Important Companies House Changes

Important Changes Coming: Companies House ID Checks for Fashion Business Founders

If you’re running a fashion brand or thinking about setting one up, there’s an important update you need to know. From 18 November 2025, Companies House is introducing new rules that mean all company directors will need to verify their identity.

This goes for both:

• New companies – from 18 November 2025, all new directors will need to pass ID verification before their company can be registered.
• Existing companies – current directors will have 12 months to complete the ID check.

Why are these changes happening?

These new rules are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) – one of the biggest updates to UK company law in decades.

The aim is pretty simple:

• Stop fraudulent or fake company registrations.
• Make UK businesses more transparent and trustworthy.
• Build greater confidence with customers, suppliers, and investors.

For fashion founders, this is particularly relevant. If you’re building relationships with buyers, factories, or stockists, the more trusted and transparent your company records are, the easier it will be when negotiating contracts or opening trade accounts.

When does this apply?

• From 18 November 2025 – all new directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity at the time of company registration.
• By November 2026 – all directors of existing fashion businesses must also complete ID verification.
• Spring 2026 update – even “document presenters” (such as agents filing on your behalf) will need to verify their identity.

How do you verify your identity with Companies House?

There are three ways to get it done:

1. Online via GOV.UK
   • Use your passport, UK driving licence, biometric residence permit, or Frontier Worker permit
   • Provide your address details and confirm when you moved in
   • Apply through a GOV.UK One Login system and receive a personal verification code
2. Through an Authorised Service Provider (ACSP)
   • Your accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent can handle this for you
   • A small fee may apply, but it can save time if you’re busy preparing a new collection or travelling for sourcing
3. In person at the Post Office
   • Useful if you don’t have up-to-date photo ID
   • Selected branches will verify your identity face-to-face

Why should you act early?

Although the deadline for existing directors is a year away, getting your ID check done early can save a lot of stress. Here’s why it matters for fashion businesses:

• Avoid delays in setting up your company – crucial if you’re about to launch a brand or work with suppliers abroad who need your company details finalised.
• Smooth wholesale conversations – retailers, trade shows & showrooms often check your registrations on Companies House when assessing the validaty of new brands.
• Stay compliant – missing the deadline could risk penalties or even rejection of your company registration, which could stall contracts or collaborations.

The good news is: you only need to do it once. After completing ID verification, you’ll be linked to all your company appointments automatically.

---

✅ Our tip for fashion founders: Treat this as part of your business housekeeping, just like registering trademarks or making sure your brand’s social handles are secured. The sooner you verify, the smoother your business journey will be.