Virtual Company Secretary Ltd

19/10/2026

Almost 11 months since Companies House identity verification became a legal requirement.

The 12 month transition period is now nearing its end, so where are you with yours?

Since 18 November 2025, directors and people with significant control (PSCs) have been required to verify their identity with Companies House. Existing directors and PSCs have been phased into the requirement according to their individual deadlines.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we’ve now helped more than 1,000 directors and PSCs obtain their ID verification codes and successfully navigate their Companies House requirements.

For some, the process has been straightforward. For others, it has been surprisingly difficult.

With the end of the transition period approaching, now is a good time to check that you, your directors and your PSCs have completed what is required.

Not sure what you need to do or when?

We can help you navigate the process and make sure you’re on the right track.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/companies-house-identity-verification/

17/09/2026

📍 Registered Office Address vs Director's Service Address...

Many company directors assume their registered office address and director's service address are the same thing. In reality, they serve very different purposes, and getting them wrong could impact both your compliance and privacy.

Your registered office is your company's official address for receiving legal and statutory correspondence, while a director's correspondence or service address is the address where directors can receive official mail without having to publish their residential address on the public register.

Choosing the right addresses can help:

- Protect your personal privacy
- Ensure important correspondence isn't missed
- Maintain Companies House compliance
- Present a professional business image

Whether you're setting up a new company or reviewing your existing arrangements, understanding the difference is essential.

Read our blog to learn more 👉 https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/registered-office-address-and-directors-service-address-qa/

A registered office is mandatory for legal and official correspondence. Director's service addresses are crucial for compliance and privacy protection.

15/09/2026

We've now helped more than 1,000 directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) successfully verify their identity, obtain their Companies House personal code, and complete the necessary filing requirements. 🙌

While many businesses are aware of the new identity verification requirements, fewer understand the consequences of not complying.

Identity verification is now a legal requirement for directors, PSCs and certain other individuals connected to UK companies. Its purpose is to help reduce fraud and improve trust and transparency on the Companies House register.

So, what happens if you do not verify? 🤔

If you fail to complete your identity verification requirements on time, you could be committing an offence and may face prosecution, financial penalties or fines. Companies House has also confirmed that it will use its enforcement powers to address non-compliance.

In addition, individuals who have not completed identity verification may be unable to:

• Be appointed as a director of an existing company
• Register a new company or entity
• Register as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

For existing companies, the implications could be even more significant. Companies House has stated that a company will be unable to file its confirmation statement unless all directors have completed the required verification process. Directors who continue acting after the relevant deadline without complying may also be committing an offence.

The good news? The process doesn't need to be complicated.

As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), Virtual Company Secretary can guide directors and PSCs through the verification process, help obtain their Companies House personal code, and ensure records are updated correctly.

✅ 1,000+ successful verifications completed
✅ ACSP registered
✅ Expert Companies House support
✅ Fast, secure and compliant service

Find out more today 👉 https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/companies-house-identity-verification/

11/09/2026

Many directors are focused on growth, customers and day-to-day operations, but it's important to remember that you are also legally responsible for ensuring your company meets its statutory obligations. 👀

This means keeping Companies House informed, filing confirmation statements and annual accounts on time, updating company records when details change, maintaining accurate statutory registers and ensuring information relating to directors, shareholders and People with Significant Control (PSCs) remains up to date.

Even dormant companies have filing responsibilities; all companies need to meet their obligations to HMRC, including submitting Company Tax Returns or obtaining an exemption and paying Corporation Tax where applicable.

With compliance requirements continuing to evolve, keeping track of deadlines and legal obligations can quickly become time-consuming and overwhelming.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we help directors stay organised, compliant and in control, taking the stress out of company administration so they can focus on what they do best... running their business.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

09/09/2026

Many UK business owners are surprised to learn that their company may be classed as a close company for tax purposes.

According to HMRC, a close company is broadly a company that is controlled by five or fewer participators (such as shareholders) or by any number of participators who are also directors. In certain circumstances, a company may also be considered close based on how its assets would be distributed if the company were wound up.

For many owner-managed and family-run businesses, this classification is common and can have implications for taxation, loans to participators, and other compliance considerations.

Understanding your company's status is an important part of good governance and ensuring ongoing compliance with HMRC requirements.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we help directors and business owners navigate company compliance obligations with confidence, providing practical support to keep businesses on track.

Learn more at https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

07/09/2026

Why do we keep posting scam warnings? Because scammers keep targeting company directors, shareholders and business owners. ⚠️

At Virtual Company Secretary, we regularly share fraud alerts, phishing warnings and Companies House scam updates. We know some people might think we're repeating ourselves, but there's a very good reason why.

Unfortunately, fraudsters only need to succeed once.

We've seen fake emails, fraudulent letters, suspicious filing requests and convincing messages claiming to be from Companies House, GOV.UK, HMRC and other official organisations.

