency information
- Previous company names
Tips for Effective Companies House Searching
- Try different name variations
Don't limit yourself to exact spelling. Try abbreviations, different word orders, or common misspellings.
- Use the advanced search options
Narrow results by incorporation date, company status, or geographic location for more precise results.
- Check dissolved companies
Remember to include dissolved companies in your search if you're conducting historical research or due diligence.
- Cross-reference with director searches
If you can't find a company by name, try searching for known directors or officers to locate the business.
- Check trading names vs. registered names
Remember that businesses may trade under a different name than their official registered name.
Related Resources
Conclusion
Companies House name search is an invaluable tool for business verification, due diligence, and research. By using the search service effectively, you can access a wealth of information about UK-registered companies and make more informed business decisions.
Whether you're a business owner, investor, job seeker, or researcher, taking advantage of this free resource can help you verify corporate information, identify business relationships, and understand the history and status of UK companies.
Written by Sarah Johnson
Business Intelligence Specialist
Sarah has over 12 years of experience in corporate intelligence and due diligence. She specializes in helping businesses verify potential partners and conduct thorough company research.