Running a limited company comes with several responsibilities such as maintaining accurate records and protecting your business from misleading payment requests.  

Companies House is continuing to strengthen its systems, improve the reliability of the company register and introduce measures designed to tackle economic crime.  

This update outlines key issues for company directors, including suspicious invoices and identity verification. 👇 

🚨 Watch Out for Misleading Companies House & IPO Invoices

Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) are warning businesses to be vigilant following reports of misleading payment requests from organisations that are not connected with the Government.  

These requests can come by post or email and often look very convincing. They usually ask you to pay much more for services that might be available for less, or even free, from official sources. 

Requests may ask you to pay to:  

🏢 Set up or claim your Companies House online account  

🔐 Authenticate your account or verify your company details  

©️ Renew a trade mark  

📋 Add your trade mark to an “exclusive” online register  

Before making any payment:  

✅ Check exactly who the request has come from  

✅ Check any website and email addresses carefully  

✅ Look for disclaimers stating that the organisation is not affiliated with the Government  

✅ Confirm whether the service is genuinely required  

✅ Contact Companies House, the IPO or your professional adviser if you are unsure  

Some third-party providers charge for help with company administration, trade marks, and other services.  But always check what you are paying for and whether the service is available directly for less or even for free.  

You can read more about misleading payment requests on the GOV.UK website by clicking the button below.

📋 Companies House Publishes Its 2026-27 Business Plan  

Companies House has shared its business plan for 2026 to 2027. The plan explains how it will improve the company register, protect businesses, and help the wider economy.  

Its main priorities include:  

✅ Improving the accuracy, reliability and usability of company information  

✅ Preventing, detecting and disrupting economic crime  

✅ Delivering company law reforms with minimal disruption to businesses  

✅ Providing better, customer-focused services  

✅ Modernising its technology responsibly  

✅ Investing in its people and culture  

Companies House is moving towards a more active role as the guardian of company information. This will include increased data checks, action to correct inaccurate information and more targeted enforcement against those who misuse the company register.  

You can read more about companies house 26-27 plans on the GOV.UK website by clicking the button below.

🔐 Identity Verification: Make Sure Your Details Match  

Identity verification requirements are continuing to roll out for company directors and people with significant control (PSCs), so it’s important to make sure your Companies House information is accurate. 

Since 18 November 2025, anyone appointed as a company director must verify their identity. If you were already in place as a director before that date, you’ll need to complete the verification when your company’s next confirmation statement is due. 

Before you start, make sure the personal information Companies House has matches your identity documents. If your name or other details are different, it could slow things down.  

To avoid any complications:  

✅ Ensure your Companies House details are correct 

✅ Update any out-of-date or incorrect details as soon as possible  

✅ Check when the identity verification is due for each company role you hold 

✅ Complete the process in plenty of time  

If your date of birth is incorrect, make sure to update it before completing your identity verification. Companies House advises that corrections may take up to 20 working days, so it’s worth checking your details early. 

After your identity is verified, Companies House will issue a personal code. Keep this code secure, as you’ll need it for each company role you hold.  

You can read more about correcting your information on the GOV.UK website by clicking the button below.

🛡️ A Stronger Company Register 

Companies House is also continuing its work under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) reforms, moving towards a stronger role as an active gatekeeper.  

These reforms, alongside identity verification, aim to improve the integrity of the company register and help tackle economic crime.  

For company directors, it will be more important than ever to keep accurate records and stay on top of new requirements.

💡 Perrigo Perspective  

Running a company well means more than just meeting filing deadlines.  

To protect your business, keep your information accurate, know your responsibilities as a director, and watch out for possible scams.  

Our advice is simple: don’t ignore official-looking letters or emails, but don’t assume every request is genuine either.  

Before making a payment, take a few minutes to check:  

✅ Who sent the request? 
✅ Is the organisation connected with the Government? 
✅ Is the service genuinely required? 
✅ Could you access the service directly through GOV.UK? 
✅ Are your company records accurate and up to date? 

Taking a moment to check could save you from paying by mistake and help you avoid problems later on.  

If you receive a letter or email about your company and you’re unsure whether it’s genuine, speak to the Perrigo Consultants team before taking action. We’ll be happy to help you check. 

📞 Need Help Keeping Your Company Compliant?

Whether you need support with company administration, understanding your responsibilities as a director, or ensuring your records are up to date, our team is here to help. 

If you’d like to understand how the rules apply to your circumstances, our team is here to help. Give us a call on 01229 488860, book a discovery call or  join us at our next Drop-In Session to speak with us in person.