Any UK company can be checked for free through Companies House in 10 seconds: enter the name or 8‑digit number. The data is public: status (Active/Dissolved), directors, disqualifications, overdue accounts. CIS subcontractors — check the contractor before starting work: if the contractor disappears with the money, HMRC will still demand 30% tax from you without a verified CIS statement. There are 5.5 million active companies registered in the UK — the data is open to everyone.
Enter the company name or number. In 10 seconds you can see: real company or phantom, who the director is, whether there are debts or disqualifications.
Company number — 8 digits (or 2 letters + 6 digits). Name — full or partial.
Companies House stores data about every company registered in the UK. Here is what the key statuses mean.
Registered, files accounts, not in the process of liquidation. Basic minimum — you can work with this company.
A liquidator has been appointed. Your earned money may only be paid as part of the creditor hierarchy — employees are a priority but not guaranteed. Do not work with this company.
Officially ceased to exist. If someone offers you work on behalf of a dissolved company — it is fraud.
Registered but not carrying on active business. Caution — but not a red flag by itself: some holding companies are intentionally dormant.
Even an active company can be a tool for fraud. Here is what to look at besides the status.
A company must file annual accounts. If overdue — Companies House has already sent warnings. This is a sign of financial trouble.
A director may be banned from managing a company for fraud or insolvency. If such a person is still in charge — it is a criminal offence.
Recent incorporation + a large contract = risk. Check the date of incorporation and compare it with the scale of the promised work.
1. Contact Acas — free employment dispute help.
2. File a claim with the Employment Tribunal (deadline — 3 months minus 1 day from the date of the violation).
3. Report to Companies House via the violation reporting form.
4. CIS workers: report to HMRC about a contractor who did not deduct CIS tax.