Is your Company in breach of the Companies Act?

As  result of EEC directives and an update of (pre internet) legislation laid down in 1985 Limited and Public Companies in the UK who maintain websites wherever they are hosted must now display the following information.

  • Your Company Registration Number
  • Place of Registration
  • Registered Office
  • Your VAT Number (Even if not selling online)
  • The name of any trade bodies or professional associations that your business is part of, including membership or registration details
  • Prices shown (if any) must clearly state whether inclusive or exclusive of VAT
  • The name, address and email contact for your Service Provider

In addition to showing these details on your website all emails sent by your company which can be construed as business letters have to display all the above save for not requiring your service provider details.

The details shown above, do not, however, need to be shown on every page but those details should be easy to find and not hidden away on a non linked webpage.

Please note that this ruling applies to all UK companies even if (as many are) their websites are hosted other than in the UK. Heavy fines can apply for those in breach of this legislation and it is only now a matter of time before the witch hunt begins!

As far as we can ascertain this legislation does not apply to sole traders or business partnerships although it would not harm your image to be seen providing the same details save, of course, for the Company number. Separate rules, however, apply for those selling online when a clear contact address (other than a box number) must be shown as well as an email address rather than simply an anonymous contact form.

Don't be Caught Out!

Our own clients have already been advised and as part of our service their websites will be updated free of charge with these details. If, however, your Company Website needs this update why not take it as an opportunity to give your website a complete revamp? Simply call us on 01235 779474 to discuss the above and what implications it may have for your organisation and if you require changes to be made then we would be happy to assist.

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