The process of incorporating and managing a UK company continues to change as Companies House implements the reforms introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act.

One of the most significant changes is mandatory identity verification. New directors are now required to complete identity verification as part of the process of becoming a company director, meaning that IDV should be considered before a new company formation is submitted.

Greater Scrutiny of the Companies Register

The reforms are also changing the role of Companies House from what was traditionally viewed as a largely administrative registry.

Companies House now has enhanced powers intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of information held on the public register and to challenge information where appropriate.

This makes it increasingly important that information supplied when establishing a company is complete, accurate and consistent from the outset.

The Role of Company Formation Agents Is Also Changing

Companies House has introduced the Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) regime for professional agents.

In the future, agents wishing to make filings on behalf of clients will be required to operate within the Companies House authorised agent framework. The introduction of these wider filing requirements has currently been postponed until no earlier than November 2026.

The changes are intended to provide greater transparency around both who is establishing UK companies and who is submitting information on their behalf.

Forming a UK Company?

Appleton Company Services Ltd can assist with the complete UK company formation process, including:

Company incorporation
Companies House Identity Verification
Registered Office services
Company Secretarial services
Compliance and KYC requirements
Ongoing Companies House filings and support

As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can assist clients through the changing Companies House requirements and ensure that the appropriate steps are completed as part of the formation process.