Before buying a business, entering a joint venture or granting credit, it is sensible to identify the legal entity on the other side. A company name used in a proposal may differ from the entity that will actually sign the agreement.
What public records can show
Companies House makes basic company information available, including registered details, officers, filing history, charges and some insolvency information. These records can reveal questions worth pursuing, such as a change of name, a charge over assets or missing recent accounts.
What they cannot replace
A public search does not establish every contract, liability or operational risk. Transaction diligence may also require accounts, material contracts, ownership documents, employment information and direct answers from the other party. Keep a list of what the records show, what remains unclear and who is responsible for resolving each point.
Start with the official Companies House company-information service.