Complying with The Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Regulations 2015 is essential for any business that operates a website. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal risks and penalties. Adhering to website legal requirements not only protects your business from legal risk but also builds trust with your customers.
The Company Name
The first requirement for companies is to disclose their name on their website. This allows customers and other stakeholders to identify the company and distinguish it from other businesses. The name should be displayed prominently and consistently throughout the website, including on contact and about pages.
The Company Address
The second requirement is to disclose the registered office address on the website, so customers and other stakeholders can contact the company and serve official documents if necessary.
The Company Number
The third requirement is to disclose the company's registered number, which allows customers and other stakeholders to verify the company's registration.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Despite the clear rules, many company website designers are not aware of these regulations. For example, if a company is involved in a debt case, a solicitor may go after the directors personally by exhibiting a copy of their web page, correspondence, e-mails and invoices to support their application.
How can I ensure my company's website complies?
1. Display the company name, registered office address and registered number on the website — typically in the footer of every page and on the contact page.
2. Keep these details updated if the company's name, address or number changes.
3. Remember the regulations also apply to other business documents, such as order forms, emails and business letters.
4. Seek professional advice if you are unsure about the requirements.
For the full list of 2026 checks — disclosures, cookies, consumer law and accessibility — download our free UK Website Compliance Checklist 2026.
What are the penalties for not complying?
Failing to make the required disclosures without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. Under regulation 28 of the 2015 Regulations, the offence is committed by the company and by every officer of the company who is in default, and shadow directors count as officers.
On summary conviction, each can be fined up to level 3 on the standard scale, which is currently £1,000. If the failure carries on after a conviction, a further daily default fine of up to one tenth of level 3 (£100) can be imposed for every day it continues.
The fines are modest, but they are not the main risk. A failure to disclose the company's name can also stop the company enforcing a contract made while it was in breach, if the other side can show it lost out as a result (section 83 of the Companies Act 2006). And as above, missing details can give a creditor a route to the directors personally.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Need a hand?
If you're concerned your website may not comply, we can check it as part of our free website audit. Email info@wearenv.co.uk or call 01245 974 355.