These scams are designed to create urgency and encourage directors to:

🚩 Share personal information
🚩 Submit identity documents
🚩 Make unnecessary payments
🚩 Click malicious links
🚩 Disclose company information

Our advice is simple:

✅ Always verify the sender before taking action
✅ Never click links in unexpected emails
✅ Log in directly through official GOV.UK services
✅ Be cautious of requests for payment or identity documents
✅ When in doubt, seek professional advice before responding

The introduction of Companies House reforms, identity verification requirements and new compliance measures has unfortunately created more opportunities for fraudsters to target businesses with increasingly sophisticated scams.

That's why we'll continue to post these warnings.

If even one director avoids becoming a victim because they saw one of our posts, it's worth repeating the message.

Need support with Companies House compliance, identity verification or company secretarial services? Get in touch today.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

04/09/2026

Artificial Intelligence is becoming a popular tool for drafting documents, summarising reports, preparing meeting notes and supporting compliance activities.

But there's an important question every director should ask:

Who is checking the AI's work?

AI can save time, but it can also:

⚠️ Misinterpret complex legal or governance matters
⚠️ Generate inaccurate information with confidence
⚠️ Miss important context or company-specific requirements
⚠️ Create compliance risks if outputs are relied upon without review
⚠️ Produce records that don't accurately reflect board discussions or decisions

When it comes to statutory records, Companies House filings, board minutes, shareholder communications and governance matters, accuracy matters.

A missed deadline, incorrect filing or poorly documented decision can have real consequences for directors and companies.

The most effective approach is not to replace governance expertise with AI, but to use AI as a tool that is supported by professional oversight, human judgement and robust governance processes.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we believe technology can improve efficiency, but good governance will always require experienced professionals who understand compliance, accountability and regulatory obligations.

02/09/2026

Since Companies House introduced identity verification requirements, millions of directors and people with significant control (PSCs) have been working through the process of obtaining their personal verification codes.

For many, it has been straightforward.

For others, it has been frustrating, time-consuming and difficult to navigate.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we’ve now helped over 1,000 directors and PSCs successfully obtain their ID verification codes and complete their Companies House filing requirements.

Here’s what some of our clients have shared:

⭐ “My problem was solved in less than 24 hours! They saved me a lot of stress, effort and money.”

⭐ “Excellent, friendly and highly professional service.”

⭐ “Got the Companies House confirmation and the personal code already. Really excellent.”

Our role is to simplify the process, provide clear guidance and make sure directors can meet their obligations with confidence.

If you’re unsure where you are with identity verification or need support completing the process, we’re here to help.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com/companies-house-identity-verification

27/08/2026

The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) has published updated guidance on requests to access a company's register of members (shareholder register), providing valuable clarity on what constitutes a "proper purpose" when seeking access.

Why does this matter?

A company's register of members contains important shareholder information, and requests for access are becoming increasingly scrutinised. The updated guidance reflects recent court decisions and reinforces that every request must be assessed on its own facts and circumstances.

Key points from the updated guidance include:

✔ Greater emphasis on ensuring requests contain all information required by the Companies Act 2006
✔ Clarification that commercial purposes are not automatically considered improper
✔ Additional guidance on how companies should respond to invalid requests
✔ Recognition that requests relating to company governance, director accountability and management concerns may constitute a proper purpose
✔ Increased focus on identifying all parties who may receive the information and how it will be used
✔ Confirmation that courts will continue to assess each application on a case-by-case basis

For directors and company officers, it is essential to understand both your obligations and your rights when dealing with requests for access to a register of members.

At Virtual Company Secretary, we help companies maintain accurate statutory registers, navigate governance requirements, and stay compliant with evolving company law and best practice guidance.

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com

25/08/2026

If you are a director of a company from which you do not receive dividends or an income, you may need to make further declarations on your Self-Assessment tax return.

⚠️ From the 2025/26 tax year, (filing from April 2026) new reporting requirements are being introduced for dividend payments made by close companies.

A close company is broadly one that is controlled by:
• Five or fewer participators; or
• Participators who are also directors

The changes means directors will need to provide more detailed information
• Name of the closed Company
• Companies House registration number
• Dividends received from the specific closed company (even if zero)
• Highest percentage of share capital held in the Company during the tax year (even if zero)

The new requirement comes from The Income Tax (Additional Information to be included in Returns) Regulations 2025, which require directors of close companies to report more detailed information on their shareholdings and any dividend income they receive from those companies.

If you're a director of a close company, it's worth reviewing your records now to ensure you have the information you'll need. Understanding the new requirements early can help you avoid errors and ensure your Self-Assessment tax return is completed accurately.

If you're unsure how the new rules apply to you, seek professional advice from your Company Secretary or accountant before filing.

Not sure whether your company is affected?

Speak to the team at Virtual Company Secretary for guidance on your filing and governance responsibilities today:

📞 0330 128 1586
https://virtualcompanysecretary.com