UK Business Glossary

Clear, data-backed explanations of UK company terminology. From SIC codes to insolvency types — understand the language of Companies House and UK regulators.

SIC Codes

A system of 5-digit codes used by Companies House to classify UK businesses by their primary economic activity.

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PSC (Person with Significant Control)

An individual or entity that holds significant influence or control over a UK company, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

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Company Dissolution

The legal process of removing a company from the Companies House register, ending its existence as a legal entity.

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Ltd vs PLC

The two main types of limited company in the UK: private limited (Ltd) and public limited company (PLC), differing in share trading, capital requirements, and governance.

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FCA

The UK's financial services regulator, responsible for ensuring that financial markets work well and consumers are protected.

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Dormant Company

A company that has had no significant accounting transactions during the financial year, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

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Companies House Filing

The legal obligations for UK companies to submit annual accounts, confirmation statements, and other documents to Companies House.

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Director Disqualification

A legal order preventing an individual from acting as a company director or being involved in company management for a specified period.

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Company Insolvency

Legal processes that apply when a UK company cannot pay its debts, including administration, liquidation, CVAs, and receivership.

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LEI

A unique 20-character alphanumeric code that identifies legal entities participating in financial transactions worldwide.

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Data sourced from 53 official UK government and regulatory bodies including Companies House, FCA, HMRC, and Land Registry. Updated daily.