Website legal requirements are not the first thing on a new director’s mind, but they are one of the first things an accountant, a bank or a larger customer will notice when they look you up. The good news is that for most small companies the list is short. This checklist covers what a UK limited company must show on its website, what you need for privacy and cookies, and the extra rules if you take payments online. It is a practical guide, not legal advice, so check anything unusual with a solicitor.
1. The company details you must show
Under the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015, every limited company must show on its website:
- Its registered company name, exactly as it appears at Companies House
- The part of the UK it is registered in, for example “Registered in England and Wales”
- Its company registration number
- Its registered office address
Most businesses put this in the website footer so it appears on every page. The same details belong on your emails and invoices too. If you trade under a different name from your registered one, show both so customers can see who they are dealing with.
2. VAT number, if you are registered
If your company is VAT registered, show your VAT number on the website. If you are not registered yet, you do not need to say anything.
3. Do I need a privacy policy on my website?
If your website collects any personal information, and a contact form or enquiry form counts, then yes. UK GDPR requires you to tell people what you collect, why, how long you keep it and what rights they have. A short, plain privacy notice linked from the footer and from the form itself is enough for most small businesses. The ICO has a free privacy notice generator built for small organisations.
While you are there, check whether you need to pay the ICO data protection fee. Many small businesses that handle customer details do, and the ICO’s self-assessment takes a few minutes.
4. Cookies and analytics
If your site uses cookies that are not strictly necessary, such as Google Analytics or advertising pixels, you normally need the visitor’s consent before they are set, and a clear way to refuse. A simple cookie banner that actually blocks those cookies until someone agrees does the job. If your site uses no tracking at all, you may not need a banner, but you should still explain any essential cookies in your privacy notice.
5. If you sell online
Selling to consumers online brings extra duties. You need clear prices including any delivery costs, terms and conditions, and information about the 14 day cancellation right that applies to most distance sales. You also need to confirm orders in writing, usually by email. If you only take enquiries and quote later, these rules apply at the point you take payment rather than on the website itself.
6. Accurate claims and genuine reviews
Anything on your website is advertising. Reviews must be genuine, and since April 2025 fake or incentivised reviews that are not disclosed are banned outright under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. Qualifications, accreditations and insurance should only be mentioned if you hold them. If your trade needs a licence or registration, only advertise the services you are licensed for.
A quick checklist for a new company website
- Registered name, number, country of registration and registered office in the footer
- VAT number, if registered
- Privacy notice linked from every form
- Cookie consent if you use analytics or ads
- Terms, prices and cancellation information if you sell online
- Only genuine reviews and accurate claims
Frequently asked questions
Do sole traders have the same requirements?
Sole traders do not have a company number, but if they trade under a business name they should show their own name and a business address. Privacy and cookie rules apply to everyone.
Can I use my registered office address if it is an accountant’s address?
Yes. The requirement is to show the registered office, wherever it is. You can show a separate trading address as well.
What happens if my website is missing these details?
Failing to show the required company details is an offence, although for most small businesses the practical risk is looking less trustworthy to customers, lenders and suppliers. It takes five minutes to fix.
Websites for new companies from Ivy Hive
When we build a New Business Launch website, we set up the company details footer, a privacy notice and cookie consent as part of the build, so you start compliant from day one. If you are comparing options, read our guide to pay monthly websites versus paying once before you sign anything.
