Information anyone can obtain.
WHAT IS PUBLICLY SEARCHABLE
Company and business name registrations Directors and shareholders, in most cases Registered addresses Registration status Charges registered against companies, in many cases
WHY THAT MATTERS TO YOU
Counterparties can see it, and so can competitors.
WHAT TO BE AWARE OF
Your home address appearing, if used as a registered address.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Using a business address instead.
WHY
It is public and permanent.
WHAT SEARCHES ARE USEFUL FOR
Verifying a counterparty exists Confirming who the directors are Checking status before contracting Basic due diligence
WHAT A CHARGE REGISTER SHOWS
Security granted over company assets.
WHY THAT MATTERS
It indicates borrowing and encumbered assets.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE LENDING OR CONTRACTING SIGNIFICANTLY
Whether charges exist.
WHAT TO DO WITH SEARCH RESULTS
Record them, with the date.
WHY THE DATE
The register changes.
WHAT TO ALSO SEARCH
Trademark registers, before adopting a name Court records, where available
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Third-party sites presenting registry data.
WHY
It may be stale, and the official register governs.
WHAT TO PREFER
The official search.
