18th April 2023

Striking off a company: your legal rights and options

Piers Larbey

Partner

When a company appears inactive and fails to file its confirmation statement or accounts, Companies House may take steps to remove it from the company register. This is called being 'struck off', and it can have serious consequences for interested parties, including shareholders, employees, and creditors.

If you are in this situation, it's important to know your legal rights and options. Companies House will publish a notice in The Gazette before removing the company from the register, giving interested parties two months to object.

You may have grounds for objection if, for example, you have not been informed about the company's decision, or if you believe that the declarations on the company's application are false. You may also want to object if you plan to take legal action against the company, or if you have evidence that the company owes you money.

If you are following a company that is at risk of being struck off, it is essential to stay informed. Companies House holds records of all UK-registered companies and provides free, searchable information to help businesses make informed decisions.

By following a registered company, you can receive email alerts as soon as a change is made to the company's record, including if there is a proposal to remove the company from the register.

If a company you follow is being removed from the register and you want to object, the quickest, safest, and easiest way to do so is by using Companies House's online objection service. This service was created to make submitting objections with supporting evidence easier for customers, and all you need to do is create an account with Companies House.

As a leading law firm with extensive experience in business law, we can advise you on your legal rights and options if you are affected by a company being struck off. We understand the complexities of this process and can provide expert guidance on your best course of action. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.