About us

We incorporate and dissolve limited companies. We register company information and make it available to the public.

More than 5 million limited companies are registered in the UK. Over 500,000 new companies are incorporated each year.

We drive confidence in the economy by creating a transparent and accountable business environment. Use of our data informs business and consumer decisions, supports growth and helps disrupt economic crime.

What is Companies House?

Who we are

Companies House is an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade. We hold the UK’s register of companies and the Register of Overseas Entities.

We employ around 1,000 people at our offices in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Registrar of Companies

Louise Smyth is the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, and Chief Executive of Companies House. Louise is based at Companies House in Cardiff.

Lisa Davis is the Registrar of Companies for Scotland, based in Edinburgh.

Ian McFarland is the Registrar of Companies for Northern Ireland, based in Belfast.

The registrars’ objectives are:  

  • to ensure that anyone who is required to deliver a document to the registrar does so (and that the requirements for proper delivery are complied with)
  • to ensure information contained in the register is accurate and that the register contains everything it ought to contain
  • to ensure that records kept by the registrar do not create a false or misleading impression to members of the public
  • to prevent companies and others from carrying out unlawful activities or facilitating the carrying out by others of unlawful activities

Our responsibilities

We’re responsible for:

  • incorporating, maintaining and dissolving limited companies
  • examining and publishing company information
  • promoting transparency and growth in the UK economy

Our priorities

Our priorities are to:

  • make the register as accurate and reliable as possible
  • play a more central role in disrupting economic crime
  • make the UK a great place to start and run a business

Our services

About our services. Read our customer charter which sets out the standards of service we aim to provide.

Corporate information

Access our information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Find out about our commitment to Welsh language scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information. Read our policy on Social media use. Find out About our services.

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