How to read a company profile

Name and number

The registered name is the legal name, which is often not the trading brand. The company number is the stable identifier: names change, numbers do not. Previous names are recorded where they exist and are useful when checking older invoices or contracts.

Status and type

Status is a register state such as active, dissolved or in liquidation. Type describes the legal form, for example a private company limited by shares or an LLP. Both are reported by the register, and neither describes trading performance. See what company status does and does not tell you.

Incorporation and dissolution dates

Incorporation is when the company was registered, not necessarily when the business began. A dissolution date appears only when the company has been removed from the register.

Registered office

This is the official address for correspondence. It is very often an accountant's or formation agent's address, and it is not evidence of where the business trades. See registered office vs trading address.

SIC codes

Recorded activities, chosen from the official condensed list. They describe classification, not a current product catalogue. Treat a SIC code as a hint about the business, then verify from the company itself.

Filing dates

Accounts dates and confirmation statement dates are separate obligations with separate deadlines. The register shows the last date filed and the next due date. Never substitute your own formula for the reported due date.

Filing history

A chronological list of documents filed, such as accounts, confirmation statements, officer changes and address changes. It is a helpful indicator of whether a company keeps its record up to date.

What a profile cannot tell you

Revenue, profit, cash position, staff numbers, quality of service or creditworthiness are not in the basic public record. If a source offers you those as facts derived from a company profile alone, treat them sceptically.