A Brief Guide on Company Registration Numbers

From 2021 to 2022 there were 753, 168 company incorporations recorded by Companies House. This was a slight decrease of 7.1% from the data in 2020 to 2021, despite the expectations that there will be more incorporations during the pandemic. The executive agency has put easements in place to give businesses more time to arrange their affairs.

As a business owner, there are a few things you need to do to stay compliant with government regulations. One of these is registering your company with Companies House. This article is a brief guide on company registration numbers and what they mean for your business.

What is a Company Registration Number?

When you set up a new business, you first need to obtain a company registration number from the relevant authority in your jurisdiction. This eight-digit number uniquely identifies your company and is required for various legal and administrative purposes.  It’s also worth noting Companies House is the registrar of all UK Limited Companies as well as the provider of the company registration number. 

In most countries, the company registration number is issued by the national registry of companies, which is typically part of the ministry of justice or commerce. In some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, the registration number is also known as a “company number” or “corporate number”. 

In other jurisdictions, such as Ireland, it is called a “CRO number”. Regardless of what it is in your jurisdiction, this number is an integral part of your company’s identity and should be prominently displayed on all your business correspondence.

Why is it Important?

A company registration number is essential due to being the primary company identifier. It’s possible that two or more businesses have similar names, and/or that individuals are conducting business under slightly similar names as your limited company. The company registration number is what separates one company from another and validates it as a legal entity.

The number can also verify a company’s financial status. By having your identifier,  you build trust and credibility with stakeholders. It also makes it easier for customers and suppliers to find your business contact information. 

How to Find Your Company Registration Number

Company-Related Documents

If you’re unsure where to find your company’s registration number, the best place to start is your paperwork. Check documents such as the Certificate of Incorporation, annual accounts, and tax returns.

Companies House

Another option is to simply enter the company’s name into the search bar of the Companies House website. The registration number will be displayed in the search results. Once you have the registration number, you can look up information about the company, such as its filing history, officers, and registered address.

Company Admin Portal

If you worked with a company formation agent, you can log in to their portal and use the search bar and filter features to find your company registration number. Businesses formed with Companies MadeSimple can log in here and select “My Companies”. Your registration number will appear on the next page. 

Helping Businesses Thrive

Company registration numbers are like fingerprints—each is unique and helps to identify a company. Overall, having a company registration number is essential for any business owner who wants to protect their assets and create a successful enterprise.

Companies MadeSimple will handle all the legalities of company formation so you can focus on what you do best—running and growing your business. Learn more about our services by visiting our website or contact us for more information.